Spring Has Sprung
It felt like just the other day we had below freezing temperatures and snow. Now every day is almost 60 degrees, and we have 12 hours of daylight!
To me, it’s a welcome sign. I am so ready to get my backpacking gear out and head into the mountains to get away from it all.
Recently we got away for the day to wander around the forest. I made a few photographs that day. Two of which I was very fond of.
The warm morning light of spring was falling through the forest. I have missed this sort of light in the forest. It feels like it has been ages since I have been out in it.
This last one is a three image panorama of Ranger Hole. This was the first time I have ever stopped in here over the years. Usually I am passing it early in the morning heading to a secret spot I found years ago. Probably the best spot for sunrise in the Olympics is hidden nearby here. I’ll show you that later..
In other news I am working on launching a print store on here. The Prints navigation will now take you to the storefront where a few different sets of photographs are available. I will be adding more and more to it as time goes on.
Obstruction Point Snowshoe: A Winter Adventure in Olympic National Park
One of my favorite ways to get out in the winter is snowshoeing. it’s such a fun activity as well as great exercise. Getting out on a bluebird day in the mountains is one the best things to do in my opinion. Wandering your way through the snow covered forests and out onto a ridge where you can bask in the glory of the mountains around you is something you never get tired of.
Brandi basking in the rare February sun (Brandi is my trucks name).
Ice covered Hurricane Ridge Road
Annie and I headed to the Olympic Mountains to get some snowshoeing in. Specifically, we headed to the Hurricane Ridge entrance of the Olympic National Park. We reached the gate to the park shortly after 9 am The road up into the mountains wasn’t too bad. It was 35°F when we passed the gate. It stayed just about the same temperature until we were almost to the top where it only dropped about another two degrees. There was ice all over the road in the shaded areas as to be expected in the early morning. When almost to the top the road had a solid layer of ice over it.
The descent to Obstruction Point Road
Making the best of the sunny days.
After parking, getting our packs ready, and snowshoes on we hit the trail. It’s a fun experience getting onto the trail here as the snow gets higher. The trail starts behind the snowbanks. Which were about 4 feet high. Luckily someone had knocked out a large chunk of the snowbank for people to get up and on to the trail.
The trail down to the road is hands down the worst part of the entire snowshoe experience here. When we were there whoever cut trail followed a skiers track down. They took the most direct route down to the road. I followed it down but when we came back at the end of the day I went and cut a zig-zag track back up the hillside so it would be easier for others to come back up the trailhead parking.
Clouds rolling across the ridge.
Looking back towards sunrise ridge.
Soaking up the views.
Breaking trail.
After about an hour we hit a spot where we would stop and grab some lunch. We passed one other group in the same area who decided to do the same thing. As we had our lunch we could see one other group heading up breaking trail towards Steeple Rock I believe. I am not 100% sure about the name of it.
Overall, if you have the time to get away for a day to the Olympic Mountains you can never go wrong. The obstruction Point snowshoe it is a good beginner/intermediate level hike. It’s mostly flat with some slow longer uphill. If the trail is broken in it should be no problem at all. You’ll wander your way through dense forest open ridgelines with absolutely stunning views.
Had to get one of us together!
Have fun out there and stay safe!
Dungeness Spit - A quick day trip in Western Washington
It’s been nothing but rain here in Western Washington for the last few days. The days of sitting inside were starting to get to us, more than they normally do. Don’t get me wrong, this has been a weird winter. As I sit here and write this it’s 50°F outside and it’s the second day of February.
The 5 mile long Dungeness Spit located near Sequim, Washington.
Cliffs along the beach to the SW.
After watching the weather on NOAA.gov we finally decided that we should just go for it. After countless times of refreshing the page to check different places and seeing where was getting the least rain, we both jumped at the idea of heading out to the spit. The need for some beach time has been at an all-time high.
The view we have been waiting for..
Annie, about 30 seconds before she started laughing.
A pile of kelp strewn across the beach
Getting to the spit is a walk in the park, literally. The short drive into the refuge takes only a few minutes. You’ll pass parking areas for the cliffs and camping before you arrive at the final parking area and this is where you’re adventure will begin.
Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk down a well-marked path to the beach. That first sight of the whole spit is truly breathtaking. Even on a cloudy overcast day. On your walk down make sure to slow down and read all the signs along the way. They are all well worth the read, especially if you have never been!
And no, we didn’t hike out to the lighthouse on this trip. We arrived a little late and didn’t have the time to make it out. Next time!
One last ocean view before we go.
Two image stack for depth of field.