Hike 2/12 Spruce RR Trail- Lake Crescent
Thursday, February 12, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
6 miles, 300 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
B
Follow the route of a one-time rail line that hugs the shore of beautiful Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The section here is part of the 134-mile Olympic Discovery Trail that spans the peninsula from Port Townsend to the Pacific. We'll do a one-way trek on the mostly paved path, going through two short tunnels, and crossing the unique bridge at the Devil's Punchbowl. The wide, smooth trail is mostly easy walking, but has some ups and down in sections to give you a bit more of a workout. We'll ferry over to the peninsula via the Edmonds-Kingston route (cost included in your fee), and fuel up for the day with an apple fritter (or whatever you like) at the Borrowed Kitchen Bakery (that's not included, sorry).
Expected Conditions:
The Spruce Railroad Trail is mostly paved, wide and smooth, and should be in good condition for our hike. There are some mild ups and downs, but nothing sustained or steep. The trail is just above Lake Crescent, elevation about 600 feet, and there is no snow on the trail. This is a one-way hike, east to west, and you'll be guiding yourselves while I shuttle the van to the finishing point. Be sure to take the Devil's Punchbowl Trail, at about one mile from the start, to see the beautiful bridge spanning a small cove of the deep lake. You'll finish at the Pyramid Mountain Trailhead, about 5.5 miles from where you started.
Other Considerations:
Although the trail is mostly paved, I'd still recommend some sturdy shoes for this trip. The trail surface can be covered by lots of forest debris, and it could be wet or icy, so the footing can be tricky at times. Trekking poles are optional. The terrain should be pretty easy, but there are ups and downs, so you make the call on poles. Pack food and water in your pack and plan to take a lunch break out on the trail. If all goes well and we have time left over, we can stop in at Lake Crescent Lodge or maybe even take the short hike to Marymere Falls. Note that we'll be taking the 7:55 ferry from Edmonds in the morning, and most likely returning on the 5:30 or 6:10 sailing in the evening. Let me know if you'd like to meet the van in Edmonds.
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