Hiker: Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former CEO
of REI
executive summary by darmansjah
I first hiked this route at age 12 with a group of children and a wonderful
teacher, Mrs. Black. My husband, daughter, and I did the hike two summers ago.
The trail goes between a beautiful temperate rain forest and rhododendron grove
near Hood Canal at sea level, through beautiful alpine meadows to the
snowfields of Anderson Pass, and into Enchanted Valley—home to black bears and
elk. It continues along rushing Graves Creek, flows into the Quinault River,
and then pours into Lake Quinault. Be prepared for wildlife, wildflowers,
history, serenity, and a comfortable, three-day backpack—with a bear canister
for food, of course! —Sally Jewell
Length: 34 miles
Details: Few spots in the Lower 48 are as wild and isolated
as Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Here, the Pacific slams into North America
and the unrelenting weather keeps deep, wild rain forests and glacial peaks
difficult to access. But this southern traverse of Olympic National Park is
well worth the effort—and the extra waterproof/breathable gear—required to get
a glimpse into the heart of the place.
The Enchanted Valley is an apt spot for the Secretary of the Interior to
hold dear—it’s the type of pristine wilderness the National Park Service has
been tasked with preserving. But it also offers a glimpse into history in the
Enchanted Valley Chalet, a lodge from the 1930s that predated the designation of
the park.
The untamed elements of the Olympics will often wash out the roads that get
to its trailheads, so be sure to check road (and trail) conditions before you
head out. Wilderness permits are required, too.
When to Go: It can rain anytime in the Olympics, but summer
can be stunning. High-pressure systems in August and September make for
glorious blue-sky days.
About Jewell: While American politics seem more partisan
than ever, Sally Jewell pleases both sides of the aisle. The former CEO of
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) was quietly confirmed to the post of U.S.
Secretary of the Interior by an overwhelming vote of 87 to 11 in the Senate
this spring. Jewell has balanced experience in the oil and banking industries
alongside conservation achievements that won her the National Audubon Society's
Rachel Carson Award. One thing is for certain: Jewell plays hard in the
wild—she's an experienced rock climber, mountaineer, skier, and paddler; in
2011 she made a trip up Antarctica’s Vinson Massif.
I worked with Sally at REI. Awesome leader, and true outdoor advocate.
ReplyDeletePeter Sutherland ... I live in the Duckabush these days (2021) and thinking about a March traverse, full winter equip. as I have to to start work for the WA parks in April.
Anyone done this trip in March ??