Queets River Trail

Queets River in winter.

NPS Photo

Notices
Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety

 

Notices:

• The Lower Queets Road provides access as far as Matheny Creek; the road is closed beyond that due to a major land slide. The area within 1/4 mile of the land slide is closed to public entry due to unsafe conditions.
• Access to the Upper Queets area, including the trailhead and campground, opened in spring 2008. More info & map of access into Upper and Lower Queets areas.
• A river ford is required to access the Queets from the trailhead. This crossing can be difficult or impossible during periods of heavy rain or snow melt. It is commonly waist deep in summer.
• Always watch weather forecasts closely! It is possible that the river can be fordable on your way in and not on your way out due to heavy rains or snow melt. Do not get trapped up river!

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Rain forest river valley
Trail tread types: Low level of maintenance
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: The Queets River must be forded at the trailhead.
Unique features: Old-growth rain forest
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15.8 miles to end of trail
Elevation change: 360 to 800 feet
Best Season: July through September

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the 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: Bear canisters are recommended in this area. All food, garbage, and scented items must be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk or stored in bear canisters.
Campsites: Spruce Bottom, Bob Creek, gravel bars
Toilet Facilities: None. Bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Queets River and tributary streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Stock: Allowed. See Stock Use for regulations.

 

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

• A river ford is required at the trailhead to access the Queets River Trail. The crossing can be difficult or impossible during periods of heavy rain or snow melt. This ford is commonly waist deep in summer.
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail.

 

Crossing the Queets River at low water

NPS Bryan Bell

 

Hiker in Queets Rainforest

NPS Bryan Bell