Mount Storm King

Thursday July 27, 2017

Mount Storm King is a great day hike for those looking to take their time and can be done in half a day for more speedy hikers. Either way, it is steep climb and views are earned. The woods here themselves are gorgeous and packed with giant specimens. A great view of Lake Crescent is only 1.5 miles from the trailhead while a spectacular panorama of the lake lies at the lookout at the highest point of the trail. A short, flat trail takes hikers to Marymere Falls at the base of the mountain.

This was the inaugural hike for my two week Olympic National Park adventure. I only had the afternoon to hike so I picked this since it guaranteed views that would not take too long to reach. Immediately after entering the forest I fell in love with trees that were so much bigger than anything I’d ever seen in New England.

The ascent contained endless switchbacks but the trail was level and I was able to cover ground quickly. Along the way I a few south facing views across Barnes Creek were available to display the beautiful green mountains.

After about a mile and a half climbing 1400’ I reached my first view of Lake Crescent. The large lake with the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada in the distance was well worth the climb. Hikers can definitely stop here and return back down the way they came, but I was hungry for spectacular views.

Some more south facing views were available as I climbed. The trail became very technical at the top. Erosion and heavy trail use rendered some of the steepest parts into loose sand that would be very difficult to climb unaided. Fortunately ropes were tied off on trees in a few locations to make the ascent possible.

The final section of hike is a short descent to a knob that allows those who sit upon it to feel like an Olympic God ruling over Lake Cresent. The entire lake was visible and I took my time here alone, soaking in the sun. Apparently the remaining climb to the summit of Mount Storm King is possible, but only recommended for experienced climbers. Personally I saw no trail continuing in that direction.

I descended the mountain while stopping again at the lower lookout at the lake. I added a short side trip to Marymere Falls. The pretty falls are about 100’ high and spread out of a mossed cliffside. I finished my hike by returning to the shores of the lake and taking it in on a short dock. My Olympic National Park journey was officially underway and I could not have been more excited.