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Cruzer · 07-30-2007, 06:14 PM

Highway 101 doesn't have any grades leading into Port Angeles. The accident occured on the spur road that leads down from Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. This is a very long climb. At Hurricane Ridge you can look across at Mount Olympus and down into a glacier so you are pretty high up. They way back down is very long. There are scenic overlooks where you can pull off to cool your brakes if you need to but it looks like he didn't. There should have been no surprises because this road is the only way up and the only way down. Once you've gone up you know what to expect on the way down. For me, with a gasser, it'd be with the 4 way flashers on and in 2nd gear with the occaisional stab on the brakes and previously mentioned. Although, this is one of those roads where I'd take the toad and leave the RV down below.

I certainly don't see any error on the part of the highway department for inadequate postings.

KayLarGo · 07-30-2007, 06:27 PM

AMEN

jfb · 07-30-2007, 07:23 PM

That highway was built and is maintained by the National Park Service. I beleive it is posted at 35 MPH. I come down it in the lowest gear in my 1996 Jeep Cherokee toad; not many other drivers are inclined to pass. It is a mountain road; it deserves/demands the utmost respect. I believe this is only the second accident in my 7 years in the area; the first MH....

RedneckExpress · 07-31-2007, 01:37 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KayLarGo:
First of all, why would you ever take a motorhome or large camper up that mountain. We live in Seattle and have gone up there several times. I would never take a motorhome up there. You take a toad or rent a car. It's even hard on a car. Beautiful site but ----- </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not all of us drive rolling houses that preclude hauling a second card with us, Kaylar, nor are staying in the Port Angeles Area. In my case, and the case of the dozen or so other motorhomes and other RVs up there, we were passing through Port Angeles on route to points west and decided to detour up to see the view.
The unadulterated copy of the image below can be found here:
http://www.crossroadsro.com/truckcampers/kit_camper/ima...hurricane_ridge3.jpg

Another view of Mt. Olympus and its Neighbors

See more RVs

The Road Back down

KayLarGo · 07-31-2007, 06:19 AM

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and I agree it is a place to visit for sure.

My point of view (as my signature shows) is as an owner of a class A weighing close to 24,000 pounds pulling a car. I wasn't suggesting that pickup campers and smaller vehicles avoid the run. The subject started commenting on the class a motorhome that crashed and driver died. I am also aware that many class A's can and do go there but from my point of view with my equipment I will not be driving mine there. I love that area and will be there again in September. Drive careful.

SeeTheUSA · 07-31-2007, 06:46 AM

WONDERFUL pictures!

Thanks . . . I can smell the pines

RedneckExpress · 07-31-2007, 01:00 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KayLarGo:
My point of view (as my signature shows) is as an owner of a class A weighing close to 24,000 pounds pulling a car. I wasn't suggesting that pickup campers and smaller vehicles avoid the run. The subject started commenting on the class a motorhome that crashed and driver died. I am also aware that many class A's can and do go there but from my point of view with my equipment I will not be driving mine there. I love that area and will be there again in September. Drive careful. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That makes more sense, but I got confused since you mentioned "Large Campers" and I fit into that category as I carry an 11' 3000+lb truck camper around. Class A would also have the distinct problem of getting turned around at the top.
Unicorn Peak and Unicorn Ridge(Looking North)

Mt. Olympus Different Angle

Straight of Juan De Fuca and Victoria Island (See the low lying clouds on the water?)

Rick A · 08-01-2007, 04:38 AM

It seems everyone is making the assumption that it was driver error. Let's not forget the possibility of mechanical failure. Has anyone heard any more regarding the cause of the brake failure. A few weeks ago I had a brake line fail on my truck causing loss of brakes, Luckily it happened just after pulling out of the driveway.

beemerchef · 08-08-2007, 11:47 AM

Wow... we were just there a few days ago! RV is new to me... I realize the innuendos of the driving... and ours is just a 23' TIOGA! I try to just stay in neutral places (boondock 99% of the time), meaning bottom of Mountains... no extreme up and down... we use (my buddy Spirit and I) the motorcycle with the sidecar to get around those kind of roads...
Sad reading...

Ara & Spirit