NPS Pablo McLoud

Campsite at Oyster Lake

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map

Notices

• If you are heading over Appleton Pass into the Sol Duc area, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park approved bear canisters.
• Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year round.
• Always check for the latest road conditions.

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest and subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Steep  
Unique features: Views of valleys
Level of difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Trailhead to pass 7.7 miles (Elwha Side) 7.4 Sol Duc side
Elevation change: 1,700 feet (Elwha side) to 5,100 feet; 2,000 ft to 5,100 feet (Sol Duc side)
Best Season: Usually snow free early July through October.

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: A bear wire is located near Oyster Lake Camp. Bear canisters are required in the subalpine high country where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 ft. out from the nearest tree trunk.
Campsites: Oyster Lake area has several sites. Elsewhere do not camp on vegetation.
Toilet Facilities:  none; bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Boulder Creek and Oyster Lake. Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
Stock: Allowed day use only. Check stock regulations. See Stock Use.

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed at Appleton Pass/Oyster Lake or elsewhere above 3,500 feet.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. 
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail during winter and spring. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Ice ax and self-arrest skills are necessary on this trail when it is snow covered.
• Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
• Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather carefully during your trip.