October 15, 2023 -

October 15, 2023

for Questions and Answers
LoopHikes@olympus.net

Wildfires in Olympic National Park

The lightning strikes in late August burned, to differing degrees, in seven areas within the Park. In spite of the rain and snow above 3,500 ft. several areas continue to smolder. Fires in the wilderness are a function of nature and in some circumstances, they improve the environment. For example, over time trees spread and can reduce the size of meadows. Eventually the trees that burn will return the meadows to an environment suitable for Marmots.

The latest report indicates that the fires will die off with the onset of fall. Higher humidity, rain, snow and cold are winter conditions that begin at higher altitudes in fall and later into the lower forests. The winter snows usually snuff out the fires. It’s possible, but not frequent, that fires burn down into the duff and smolder throughout the winter. In spring, their embers can bring the fire back to the surface.

Trail Conditions

This year in particular, information regarding trail conditions will be a bit of hit or miss. A number of trails in ONP were closed and will remain so.

Trail Conditions are available for all trails in the Park. Search: Trail Conditions in Olympic National Park.

This year’s fall report is early, but even so, most of the trails are described, some as early as August because of the fires. Brushy trails and downed trees are identified. In some cases, these problems are left over from years prior.

Ordering your copy of “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains”

If you haven’t ordered your copy of the Book, I recommend https://www.villagebooks.com/

Village Books is in Bellingham, WA is a quick and reliable outlet for Books of all kinds including this Book.

Book Signing and Sales Events:

Nov. 3/4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 25
Dec. 2

at Shipley Center Holiday Bazaar in Sequim, 9 am – 3 pm both days
at Mountainside Mail, near T-Mobile in Sequim, 11 am – 1 pm
at Locally Known next to Hurricane Coffee in Sequim, 11 am – 1 pm
at Dungeness River Nature Center in the Raven Room Sequim, 10 am – 1 pm
at Port Angeles Main Library, Carver Room North: 1 pm – 3 pm

More events will be listed in the November 1^st issue of Loophikes.com

Questions and Answers:

Thank you for asking question about the Olympic Mountains. As a start in the October 1^st edition two questions were submitted. This time around there is one question and three answers. Please note that submitters’ names are never identified; after all, you are looking for answers, not who asked the question.

Q: Does ONP work to remove invasive species? Mountain Goats A: The simple answer is yes. However, the effort is more complicated than you might expect. For example, Mountain Goats are not native to the Olympic Mountains. They were introduced to the mountains in the 1920’s by people who thought it was a good idea. It wasn’t. The number of Mountain Goats are without an adequate number of predators. Over the last few years Olympic National Park engaged in an extensive program of “capture and remove” followed by euthanizing them. Be it plants or animals, the Park is diligent in doing its best to protect the natural environment that is the Olympic Mountains. Olympic Violets are found only in the Olympic Mountains. The Goats found the violets to be a favorite snack. Without the removal of the goats, Olympic Violets would eventually become extinct. Why are some parts of the Alpine Meadows scraped away to dirt and rock? The goats had a habit of rolling and squirming on the ground to shed winter coats and, in some cases, to rid themselves of insects. An Alpine meadow’s growth is extremely slow. As such, Stock Trail users are required to not bring hay into the Park. This requirement is intended to reduce the opportunity for hay grasses to establish themselves in the meadows.

I’ve been writing about some of the elements of the book since March and I will continue to do so. If you or your friends haven’t checked Loophikes.com lately, it will identify when the book is available. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for. There is no better time to order your book. I’m certain that you’ll be pleased. The book is one-of-a-kind, informative, explores loop hikes that haven’t been published as a book. The “Grand Loop of the Olympic Mountains” is a loop that may not ever have been hiked. Whether you’re new at hiking or you’re an expert hiker, the book will be useful and helpful—and it will expand your collective experience.

Loophikes.com provides you with information about the book and information that is not in the book but is relevant to your understanding.

Loophikes@olympus.net provides you the ability to ask me questions and get answers to the best of my ability. All the answers will be available at loophikes.com without identifying the person who submitted the question.

All of the past articles beginning with March are accessible. Click here to visit the Archive page. Additionally, if you’re interested in what’s coming next, here they are:
November 1: Questions and Answers loophikes@olympus.net
November 15: Q and A and Weather the critical element in Fording
December 1: Q & A and Snow Camping

Visit LoopHikes.com frequently. Photos, information and stories change periodically, but sharing information with you comes first. Questions? Contact me at LoopHikes@olympus.net. Your curiosity is the foundation of building a better understanding. Tell your friends.

“Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains”