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Olympic National ParkGroup of Backpackers on Wilderness Coast
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Olympic National Park
Visiting the Elwha
 
The Elwha River after a fresh snowfall

Ken and Mary Campbell

The Elwha River after a fresh snowfall in December of 2008.

Overview:
The Elwha is the Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed and prior to the construction of two dams in the early 1900s, was known for its impressive salmon returns.

The Elwha Valley is located in the central northern area of Olympic National Park. Located 11 miles west of Port Angeles, the Elwha Valley is reached by the Olympic Hot Springs Road, off of Highway 101 (directions).

Today, the Elwha River is the site of one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park Service history. With its sparkling river surrounded by mountains, the Elwha Valley is a popular destination for all.

General information about the Elwha Valley, facilities, trails, camping, and regulations can be found on the Elwha brochure (pdf).

 

Places to Stay:
The Elwha Valley has two campgrounds, Elwha campground with 30 sites (open all year) and Altair campground with 40 sites (open during summer.) Nearby lodging can be found in Port Angeles or within the park at Lake Crescent.

Recreation:
The Olympic Hot Springs Road and Whiskey Bend Road offer sightseeing opportunities through the valley's lowland and montane forests, as well as access to two picnic areas and a number of hiking trails.

Popular dayhikes in the area include the Boulder Creek trail and the Humes Ranch Loop.

Fishing in the Elwha is catch and release only. Make sure to check out fishing regulations for Olympic National Park before you come.

Nearby Areas:
The Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley are all within a one-hour drive of the Elwha Valley. 

 
Two friends in the Elwha
Henry Meyer
A number of trails in the Elwha are great for day hikes.
 
The Elwha River
Historic Fish Runs in the Elwha
Click here to learn more about historic fish runs before dam construction!
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Trail Guide
Trail Guide
Learn more about Olympic's Trails
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river in winter
Elwha Restoration
Learn about restoring the Elwha River's native fish and ecosystem.
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Wilderness Trail & Campsite Map
Wilderness Trail & Campsite Map

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marmot  

Did You Know?
Although related to other marmots and groundhogs of North America, the Olympic marmot is unique. An endemic species, it is found only in the Olympic Mountains. Visitors to the high country of Olympic National Park may be lucky enough to encounter a marmot sunning itself near its burrow.

Last Updated: April 14, 2009 at 14:56 EST