Olympic National Park Wilderness Destination

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Planning Your Trip What is Wilderness? Wilderness Protection Photo Gallery	Wilderness Destination
	Big Creek/Elip Creek Loop General Location: 12 miles northeast of Lake Quinault along North Fork Quinault River Road. Trailhead: North Fork trailhead Notices: Campfires are prohibited at Three Lakes and above 3,500 feet.	Be a Wilderness Steward. Always Leave No Trace of your stay in the wilderness. Big Creek Trail Queets River from Skyline Trail
	Description
	Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine meadow, temperate rainforest Trail tread types: Maintained General elevation trend: Moderate to steep River crossings: Wild Rose and Elip Creeks must be forded. These can be hazardous during periods of high water. Unique features: Mountain views, wildflowers Level of difficulty: Difficult Distance: 20.8 miles Elevation change: 3,500 feet Best Season: Late July through September
	Trail Conditions
	Elip Creek Trail Big Creek Trail Three Lakes Trail North Fork Quinault Trail Skyline Primitive Trail
	Camping
	Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at WIC in Port Angeles or at the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station located next to Lake Quinault Lodge. No reservations necessary. Food Storage Method: A community bear wire is available at Three Lakes and Elip Creek Camp. For other areas, bear canisters are recommended. Location and sites: Three Lakes area, Wolf Bar, Halfway House, Elip Creek Toilet Facilities: There is a toilet at Elip Creek Camp and Three Lakes. Otherwise bury waste 6-8" and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Pack out toilet paper when not using pit toilets. Water Source: Three Lakes, Big Creek, North Fork Quinault River - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia. Stock: Stock are allowed on North Fork Quinault River Trail only.
	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. Fires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed at Three Lakes or 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.
	Safety
	Safety: Snow hazards may exist. Route findind is difficult when the trail is snow covered. Check current conditions. Privacy & Disclaimer Author: Bryan Bell Last modified on: July 29, 2004 www.nps.gov/olym/wic/dello.htm