Backpack - Hoh River to Elk Lake

This is a strenuous 3-day backpacking trip, with significant mileage and elevation gain every day. In return for our effort, we'll be rewarded (conditions permitting) with stunning views of Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus.  Participants seeking more miles or elevation gain on day 2 can optionally do an out-and-back day hike towards Hoh Lake.

Participants should be in excellent physical condition, and must be comfortable with varied trail conditions.  From the trailhead to our camp at Elk Lake, the trail is in decent condition.  The trail from Elk Lake up to the Blue Glacier's lateral moraine, from which we get the best views of Mount Olympus, includes: (1) a large washout that must be traversed using a rope and ladder that are fastened to the hillside, (2) a final ascent of approx 1 mile on rock/talus, (3) the potential for snow at this time of year.  We will turn around if anything more than micro spikes is needed.  The optional day hike towards Hoh Lake is steep and features many blowdowns.

We'll be hiking at a moderately fast pace (2 mph), with breaks for food and pictures.  Given the mileage that must be covered each day, however, we will keep an eye on the time and not be overly leisurely.

Given the challenging nature of this trip, leader's permission is required.  In your request, please detail recent trips you've taken that have prepared you for the mileage and gain of this trip.

Itinerary / GPS routes:

On day 1, we'll meet at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and hike along the Hoh River trail, finishing the day with a 1.6 mile, 1200' ascent to Elk Lake camp.  14.6 miles, 2700' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing day 1: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/4qEII03SgkH9sh08qG2WkGma

On day 2, we'll have two potential (optional) day hikes:

Day Hike #1: Head up from Elk Lake camp to the Blue Glacier's lateral moraine to take in the views of Mount Olympus.  5 miles, 2700' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing optional day hike #1: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/guFkhSyKsuQI2dJ96MERFwQx

Day Hike #2: Head down from Elk Lake camp to the valley floor, and then ascend the Hoh Lake Trail to Hoh Lake.  20 miles, 6400' gain if you do the entire trip.  Gaia GPS route detailing optional day hike #2: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/zK6XmOKZvXuh0cC7W3VEY3XL

On day 3, we'll leave Elk Lake camp and return to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center.  14.6 miles, 700' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing day 3: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/4qEII03SgkH9sh08qG2WkGma

Participants will each be responsible for the $16/person permit fee.  All participants must be fully vaccinated + boosted against COVID.

WTA writeup

Weather forecast

Parking pass: National park entrance fee or an America The Beautiful Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center (https://goo.gl/maps/CTLs7N3EaevcYih98)

Saturday June 25th at 9am

Rain or shine