Bailey Range Traverse '14,  Olympic National Park,  Aug 14, 2014 - Aug 21, 2014     page 99 / 117

From my campsite on the ridge, about half way between Dodwell-Rixon Pass and Mt Barnes, I could see little snow in the Elwha valley. Lily had informed me that some parties had difficulty descending the Elwha snowfinger, due to early snowmelt. I chose to avoid that troubled area for an alternative exit. I would cross the summit of Mt Barnes, then descend along its eastern ridge for a few miles, then bushwhack through the forest, rejoining the Elwha trail above Happy Hollow camp. I certainly hoped it would work!