Running in the Snowy Elwha with Elk - Barefoot

  I don't think I could ever pass up a chance to venture into the Upper Elwha.  One of my old Clients is training for a big trail run race, so off we went.  I just spend then night in the same area a few weeks before.  Like most Wilderness, one trail is always changing.  Last time it was Freezing Temps and this time would be 6 inches of snow in sections.

Suggested Reading Listening:


 I suggested meeting at a local Coffee Shop and we were at the Trailhead 1 hour before Sunrise.  Traveling for the first 4 miles all by Headlamp.  It was a perfect morning for a Trail Run.  Hearing the river off in the distance in the dark is great motivation.

Photo by Alecia 

  After 6 miles is when all the excitement began.  Spooking up over 12 head of Roosevelt Elk that were walking down single file in the Trail as we quickly approached.  That gets the Heart going having the whole woods explode with massive powerful body's moving through the Forest.  (sad to not have pictures of the Elk)

Photo by Alecia

  From that point on we reached the area of the Elwha were Elk really start using the Trail as a highway.  I found especially when Snow starts to push them down from the High Country.
 In some of these photos you can see where big numbers of Elk have been traveling the Trail so that Running though the snow wasn't so tasking.

Photo by Alecia - Note I'm in a Elk Trail

  Since the Snow was a few weeks old.  It had a mostly frozen layer at the surface.  Most of the Elk Tracks were frozen into the Snow.  That made Ground Feel more of a Spiritual Experience.  Feeling every Hoof with my Feet.  That is real connection with your environment.

Photo by Alecia

  Running in the Upper Elwha is one of the most Primal experience a man can have in the Olympic National Park.  Feeling Pine Needles under the feet, Mud in the toes, chance of seeing Elk and Bear.  There is not much better for Valley running environments.

  Once reaching Elkhorn.  I was feeling pretty good still and my energy levels were better than I planned.  Wasnt until the last 7 miles coming back out, until I really start dragging.  This was the longest distance I have traveled on foot in about 6 months.  So after the 15 mile mark, I was a hurting unit lol

Elkhorn

Overview/Disclaimer:  Overall it was a good trip.  Total trail miles was 23.3 miles round trip.  I for sure needed the Trail Training.  Great exercise and way to experience the Wilderness in one of my favorite areas.    I would suggest training your feet for Winter environments before venturing into the Wilderness in Vibram Five Fingers.