Running and a Wedding in the Olympic National Forest

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Lake Crescent first thing in the morning
Last week a good friend of mine, Wes got married at Lake Crescent, in the Olympic National Forest. The first time I went to Lake Crescent was 20 years ago, with Wes, Chris and several of our other friends. I was captured by it's beauty then as much as I am today. Though 20 years ago hiking a few miles was probably enough for me.

20 years later, Chris, Wes and me in front of Lake Crescent for Wes's wedding
The wedding didn't start until 2pm, which gave me all morning to go explore the trails close to Lake Crescent. It felt so freeing not to have a destination in mind or even a distance. It had been a long time since I had gone for a run without having much of a plan. I took a picture of the trail map at the lodge and took off. 

Lake Crescent from the top of Storm King Mountain
Lake Crescent from the top of Storm King Mountain
I headed toward Marymere Falls and within a half mile there was a turn off to Storm King Mountain. I had hiked that trail years ago with Karrla and knew there were excellent views of the lake from the top. Since it was a clear day I decided to "run" to the top to see the lake with all the fall colors. 

Marymere Falls

After summiting Storm King Mountain, I headed to Marymere Falls and then down the Barnes Creek Trail. The Barnes Creek Trail was the perfect trail to run on; not to hilly, not to technical, it ran along a creek. I am not sure how long the Barnes Creek trail was, but I could have kept running on it for a long time, but I needed to get back to get ready for the wedding. 

Daniel and Wes getting married
The wedding was small and intimate, it took place right in front of the lake. It was perfectly Wes and Daniel.  

Location: Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA

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