The heaviest precipitation in the 48 contiguous states deluge the seaward slopes of Mount Olympus.
The Hoh River Ranger Station receives 142 inches of rain per year and Mount Olympus catches the equivalent
of 220 inches of rain annually. The resulting climax forest is astonishing with some trees reaching 300 feet
into the sky, while others are 15 feet thick. |
Approaching Mount Olympus, July 2004 |
| I first climbed Mount Olympus in August 1969, and decided to return 35 years later to re-savor this beautiful place.
Part of my motivation was to get up-to-date information for my forthcoming guidebook on the highpoints of the
US national parks. Accompanied by one of my park book co-authors John Mitchler, and ace mountaineer Charlie Winger,
we three headed for the wilderness. |
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Approaching Mount Olympus is a project. You start near sea level, and walk over 20 miles to reach the peak |
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The first few strides take you into a verdant venue |
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Standing like sculpted statues, the trees pose as if in an art museum |
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The trees frame our march like water flowing uphill |
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The trees also frame our march like water flowing downhill |
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A huge log dwarfs Charlie Winger |
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An even larger tree sends us scurrying |
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Charlie Winger makes quick time across this solid natural bridge |
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This bridge is complete with a handrail |
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This bridge has no handrail and provides John Mitchler with a thoughtful moment |
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The forest primeval |
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Water is not hard to find in this rainforest |
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Log Art |
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Mount Olympus is up there somewhere |
| Gerry took the above photos on 7/19, 7/20 and 7/22, 2004. |
| Continue to climb Mount Olympus |
