Bedford/Drew Adventures ended up exploring the Mighty Elwha above Lake Mills and Goblin Gates. We were not disappointed; the river was below flood stage, but still a magnificent sight to see.
Waterfalls were everywhere. Driving up the Whiskey Bend Rd. we were treated to numerous tumbling waterfalls cascading from the ridges above. Sege Ck., Hurricane Cr. and Wolf Creek were glamorous sights along with many smaller streams making their way to join the Elwha River on its journey to the sea.
All this was happening before we reached the trailhead! Marching up the trail we could hear the river flowing though the canyon below. The trail was wet with many small streams gushing downward seeking a ditched retreat from the path. Taking the steep trail down to the river we encountered one of many large trees felled across the trail. Over, under or around we succeeded in conquering the obstacles.
We were not disappointed with our rendezvous with the Goblin Gates. The opening is small compared to the river's width, allowing only 1/2 the flow to enter "The Gates" at a time. As you can see from the photos the river will not take "no" for an answer. The water swirls around in a mixing bowl effect and patiently (no savagely) awaits its turn to rush through the small opening. Really, a sight to see.
Anderson Ranch
Goblin's Gate entrance
down the canyon
We continued on up river encountering a very saturated trail with small slides dictating we just walk through the mud to continue on. One spot on the trail we observed a hole on the bank beside the trail spouting out water onto the path. It was quite unique; like a garden hose pouring out water.
We made it up through Rica Canyon, Krause Bottoms, and Geyser Valley to Humes Ranch. We decided to dine on the river's edge in the meadow below the cabin. We sighted a large stream spewing out of the cliff over the trail to Dodger Point and the bridge. It appears the trail is once again impassable.
Our trip back to the trailhead was an interesting journey of several small washouts, a destroyed foot bridge and many tiny waterfalls. We were muddy and wet, but hey: we had smiles on our faces.
