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Olympic National Park Hayes River Bridge
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Olympic National Park
Humes Ranch Loop Trail
 
Elwha River near Humes Ranch

NPS Jim Patterson

Elwha River near Humes Ranch

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Park Trail Map
Humes Ranch Loop Map


 

 



 



Notices

  • Always check road conditions before your hike. The Whiskey Bend may be closed in winter or because of road damage.
  • Bears, cougars, and other wildlife frequent the Elwha. Practice proper food storage techniques.
  • Wilderness camping permits required for overnight hikes. Obtain at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles.
 

Description:

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest, lowland river valley 
Trail tread types: Well-maintained  
General elevation trend: Moderate
River crossings: None
Unique features: Historic homesteads and meadows; opportunities to view deer, elk and bear 
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles to Humes Ranch
Elevation change: 102 feet elevation gain to Humes Ranch. 450 feet elevation gain on the way back. High point 1300 feet.
Best Season: All year

 

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the WIC in Port Angeles. Reservations are not available.
Food Storage Method: Community bear wires are available near the large meadow below the Humes Cabin.
Campsites: Humes Ranch, Krause Bottom
Toilet Facilities: None, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from campsites and water sources. Pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Elwha River and various side streams - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia.
Stock: Camp only in established sites. 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 only. Please camp lightly to protect vegetation.
Campfires: Use preexisting fire rings and dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife,all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

 

Safety:

Bears are common in this area during the spring and summer months. Keep a clean camp and always secure food.

 
Historic Humes Cabin
Historic Humes Cabin
 
Humes Ranch in winter
NPS Michael Strunk
Humes Ranch in Winter

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Mt. Olympus in winter

Did You Know?
That Mount Olympus receives over 200 inches of precipitation each year and most of that falls as snow? At 7,980 feet, Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Olympic National Park and has the third largest glacial system in the contiguous U.S.

Last Updated: December 21, 2011 at 09:54 MST