OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: After 27 straight days of rain in Seattle, the sun finally broke through the clouds on Sunday. I seized the opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors, returning to the Olympic Peninsula again to snowshoe Hurricane Hill.
Unfortunately, I arrived at the Heart of the Hills gate a little too early. At 9:00 AM the road up to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center was still being plowed and sanded. I was listening to an audio book, so I didn’t mind the wait. The AM radio update announced the gate would be open at 10:00, at which time I led a train of about twenty cars 17 miles up a twisty and scenic road.
I bundled up at the visitor center, registered and headed out. It was 27 degrees and windy. At the time, the trail was in a bank of thick fog and cloud. There wasn’t much to see on my way up except for the beautifully flocked trees, completely encased in snow and ice, and the cornices rippling along the ridge. I followed a group of skiers, and later, just their tracks as they accelerated away from me. Near the summit of Hurricane Hill, I caught up with them again. I asked the way to the top, and they pointed into an opaque wall of fog. Okay, thanks.
I trudged along, continueing the climb upwards along a ridge. The wind was fierce and only at brief intervals could I see the summit. It wasn’t much further away, but I decided to stop and head back down. I no longer knew if I was walking on a cornice or not, and I couldn’t see any tracks to guide me. Besides, there weren’t going to be any views today.
Or so I thought. After I passed the skiers again, having lunch underneath some trees, the sun started to make an appearance. Patches of deep blue sky grew larger and larger, and I cursed myself for not being more patient. A steady stream of snowshoers and skiers were now making their way to the top. It was difficult at times to pass each other along the narrow tracks, precariously slanted against a steep slope.
Roundtrip, it’s about six miles to the top of Hurricane Hill, gaining 800 feet in, and about 250 back out. The first 1.5 miles descends down a summer road and is quite nice and easy. After that, however, the climb along the trail begins and at times the steepness and cornices can be hazardous.
It was a great day in the mountains. The clouds parted from the peak of Mt. Angeles just long enough for me to snap a few shots. I imagine on a clear day, the views of the surrounding Olympics must be stunning.
Unfortunately, I arrived at the Heart of the Hills gate a little too early. At 9:00 AM the road up to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center was still being plowed and sanded. I was listening to an audio book, so I didn’t mind the wait. The AM radio update announced the gate would be open at 10:00, at which time I led a train of about twenty cars 17 miles up a twisty and scenic road.
I bundled up at the visitor center, registered and headed out. It was 27 degrees and windy. At the time, the trail was in a bank of thick fog and cloud. There wasn’t much to see on my way up except for the beautifully flocked trees, completely encased in snow and ice, and the cornices rippling along the ridge. I followed a group of skiers, and later, just their tracks as they accelerated away from me. Near the summit of Hurricane Hill, I caught up with them again. I asked the way to the top, and they pointed into an opaque wall of fog. Okay, thanks.
I trudged along, continueing the climb upwards along a ridge. The wind was fierce and only at brief intervals could I see the summit. It wasn’t much further away, but I decided to stop and head back down. I no longer knew if I was walking on a cornice or not, and I couldn’t see any tracks to guide me. Besides, there weren’t going to be any views today.
Or so I thought. After I passed the skiers again, having lunch underneath some trees, the sun started to make an appearance. Patches of deep blue sky grew larger and larger, and I cursed myself for not being more patient. A steady stream of snowshoers and skiers were now making their way to the top. It was difficult at times to pass each other along the narrow tracks, precariously slanted against a steep slope.
Roundtrip, it’s about six miles to the top of Hurricane Hill, gaining 800 feet in, and about 250 back out. The first 1.5 miles descends down a summer road and is quite nice and easy. After that, however, the climb along the trail begins and at times the steepness and cornices can be hazardous.
It was a great day in the mountains. The clouds parted from the peak of Mt. Angeles just long enough for me to snap a few shots. I imagine on a clear day, the views of the surrounding Olympics must be stunning.
The first picture is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I wonder if you sharpened it a little too much? (can’t leave all positive remarks 🙂 It makes the picture a little too surreal. Great picture – framed perfectly, the snowshoers adding just the right touch! It would be nice to post the full exif info.
Hi Kurt! Thanks for posting, but there will be none of that negativity allowed here. Okay?
I’m just kidding, of course! I appreciate your constructive criticism. Truth is, the sharpening tools in Photoshop are irresistably seductive to me, and I don’t think I’ve learned quite yet when enough is enough. I am getting better at controlling myself, however.
I think perhaps in the case of these photos, the stark contrast of the snowy scene accentuates any oversharpening. I’m wondering if you notice any artifacts (such as halos) in the image that tip you off, or does it just appear “too sharp” in your opinion?
I did a quick search and noticed a Movable Type plug-in to display EXIF data. I’ll look into it.
Thanks again!
John
Looks like you are really getting the hang of the new camera. Cool stuff, though overall the trip sounded bit on the dangerous side?
Don’t want to lose a buddy to the snow gods.
OK, sorry – don’t concentrate on the negative. It is an EXCEPTIONAL picture. Did you shoot it with the Rebel and 10-22 set up? (Yes you can see some artifacts around the snowshoers heads). The sharpening gives it a very surreal look. I have found that it is very easy to oversharpen snow shots because of the very high contrast. I bet you could sell this picture. Great job.
P.S. I agree with the above comment – it looks very dangerous, I think I will stick to the Snoqualmie Summit ski area.
No need to be sorry!
I’m not trying to be defensive with my questioning. I’m trying to learn from you, someone who seems to be an experienced photographer.
I enjoy the compliments, but I gain much more from the criticism.
Jayson, thanks for your concern, but it’s not a dangerous hike. Every guide I’ve read suggests Hurricane Hill is a relatively safe snowshoe trail. It’s steep at times, and there are cornices, but it’s not too far of a fall from either hazard. In addition, the trail got pretty crowded later in the day. I felt safe, until I was by myself in near whiteout, so I just turned around. Trust me, I don’t want to be a news story!
John
13 large (last pic) is great. Lots of detail in the trees. Bet it would look superb blown up to 11×14 or so.