Momentous Adventures-The Black Bear Traverse (part 2)
Wake up after a restful night’s sleep at the Low Divide camp, and enjoy a easy hike past Lakes Margaret and Mary on a well graded 1400ft decent to the mesmerizing Elwha River. If it is early season, cross the river early as they tend to swell in the afternoon or during periods of heavy rain or extreme heat. Pass by Chicago Camp, quite possibly the finest river camp in all the Park, located among a scenic stretch of old growth firs and cedars. In fact, the next five miles along this flat section of the Elwha is the true definition of a Pacific Northwest forest as it is isolated and beautiful with every tone of green represented. Get to the intersection with the Hayden Pass Trail and fill up your water as the next 8.4 miles is dry. Begin a slow but steady climb to the pass crossing meadows higher up as you traverse higher and higher to a notch that can be seen about the seventh mile to your left. From the Pass, look down on spectacular Thousand Acre Meadow spread out in front of you, this will be your camp for the night. Descend long swooping switchbacks to the floor of the meadow and go off trail where the windswept timber meets the meadow and find camp among the small streams. Set up your shelter as you enjoy the evening light on Sentinel Peak and reflect on your 20 mile day, filled with every aspect that make the Olympics special.
Start off the next day with a small decent through overgrown meadows to Dose Meadows Camp and continue along the Dosewallips River as it makes it way through stands of Alaskan Cedars and flower meadows by the dozens. Hike further down the river to an intersection with the West Fork Dosewallips Trail and make that right. Begin to climb as views of the valley open up to lovely forests for as far as your eyes can see. The terrain makes a noticeable change before entering Diamond Meadows and its open isolated camp among the flowers. Keep on hiking 2.4 miles further to somewhat disappointing Honeymoon Meadows Camp for better trek logistics and settle in, 20 miles from Thousand Acre Meadows.
The Elwha Crossing by Chicago Camp
The Elwha River
Sentinel Peak from Hayden Pass
The West Fork Dosewallips River