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:

• The North Fork Quinault River Trail is open however there is major trail damage. See Trail Conditions.
• 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 24-mile Crossing and 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. 
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters or bear wires.
Campsites: Lillian River Camp, Mary's Falls Camp, Canyon Camp, Elkhorn, Remann's Cabin/Tipperary area, Hayes River Guard Station, Camp Wilder, Chicago Camp 
Toilet Facilities:  Pit toilets are available at Mary's Falls, Elkhorn, Hayes River 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.

Bears have obtained improperly stored food and other scented items in this area and have damaged gear. All food, garbage, and scented items like toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen should be stored in bear resistant containers. Check with WIC for latest on bear hazards.

Safety:

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