Elwha River Trail

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

General Location: 10 miles southwest of Port Angeles, WA.

Trailhead: Whiskey Bend trailhead

Notices:

• Due to removal of the Glines Canyon Dam and other construction, Elwha area roads may be closed for extended periods of time. Visit the Road Conditions page for more information. 
• Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, year round.

Description:

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest, lowland river valley, montane forest
Trail tread types: Well-maintained  
General elevation trend: Moderate
River crossings: The Elwha River must be forded at Chicago Camp en route to Low Divide. Always check conditions prior to your trip.
Unique features: Largest watershed in park, historic homestead cabins
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 28.4 miles to Low Divide.
Elevation change: 1,198 feet to 3,602 feet
Best Season: May through September. Snow may linger into July beyond Chicago Camp.

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person or by phone at the WIC in Port Angeles. No reservations available. Permits are not limited.
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters or bear wires. Bear wires for hanging food are located at Humes Ranch, Lillian Camp, Mary's Falls, Canyon Camp, Elkhorn, Hayes River, Camp Wilder & Chicago Camp. Bear canisters are recommended elsewhere.
Campsites: Lillian River Camp, Mary's Falls Camp, Canyon Camp, Elkhorn, Hayes River Guard Station, Camp Wilder, Chicago Camp 
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Lillian Camp, Mary's Falls, Elkhorn, Hayes River, Camp Wilder and Chicago Camp. Otherwise bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from campsites and water sources. Pack out your toilet paper.  
Water Source: Elwha River and tributary streams - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia. Stock: Allowed, 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 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 wires for hanging food are located at Humes Ranch, Lillian Camp, Mary's Falls, Canyon Camp, Elkhorn, Hayes River, Camp Wilder & Chicago Camp. Bear canisters are recommended elsewhere.

Safety:

Snow can persist during winter and early spring months and can obscure the trail. River Crossings can be harzardous. Always check trail conditions.