Читать книгу Olympic Mountains Trail Guide - Robert Wood - Страница 44

Length: 3.4 mi/5.5 km

Access: US 101

Custom Correct Map: Lake Crescent / Happy Lake Ridge, Washington

Green Trails Map: Lake Crescent, Wa. No. 101

Agency: Olympic National Park

One of the steepest paths in the Olympics, this trail begins on US 101 on the south side of Lake Crescent, 2.8 mi/4.5 km west of the Storm King Ranger Station. Although parking space has not been provided at the trailhead, one can use the nearby turnouts along the highway.

The trail ascends the spur between Aurora Creek and Smith Creek, climbing above the lake through Douglas-fir forest. At first the noise of traffic is pronounced, but with increasing elevation the sound diminishes. Occasionally, the hiker can glimpse Lake Crescent through the trees.

The path climbs unrelentingly along the narrow spine. The trees gradually become smaller, and western hemlock is dominant at the higher altitudes. One can hear Aurora Creek flowing in a deep draw to the right, and a branch trail (1.7 mi/2.7 km) indicates water is available. The side path drops to the creek—the only place on this route where water can be obtained.

Beyond this point silver fir gradually replaces Douglas-fir, and the hemlocks stand so thick on the mountainside that little direct sunlight penetrates the forest canopy; consequently, undergrowth is sparse, in many places nonexistent. The gloom is unrelieved, even on the brightest days, and the darkness is depressing.

Higher up, the trail goes through dense stands of mountain hemlock and silver fir as it more or less follows the narrow ridge, shifting back and forth from one side to the other, like a lost dog looking for its master, and occasionally going along the crest. Here the mountain hemlocks often form clusters of six to ten trees.

After skirting a rock outcrop, the trail crosses Aurora Ridge, than descends slightly on the south side to a junction with the Aurora Ridge Trail (3.4 mi/5.5 km; 4100 ft/1250 m).