The Roosevelt Elk is endemic to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State and always constitute a special treat when encountered in the Olympic backcountry.

This herd was seen near the top of LaCrosse Basin in the upper Duckabush area. In fact, I encroached within 40ft of them before we finally took notice of each other. It was a warm day and the herd was lying on a patch of snow as I approached them from below. Promptly, the entire herd stood up and retreated toward the ridge crest to watch the intruder. Though I had the pleasure of climbing a mountain on this day, this encounter was certainly the highlight. July 2009