Newbies welcome. Deer Park
Details
Deer Park is the start of one of the few 5 star scenery hikes in the Olympics. This is an all alpine hike, staring out at the Deer Park Ranger Station.
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This is an out and back hike and will be treated as an accordion hike. During accordion hikes the group expands as the faster hikers move away from the slower hikers. Then on the return leg, all the slower hikers are swept back up. There is always an agreed upon turn around time to get everyone back at the same time.
Starting point is Deer Park Trailhead. If you are going the full distance to Obstruction Peak, the total distance is 16 miles RT, but completion is questionable due to snow on the east flank of Obstruction Peak. There is 2500 feet of net ascent if hiked all the way to Obstruction Peak and 1500 net on the return. This is an up, up , the up and down route.
Stunning views. Awesome spring wildflowers. Possible beer sightings.
This is National Park, so pets are not allowed.
Ridesharing calls for assisting your driver with their not insignificant vehicle expenses.
A NW Forest Pass or a NP Access Pass is required for parking.
Don't forget your 10 essential sunscreen and glasses
Bring the 10 essentials, a snack and enough water.
Weather forecast located at: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-123.4916095869154&lat=47.97086965219191#.V2R6Pmz6t9B
Departing the Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene Park and Ride at 0800.