Elwha Basin / Martins Lakes '13,  Olympic National Park,  Sep 17, 2013 - Sep 22, 2013     page 41 / 113

It felt great to have returned to the upper Elwha. But the next mile or so could be the most challenging to reach Dodwell-Rixon Pass.

Tom and I easily descended from the pass, losing about 1500 feet, all atop the Elwha snowfinger. Of course, that was the first of August. This was mid-September and the snowfinger was considerably more melted out, more treacherous. I figured I would give it a shot, but not to push it as a solo hiker.

I crossed the river, then worked my way onto a game trail through the meadow on the north side of the river. Travel was easy here.