The Hoh Lake Trail runs from the Hoh River Trail (the primary access to those climbing Mt Olympus) up past Hoh Lake and on to connect with the High Divide loop at Bogachiel Pass (Olympic National Park). We were camped in Seven Lakes Basin and took a day trip down to Hoh Lake. This was the trail near the top. I was concerned about the clouds … often an indication that the weather is changing … but it stayed clear for the rest of our hike.
On the return hike, I was rounding a rock spur and found myself about 6 feet from a black bear. We were both startled … I’m not sure who was more surprised. But the bear had quicker reflexes and was off the trail and down in the brush and trees before I could even think about raising my camera.
(another image from my Archive folder)
What an experience…. lucky that the bear was more surprised and ran away.
Glad it was a black bear and not a Grizzly.
It would have been a different outcome.
No Grizzlies in the Olympic National Park. And no poisonous snakes.
Just rain.
The scenery is awesome!