Basic Backpacking Field Trip - Deer Park via Deer Ridge

Trip Overview:

• Date: Saturday, May 27 - Sunday, May 28

• Location: Deer Ridge Trail

• Miles and Gain: 10 miles and 2,800’ elevation gain

• Trail Website: Deer Ridge Trail

Meet Up Place and Time: 

• 8:30AM at Deer Ridge Trailhead (Google Map) - Arrive early if you want to do a pack shake-down before we hit the trail. Boots on trail by 9 am!
• Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful (National Park) Pass required at trailhead.

Trip Description: 

Join me on spring wildflower trip to the Olympics and test out your backpacking gear (and your fitness)! This trip will start at the Deer Ridge/Slab Camp Trailhead (about 2.5 hrs from Seattle). This trail starts on a gentle incline through the trees and rhododendrons. It eventually leads to a steep and steady climb up to Deer Ridge. We’ll keep the pace slow and steady but some prior conditioning is highly recommended.

We’ll traverse across the ridge and head to Deer Park Campground. The road is usually still closed this time of year so the only campers are those who dare the trek up the ridge. We’ll find a good spot to set up camp and enjoy the spring views. We’ll head out by 9 am on Sunday and hopefully, be back to the cars by 1 pm. 

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.  For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Basic Backpacking Field Trips are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.