Elwha Basin Way Trail, Olympic Nat’l Park

Elwha Basin Way Trail is an informal route through Elwha Basin, a meadows-complex in the lower headwaters of the Elwha River.  This path serves mainly to connect the end of the formal Elwha River Trail to the upstream Elwha Snow Finger, another informal route-feature.  These two paths are used to gain the crest of the Bailey Range, and to access (or exit) its Bailey Range Traverse. Continue reading “Elwha Basin Way Trail, Olympic Nat’l Park”

Elwha Basin, Elwha River, Olympic Nat’l Park

Elwha Basin is a relatively low-elevation complex of several brushy meadows, the first feature encountered as the Elwha River leaves its lowland valley and mounts its headwaters.  Rather scenic & dramatic, it is a rough amphitheater along the base and lower slopes of first Mount Seattle, then Mount Meany, and finally Mount Queets.  Avalanches and rockfall from the surrounding craigs probably create the meadows;  stands of large timber adjoin them. Continue reading “Elwha Basin, Elwha River, Olympic Nat’l Park”