Little River Trail - Olympic Wilderness

View of mountains and ridges in northern Olympic Mountains

Jim Patterson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

Notices:

• Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year-round.
• A Discover Pass is required to park at the Little River Trailhead.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest, montane forest, subalpine forest, subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Mild, then steeper the last 3 miles
Unique features: River
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 miles
Elevation change: 1000 feet to 5600 feet
Best Season: Low Elevations—year-round. High Elevations—early July through October.

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters are required in the subalpine high country where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk.
Campsites: Anywhere off of vegetation and 200 feet from water sources.
Toilet Facilities: None. Bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Little River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent 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. Leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn 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. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

 

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear with warm clothes.
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
• Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Whiteouts are sudden. Read the weather forecasts, but remember to read the weather in front of your eyes.

 

Trail Conditions