<< Obstruction Point Road - Part 2

08/26/22 - Obstruction Point Road - Part 1

We took what is probably our last hike of the season out from Obstruction Point. The park is closing Obstruction Point Road on the day after Labor Day, and probably not reopening it until 2023. Hurricane Ridge Road is going to be closed a few weeks later as well. According to the park service, Hurricane Ridge Road was collapsing onto Obstruction Point Road below it, and they're hoping to have both roads more or less rebuilt and repaired in the next few months.

Meanwhile, we enjoyed the hike across the high country, down the staircase, then along the ridge with its spectacular views of Mount Olympus. We took the side spur out to Raven Rock and looked down at Moose Lake and Grand Lake way far below. I doubt we'll ever make the thousand foot plus descent. If nothing else, we'd have to climb back up which seems daunting.

We're past the peak flower season. Colors are already starting to change. We did see a blue grouse and her chicks scrabbling about in the dry grass not far from the trail. They are so well camouflaged that seeing them was just a matter of good fortune. We may get another chance to get up to the high country this season, but it we don't, this was a great way to say goodbye to it.


Top of the world

The high country trail

A bit of the staircase

Mountains across the valley

Our first peek at the plains of Mars

Foliage just starting to turn red

Still some lingering snow

Another bit of trail

Two lakes below

Another seasonal lake

Mountains and sky

Friable rock

Another spectacular view

Way down below

Early autumn colors

Fading fields

We'll miss the trail.

Blue mountains beyond

More on the hiking theme

Some more fall color and great scenery

More trail, color, snow and sky

Mount Olympus

Yet more of the trail

Keywords: high country, hurricane ridge, obstruction point