Hike 3/21 Salt Creek Recreation Area & more
Saturday, March 21, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
6 miles, 800 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
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Join together with the group to celebrate the arrival of spring! We'll head over to the peninsula and travel to the west of Port Angeles, where we'll explore a trio of fine attractions, highlighted by the rugged seaside beauty of Salt Creek Recreation Area. This excellent park is run by Clallam County, and is popular for camping, hiking, beachcombing, and sight-seeing. We'll take a 4-mile hike on the trail system there, much of it right along the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There's more to explore though. We'll check out the site of the former Elwha Dam, and witness the ongoing recovery process since the 2014 dam removal. We'll log another mile or two of easy hiking there, but we're still not done. Nearby is another unique structure in a beautiful natural setting, easily accessible via a short walk-- and that's all I'll say. You'll have to take the trip with us to find out more. The trip price includes the ferry cost for round trip on the Edmonds-Kingston route.
Expected Conditions:
Trail conditions at Salt Creek Rec Area (a Clallam County Park) should generally be good, with the possibility of the usual winter messes (wet or muddy spots, downed limbs, small creek crossings). We will hike part of the Striped Peak Loop, going to Eagle Cove and back, and will also explore the short trails that lead to various beach overlooks. Tide conditions should be favorable in the morning for some tide pool exploring as well. The hike near the former Elwha Dam site is mostly an old road. We walk downhill going out, and uphill coming back, with a climb of about 100-150 feet or so. The third "mystery" feature is fairly short and involves climbing a couple flights of stairs, but is not difficult.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for these hikes, and having waterproof footwear is preferable. Trekking poles will be helpful at times. Pack food and water in your pack, and plan to eat lunch while out on one of the hikes, or if it's rainy, we'll have lunch at a picnic shelter near one of the parking lots at Salt Creek Rec Area. We'll be taking the Edmonds-Kingston ferry for this trip. Let me know if you'd like a pick-up near the Edmonds Ferry.
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