Due to the Bear Gulch Fire near Hoodsport, we had to make a last-minute change. Instead of hiking to
Mt. Ellinor as we originally planned, we ended up traveling to Lake Crescent to hike
Mt. Storm King, with a side trip to
Marymere Falls. The trail, up Mt. Storm King, was very steep and dusty from the many different groups of people who were hiking the peak. We were surprised by the diverse range of people we encountered along the trail . . . from those who seemed unprepared for the mountain to the trail runners who "blew" past us. Reaching the summit and enjoying the unobstructed views of Crescent Lake was definitely worth the effort!
 |
| Since the parking lot was full at the Marymere Falls trailhead (you need to use this trail to access Mt. Storm King), we drove a short distance to Crescent Lodge where we were able to find a spot . . . this actually worked well as there was a cutoff trail that led from the Lodge to the Marymere Falls trail |
 |
On the cutoff trail . . .
We had to laugh at wasn't allowed on the trail! Pets, okay . . . weapons, maybe . . . vehicles, are you kidding?? |
 |
Kent wanted to get a picture of this large Douglas Fir tree . . .
They grow 'em big on the peninsula! |
 |
| Let the adventure begin! |
 |
| Another reminder of how large some of the trees can become in this area |
 |
Here's a good example of what to expect on this very steep trail . . .
Are we sure we really want to do this? |
 |
There are many switchbacks (thankfully!) but they aren't concerned with the hiker's comfort . . .
They have one purpose . . . to get you to the top! |
 |
Did we mention it was steep?!
The tree with the red bark is the Pacific Madrone |
 |
| Finally out of the forest and on a ridge with a good view of the eastern arm of Crescent Lake |
 |
The final push is what the NPS calls an "unmaintained trail" . . .
Someone has put a series of ropes in to help the hikers negotiate the loose scree . . .
We're not sure they were necessary, as it caused a logjam waiting for other hikers to ascend/descend
|
 |
Here's the reward you will receive if you persevere to the top
(The Lodge, where we started, is on the left side of the flat peninsula that jutts out into the lake) |
 |
| As you can see, there were several others who decided to join us up top |
 |
Click on the picture for a panoramic view
(Notice the Pacific Ocean behind the layer of clouds)
|
 |
Going down the spine was a little unnerving for Kent
(Allison was kind enough to not include a picture of him crab-walking this section)
For those of you who like to recover benchmarks (as we do), there's one located on the peak in front of Kent . . . We are not going to get it! |
 |
| Here's a better view of the ropes we mentioned earlier |
 |
| Getting ready to head down the "maintained" portion of the trail |
 |
| There certainly are a lot of roots to negotiate over and around on this trail |
 |
Ghost pipe . . .
A perennial wildflower that grows in a shaded forest |
 |
Once we made it down, we took a rest and decided to continue on to Marymere Falls
(The Mt. Storm King trail is accessed by hiking the Marymere Falls trail) |
 |
| Hiking through the rainforest on our way to the Falls |
 |
| Lots of cool looking moss hanging from the trees |
 |
| Marymere Falls |
 |
Kent's knee was starting to give him trouble so he waited for Allison as she visited the Falls
(The last little bit of trail leading to the Falls involves several switchbacks that deliver you to it's base) |
 |
Remember that parking lot by the Crescent Lodge, where we started?
Well, right across the parking lot was the gorgeous Crescent Lake beach . . . time to put on some water shoes and clean the dust off our legs . . . Can you say refreshing? Boy, did that water ever feel great! |
No getting around it . . . this was a tough hike! We climbed 2,100 ft in about two-miles! (Just remember you have to descend that same amount and it can be tough on your knees) Altogether we hiked about 6-miles (r/t) by incorporating Marymere Falls into the hike. The rewarding views from the top and the cool water of the lake at the end made the sometimes monotonous hike worthwhile! If you're looking for a hiking challenge, with an excellent payoff, this one's for you.
