CHS 2 Hike - Grand Ridge (Olympics)

5. Glaciation – Ice Age

“Oh great, first they ditch me, and now everything’s freezing! What’s next, mile high glaciers?!”
-Sid, the sloth.

The Ice Age left an indelible mark on Washington, carving deep valleys, depositing massive erratics, and sculpting dramatic mountain landscapes. Glaciers once covered much of the state, advancing and retreating in cycles over thousands of years. Today, the evidence of these slow-moving rivers of ice is found in the form of U-shaped valleys, moraine deposits, and cirques. Our hike will lead us through a landscape shaped by past and present glaciers, offering insights into how ice has helped mold the region’s mountains and waterways.

September Hike: Grand Ridge - Obstruction Point - Deer Park Trail - 14.2  miles, 3326 ft gain

Grand Ridge showcases glacially carved valleys and cirques within the Olympic Mountains. The high ridgeline offers panoramic views of the valleys below, which were once filled with thick ice sheets. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind deep U-shaped valleys, alpine lakes, and moraines, all of which can be observed from this high vantage point.

Additional information on other geology themed hikes can be viewed here: CHS 2025 Hiking through Deep Time - https://tinyurl.com/mr2su9jb

TBD