Obstruction Peak via Deer Park Trail

It had been two weeks since our trek to the Sahale Glacier, and I was still riding the high of that alpine meadow hike. We were continuing to battle smoke from the wildfires when we headed to Olympic National Park, but decided to chance it with one more big hike before the weather turned in the PNW.

This trail starts like many in the Pacific Northwest…densely wooded. We learned our lesson from Sahale Arm and while there was still ample sticks laying around grabbed two sturdy ones to use as trekking poles. Game Changer.

Just when you’re wondering where the views are on this epic hike, the trees thinned out and we were greeted by the most golden meadow either of us had ever seen.

*Views along the ridge as we hiked to Obstruction Peak in Olympic National Park*

Things really open up on the ridge with incredible views and flat easy walking. Even with the smog from the fires we were able to see the snow capped mountains in the distance. I’d like to go back and do this hike when the wildflowers are in bloom, as I’ve heard it’s stunning. This 13 mile hike took us under 5 hours to complete so I think it’s a pretty big bang for your buck.

*Golden hour on our hike to Obstruction Peak*

All images for this blog post were created in collaboration with Marco Pannella.