Wilderness is wild. These reports are updated as reported from visitors and staff. They may not reflect the conditions you find in the field. Conditions can change very quickly in this wilderness park.
Please email us your trail report. Olympic National Forest trail conditions
General Notices:
- Second Beach (La Push) and the area north of Cape Alava, including Shi Shi Beach and the Ozette Reservation, remain closed to all park visitors until further notice.
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several changes are in place for Wilderness Camping Permits. Please visit the Wilderness (Backpacking) Reservations page for more details.
- For more updates, always check weather & road conditions.
- Mountain goats can be dangerous. Mountain goats are not native to the Olympics and often aggressively pursue visitors to obtain salt from urine and sweat. Stay at least 50 yards away. Watch "Hiking Safely With Goats" and read "Goats and Your Safety."
-
Visitors have left hundreds of piles of human feces unburied on sand and in the woods near campsites on the coast and in other areas of the park. DON'T BE A "SURFACE POOPER"!! Walk at least 70 steps (200 feet) away from water, trails, and camp, dig a hole 8 inches deep in soil, and bury your human waste. Take your toilet paper with you in a sealed plastic bag. ALWAYS use toilets when available.
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Please check trail conditions below for specific information about the area you plan to visit.
Southeast Trails
Staircase Area Notices:
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Staircase Area
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Description
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Mileage & Elevation
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Conditions
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North Fork Skokomish River Trail
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Trailhead to First Divide
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12.5 miles
785' to 4688'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Reservations required for camping at Flapjack Lakes.
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12/22/20
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Staircase Rapids Loop Trail
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Trailhead to Jct. with Four Stream Trail
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2.1 miles
785' to 800'
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Cleared/brushed and in good condition.
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8/21/20
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| Wagonwheel Lake Trail |
Trailhead to & including Wagonwheel Lake
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2.8 miles
785' to 4150' |
No recent report, expect winter conditions.
Very steep trail with limited water sources- 2.9 miles/3200' elevation gain.
Closed to stock.
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10/25/20
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Home Sweet Home Trail
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First Divide to Duckabush River Trail Jct. via Home Sweet Home
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2.6 miles
4688' to 2695' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
|
10/25/20 |
| Four Stream Trail |
Jct. Staircase Rapids Loop Trail to Four Stream |
1.2 miles
900' to 1000'
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No recent report.
Closed to stock. |
10/25/20
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Flapjack Lakes Trail
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Jct. North Fork Skokomish River Trail to & including Flapjack Lakes
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4.0 miles
1490' to 3900'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Visit the Reservations page for information about making camping reservations for this reservations-only area.
Closed to stock.
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12/22/20 |
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Upper Lena Lake Trail
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Park Boundary to & including Upper Lena Lake
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
The Lena Creek ford can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and seasonal snow melt. Plan to get your feet wet.
No camping within 0.25 mile of Scout Lake.
Visit the Reservations page for information about making camping reservations for this reservations-only area.
Closed to stock.
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10/25/20 |
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Gladys Divide Primitive Trail
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Flapjack Lakes to Gladys Divide |
1.4 miles
3900' to 5050'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Closed to stock.
Bear canisters are recommended above Flapjack Lakes; hanging food properly is very difficult in this area.
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10/25/20 |
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Black & White Lakes Primitive Trail
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Jct. North Fork Skokomish River Trail at Big Log to Black & White Lakes, Smith Lake junction
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2.5 miles
1500' to 4400'
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No recent report, expect winter conditions.
Expect brushy, unmaintained conditions.
There are no water sources on this very steep trail.
Closed to stock.
Trees in this area are inadequate for food-hanging; bear canisters required when food cannot be hung at least 12' high and 10' out from the nearest tree trunk.
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10/25/20 |
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Black & White, Smith Lake Trail
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Jct. Flapjack Lakes Trail, through Black & White Lakes, to & including Smith Lake |
2.2 miles
3500' to 4400' to 3950' |
No recent report, expect winter conditions.
Trail is brushy and narrow in place, with several streams that will require "rock hopping" or getting your feet wet.
Steep and rocky trail from Black and White Lakes to Smith Lake.
Closed to stock. |
10/25/20 |
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Six Ridge Primitive Trail
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Jct. Sundown Lake Trail to North Fork Skokomish River Trail
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10.6 miles
4650' to 1500'
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No recent report, expect winter conditions.
Trail is difficult to follow through several meadows between Six Ridge Pass and the Lake Success/Mt. Olson Trail junction; hikers may be misled onto numerous elk trails. Good map and compass skills and route-finding skills are necessary. Look for orange blaze signs, cairns, flagging, cut logs.
No water sources between Belview and Seven Stream.
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10/25/20 |
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Putvin Primitive Trail (Lake of the Angels)
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Park boundary to & including Lake of the Angels |
0.6 miles; 3.0 additional outside park boundary
1580' to 4900'
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Four trees down from trailhead to lake. Trail is muddy, wet, brushy and steep.
One section of the trail, known as the "headwall", is a scramble and requires the use of hands and feet to navigate. Exercise caution on this section.
Trees in this area are inadequate for food-hanging; bear canisters required when food cannot be hung at least 12' high and 10' out from the nearest tree trunk.
Closed to stock.
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10/25/20 |
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Duckabush River Trail
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Park boundary to Jct. Home Sweet Home & O'Neil Pass Trails
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
The Upper Duckabush ford can be hazardous during heavy precipitation and/or during early season snow melt.
10 Mile privy has been destroyed.
***While the Hart Lake Cutoff and Lacrosse Lake Cutoff Routes may appear on some GPS devices and maps, these are not trails. Hikers attempting to complete these routes should expect cross-country conditions, consisting of dangerous and loose rocks, steep and brushy slopes, and zero signage.***
Ten-Mile bear wire is down. Be prepared to hang your food 12 ft high and 10 ft out or use a park approved bear canister.
Marmot Lake bear wires are down.
Trees in this area are inadequate for food-hanging; bear canisters required when food cannot be hung at least 12' high and 10' out from the nearest tree trunk.
Not stock passable as of 7/4/15. Stock highlines are down.
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12/22/20 |
Dosewallips Area Notices:
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Bear canisters are Required for camping at Enchanted Valley from above Pyrites Creek to the O'Neil Pass Junction.
- Dosewallips Road is washed out 6.5 miles east of the Dosewallips Ranger Station and Campground; hikers can get around the washout using a trail.
- Always check weather & road conditions.
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Dosewallips Area
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Description
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Mileage & Elevation
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Conditions
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Lake Constance Trail
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Trailhead at Dosewallips Road to Lake Constance
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2 miles
1500' to 4700' |
Fires prohibited at Lake Constance.
No recent report - expect winter conditions.
Route is extremely steep, climbing 3,200' in ~2 miles, requires scrambling skills in places. Many trees down through a burned section and the trail is difficult to follow.
There is a handmade sign on the Dosewallips Road marking the trail.
Vault toilet on south side of lake has been closed (full); north composting toilet in rock field is operational.
Closed to stock.
Dosewallips Road is washed out 6.5 miles east of the Dosewallips Ranger Station and Campground. Hikers can get around the washout using a trail.
Visit the Reservations page for information about making camping reservations at Lake Constance, which is a reservations-only area camping area.
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10/25/20
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West Fork Dosewallips River Trail
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Dose Forks to Anderson Pass
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9.0 miles
1600' to 4464'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Dosewallips Road is washed out 6.5 miles east of the Dosewallips Ranger Station and Campground. Hikers can get around the washout using a trail.
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12/22/20
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LaCrosse Pass Trail
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Jct. West Fork Dosewallips River Trail to Jct. Duckabush River Trail
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6.4 miles
3600' to 5566'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions and numerous down trees.
In late summer there are no water sources along this trail.
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10/25/20
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Anderson Moraine Trail
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Anderson Pass to Moraine
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0.8 miles
4465' to 5200'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
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10/25/20
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Main Fork Dosewallips River Trail
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Dose Forks to Hayden Pass
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11.3 miles
1736' to 5847'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Dosewallips Road is washed out 6.5 miles east of the Dosewallips Ranger Station and Campground. Hikers can get around the washout using a trail.
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10/25/20
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Dosewallips River Trail
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Trailhead to Dose Forks
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1.4 miles
1600' to 1736' |
Trail in good condition.
Dosewallips Road is washed out 6.5 miles east of the Dosewallips Ranger Station and Campground. Hikers can get around the washout using a trail.
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10/25/20 |
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Constance Pass Trail
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Jct. Main Fork Dosewallips River Trail to park boundary via Home Lake
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7.8 miles
2182' to 5850'
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No recent report, expect winter conditions.
No water source until about 1/2 mile below Sunnybrook meadows. Above the meadows, trail tread is poor and failing through a couple of rock slide sections.
Bear canisters are recommended for camping at Home Lake, Constance Pass and Sunnybrook Meadows; trees are not suitable for food-hanging.
Not recommended for stock; steep trail. Not stock passable through Olympic National Forest at this time.
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10/25/20
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Lost Pass Primitive Trail
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Dose Meadow to Lost Pass
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0.9 miles
4450' to 6200'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
|
10/25/20
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Northeast Trails
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Hurricane Ridge Area
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Description
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Mileage & Elevation
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Conditions
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Royal Basin Trail
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Park Boundary via Royal Lake to & including Shelter Rock Area |
6.2 miles
2500' to 5100'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail is clear of down trees.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Royal Creek/Royal Lake/Royal Basin area.
Closed to stock.
Read the Reservations page for information about obtaining reservations for camping at this reservations-only camp area.
There is no longer a self-pay box for the NW Forest Pass
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10/25/20
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Three Forks Trail
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Trailhead (Deer Park) to Jct. Gray Wolf River Trail |
4.3 miles
5400' to 2150'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Deer Park Road is closed for the season.
|
11/21/20
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Upper Gray Wolf River Trail
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Park Boundary via Three Forks to Main Fork Dosewallips River Trail.
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~ 14.6 miles
2050' to 6200' to 3550'
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No recent report.
Washout on Lower Graywolf Trail. Upper Trail and Slab Camp Trail not accessible from Lower Graywolf Trailhead.
See USFS website for information on Lower Graywolf Trail
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11/21/20
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Cedar Lake Way Trail
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Jct. Gray Wolf River Trail to & including Cedar Lake
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2.1 miles
3900' to 5300'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail start can be difficult to find: begins at top of meadow near camp sites.
Trail is difficult to navigate after creek crossing.
|
11/21/20
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Cameron Creek Trail
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Three Forks to jct. Grand Pass Trail
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7.0 miles
2150' to 4200' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
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11/21/20
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Grand Valley/Grand Pass Trail
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Obstruction Point via Grand Valley & Pass to jct. Cameron Creek Trail
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7.7 miles
6100' to 4750' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Obstruction Point Road is closed for the season. Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
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11/21/20
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Cameron Pass Trail
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Jct. Grand Pass Trail to Cameron Pass
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3.6 miles
4150' to 6450'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Trees in Upper Cameron Basin are inadequate for food-hanging; bear canisters required when food cannot be hung at least 12' high and 10' out from the nearest tree trunk.
Trail not recommended for stock due to steep grade.
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11/21/20
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Cameron-Lost Pass Primitive Trail
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Cameron Pass to Lost Pass
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1.9 miles
6200' to 6450'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail can be difficult to follow along creek beds and meadow areas.
|
6/28/20
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Deer Ridge Trail
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Boundary to jct. Three Forks Trail
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1.5 miles
2550' to 5400'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Deer Park Road is closed for the season.
Not passable for stock.
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11/21/20
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Badger Valley Primitive Trail
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Obstruction Point via Badger Valley to jct. Grand Lake Trail
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4.7 miles
6100' to 4000'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Obstruction Point Road is closed for the season. Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
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11/21/20
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Elk Mountain Primitive Trail
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Elk Mountain to jct. Badger Valley Trail
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1.3 miles
6650' to 5600' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Obstruction Point Road is closed for the season. Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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Obstruction Point to Deer Park Trail
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Obstruction Point to Deer Park
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7.4 miles
6100' to 5400' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Obstruction Point Road is closed for the season. Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Beware of goats frequenting this area. Stay at least 50 yards away from goats by yelling, waving coats, and throwing rocks. Read Goats and Your Safety and watch Hiking Safely with Goats for more information.
There are no water sources on this trail.
Permits required for overnight use.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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PJ Lake Primitive Trail
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Obstruction Point Road at Waterhole to PJ Lake
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0.9 miles
5050' to 4550' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Obstruction Point Road is closed for the season. Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Overnight visitors must register at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/2020
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Cox Valley Primitive Trail
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Obstruction Point Road to end of trail
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1.8 miles
4900' to 3700'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Overnight hikers must register at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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Lake Angeles/ Klahhane Ridge Trail
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Trailhead at Heart O' the Hills via Lake Angeles to jct. Switchback/Heather Park Trail.
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6.3 miles
1850' to 6000'
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Snow begins about 1 mile before Lake Angeles.
No recent report beyond. Expect winter conditions.Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Permits required for overnight use.
Bear canisters recommended for food storage.
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11/21/20
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Heather Park Trail
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Trailhead via Heather Park to jct. Switchback Trail
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6.2 miles
1850' to 6000'
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No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Overnight hikers must register at Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. Bear Canisters are required for food storage.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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Switchback Trail
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Trailhead to jct. of Lake Angeles & Heather Park Trails
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1.6 miles
4400' to 5900'
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Trail is snow covered and steep. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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Hurricane Ridge to Switchback
Trail
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Jct. High Ridge Nature Trail to jct. Switchback Trail
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2.8 miles
5300' to 5100'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Trail not recommended for stock.
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11/21/20
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Wolf Creek Trail
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Whiskey Bend Rd. to Hurricane Hill Picnic Area
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8.1 miles
1198' to 5100'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions at upper elevations. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
The Olympic Hot Springs Road is washed out, and must be hiked from the gate at Madison Falls.
Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Not stock passable to Whiskey Bend.
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11/21/20
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Little River Trail
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Boundary to Hurricane Hill Nature Trail
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6.8 miles
1000' to 5100'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions at upper elevations. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Stock user reports dangerous location for stock 1/2 mile past first footlog: slide prevents stock users from moving forward on trail and backward on trail if already at the slide. Stock users advised to not go past first footlog.
Overnight visitors must register at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.
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11/21/20
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Elwha to Hurricane Hill Trail
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Whiskey Bend Road to jct. Hurricane Hill Nature Trail
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5.8 miles
400' to 5650' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions at upper elevations. Avalanche knowledge, expert winter travel skills, and proper equipment required.
The Olympic Hot Springs Road is washed out, and must be hiked from the gate at Madison Falls.
Beginning 11/27/20,
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open, weather permitting, Friday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, through the winter season.
Not stock passable.
|
11/21/20
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Heart O' the Forest Trail
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Heart O' the Hills Campground to park boundary |
2.3 miles
1900' to 1400'
|
No recent report.
Closed to stock.
|
11/21/2020
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Elwha Area Notices:
- Due to significant flood damage/road washout the Elwha area is closed to vehicle access beyond the Madison Falls parking area. From that point, it is 6.5 miles to the Whiskey Bend Trailhead and nearly 8 miles to the Boulder Creek Trailhead via the temporary access trail which bypasses the road washout.
- Always check weather & road conditions.
- The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to fishing.
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Elwha Area
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Trail Name
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Description
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Mileage & Elevation
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Conditions
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Updated
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Griff Creek Trail
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Trailhead to end of trail
|
2.8 miles
400' to 3500'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Closed to stock.
|
12/22/20
|
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Cascade Rock Trail
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Trailhead to end of trail
|
2 Miles
400' to
1800'
|
As of 8/24/20, 3 down trees on trail, all easy to pass.
Closed to stock.
|
8/24/20
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Elwha River Trail
|
Whiskey Bend to Lake Margaret
|
27.7 miles
1198' to 3650'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Visitors report several sections of trail that are overgrown with brush beginning 1.8 miles North of Chicago Camp that make the trail difficult to find/follow. Route finding/navigation skills and appropriate tools (compass, map, GPS) may be required in these areas as several parties have had to turn around due to losing the trail through this section.
The bear wire at Canyon Camp is down and unusable, all other privies and bear wires are intact as far as Wilder.
The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to fishing.
|
12/22/20
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Humes Ranch Loop
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Geyser Valley, Krause Bottom, Rica Canyon and Humes Ranch Loop
|
4.3 miles
1198' to 900'
|
Cut-off trail to Goblin's Gate has ~30 down trees and one small rock slide that is easily passable. ~50 down trees from Goblin's Gate to Humes Ranch, some are large and more difficult to pass.
Bear wires are located near the meadow below Humes Cabin.
The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to fishing.
|
5/11/20
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Lillian River Trail
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Jct. Elwha River Trail to end of trail (mile 3.0)
|
2.5 miles
1600' to 2650'
|
Very brushy and difficult to navigate in places. The last 1/4 mile of trail has been erased by a windfall of large downed trees.
The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to fishing.
|
5/31/20
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Hayden Pass Trail
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Jct. Elwha River Trail to Hayden Pass
|
8.4 miles
1800' to 5847'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
One difficult gully to get in and out of about 1.5 miles west of the pass.
Not stock passable.
|
12/22/20
|
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Long Ridge Trail
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Jct. Humes Ranch Loop Trail (mile 1.0) to Dodger Point
|
10.5 miles
900' to 5753'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
No recent reports above 4,800'.
In summer, the last reliable water source is a spring at 4420'. |
12/22/20
|
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Dodger Point Primitive Trail
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Jct. Long Ridge Trail to jct. Elwha River Trail via Semple Plateau
|
5.2 miles
5800' to 1451'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail is mostly difficult to navigate through the meadows/bogs close to the river. The rest of the trail has a couple of washouts and down trees but not hard to follow.
The last reliable water source is 1 mile below Dodger Point.
The Elwha River crossing at Remann's Cabin is always very difficult and impossible during high streamflow events.
|
12/22/20
|
|
Elwha Basin Way Trail
|
Happy Hollow to Elwha Basin
|
2.4 miles
2300' to 2600'
|
No recent report.
Trail is difficult to follow in places. River is difficult to cross.
|
9/6/20 |
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Happy Hollow Trail
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Jct. Elwha River Trail @ Chicago Camp to Happy Hollow
|
0.7 miles
2100' to 2300'
|
No recent report.
This is a primitive trail and is not maintained.
|
9/6/20
|
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West Elwha Trail
|
Altair Campground to Herrick Road
|
3.0 miles
390' to 600'
|
Trail is snow free and in generally good condtion. Some patches are overgrown and crowded with stinging nettle.
|
9/6/20
|
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Happy Lake Ridge Trail
|
Trailhead on Olympic Hot Springs Road via Happy Lake Ridge to jct. Boulder Lake Trail
|
9.5 miles
1300' to 5409'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trailhead sign has been destroyed - as of 6/1/2019, a small handwritten sign on tape was in place.
Bear canisters recommended at Happy Lake.
Happy Lake and Boulder Lake are the only water sources on this trail.
Not Stock Passable beyond Happy Lake.
|
12/22/20
|
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Boulder Creek Trail
|
Trailhead to Olympic Hot Springs |
2.5 miles
1800' to 2061' |
Trail clear to Olympic Hot Springs.
Campfires are prohibited at the Boulder Creek camp area and the Hot Springs due to extensive damage by visitors and subsequent revegetation efforts.
The privy is located in the old parking lot just below the campground.
|
6/8/20 |
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Boulder Lake Trail
|
Olympic Hot Springs to Boulder Lake |
3.5 miles 2061' to 4300' |
Boulder Lake bear wire is down. Hanging food would be difficult in the area - campers should consider bringing a bear canister for food storage.
|
2/27/20 |
|
Appleton Pass Trail
|
Jct. Boulder Lake Trail to Appleton Pass |
4.6 miles |
~15 down trees and brushy in areas. |
9/6/20 |
|
Smokey Hill Trail
|
Whiskey Bend Road to Elwha River |
.5 miles |
No recent report.
Watch for areas of deep mud. Park crews have planted over 30,000 plants for the Elwha Restoration project. Please avoid walking on plants.
The Elwha River and its tributaries are closed to fishing.
|
2/27/20
|
|
Smokey Bottom Trail
|
West Lake Mills Abutment TH to Boulder Creek |
1.9 miles
600' to 620'
|
No recent report.
As of 6/9/19, trail is overgrown and not clear in places. Multiple, easily bypassed trees on trail. Small foot bridges are stable.
|
2/27/20
|
Northwest Trails
Lake Crescent Area Notices:
|
Lake Crescent Area
|
| Trail Name |
Description |
Mileage & Elevation |
Conditions |
Updated |
|
Mt. Storm King Trail
|
Jct. Barnes Creek Trail to end of trail (mile 1.7)
|
1.7 miles
700' to 2700'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Caution: Please note the "End of Maintained Trail" sign; the route beyond is exposed and steep with loose rock. If visitors have placed ropes on this route, they are neither installed nor maintained by NPS and may be unsafe.
Closed to stock.
Fires are prohibited along this trail and at the summit.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Barnes Creek Trail
|
Jct. Marymere Falls Trail to jct. Upper Barnes Creek Primitive Trail
|
3.3 miles
800' to 2000'
|
There is a washout along the trail ~2.5 miles from the Storm King Ranger Station that is approximately 20 feet across. The remaining trail at the washout is narrow and undercut.
|
5/18/20 |
|
Upper Barnes Creek Primitive Trail
|
Barnes Creek Trail to Hughes Creek/Barnes Creek Divide
|
5.3 miles
2000' to 3600'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail may be difficult to follow near the end. Lizard Head creek can be difficult to cross.
Closed to stock.
|
12/2320 |
|
Aurora Divide Trail
|
Barnes Creek Trail to jct. Aurora Ridge Trail
|
3.6 miles
500' to 2000'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Aurora Creek Trail
|
Trailhead (HWY 101) to jct. Aurora Ridge Trail
|
3.4 miles
500' to 4200'
|
No recent report.
As of 9/19/19, Visitors report trail clear of downed trees to 3600 ft (about a mile to the Aurura Ridge junction). Unknown current conditions beyond that.
Closed to stock.
|
5/11/20 |
|
Aurora Ridge Trail
|
Sol Duc Road to jct. Happy Lake Ridge Trail
|
16.9 miles
1200' to 5000'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail is clear of downed trees, but brushy in parts from trailhead to Eagle Lakes.Trail overgrown, very difficult to follow east of Aurora.
No water after the first mile of trail (excluding Eagle Lakes) to the bottom of switchbacks east of Sourdough Mountain.
Eagle Lakes Trail is closed to stock.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Pyramid Peak Trail
|
Trailhead (Camp David Junior Road) to summit of Pyramid Peak
|
3.5 miles
650' to 3000'
|
Trail cleared to slide area and the trail tread through the slide has been regraded.
The trail through the slide area may not be passable for some groups; sections of the trail through the slide are as narrow as <1 foot and might be challenging if wet.
Trail is currently not passable to stock.
|
5/20/20 |
|
Spruce Railroad Trail
|
Dead end of East Beach Road to dead end of Camp David Jr. Road
|
4.0 miles
|
The debris from a landslide in early January has been cleared and the repairs completed. The trail is now open. ALERT: East Beach Road remains closed. Access to the Lyre River Trailhead on the eastern end of the trail is via Highway 112 and Joyce-Piedmont Road.
|
4/10/21 |
Sol Duc Area Notices:
- Always check the weather & road conditions for current status.
- Obtain Wilderness Camping Permits at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. Reservations are required around the Seven Lakes Basin loop.
- Stay at least 50 yards away from the animals and store all food properly.
- All food, garbage, beverages and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area including Cat Basin and all areas within the Main Fork Sol Duc River Drainage.
|
Sol Duc Area
|
|
Trail Name
|
Description
|
Mileage & Elevation |
Conditions
|
Updated
|
|
North Fork Sol Duc River Trail
|
Trailhead to North Fork of North Fork Sol Duc (mile 6.3)
|
9.3 miles
1600' to 2800'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
As of 7/12/19, many small down trees along route, 6 were over 12 " in diameter. A couple larger down trees. One trail washout.
The North Fork Sol Duc must be forded at one mile. The ford regularly runs deep and can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and seasonal snowmelt.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Sol Duc River Trail
|
Trailhead to jct. High Divide Trail
|
8.4 miles
1900' to 4800'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Appleton Pass Trail
|
Jct. Sol Duc River Trail to Appleton Pass
|
2.6 miles
3000' to 5100'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20 |
|
High Divide Trail
|
Jct. Deer Lake & Little Divide Trails to jct. Cat Basin Trail
|
7.8 miles
3600' to 4500'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
There is no water available up on the High Divide.
Please do not walk on plants and other vegetation.
Please use toilets where available.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
Trail not recommended for stock due to steep, narrow trail tread in some places. |
12/23/20 |
|
Cat Basin Primitive Trail
|
Jct. High Divide Trail to Cat Basin
|
0.6 miles
5050' to 4300'
|
No recent report, expect winter conditions.
Trail is primitive and can be hard to find at times.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Lunch Lake Trail
|
Jct. High Divide Trail to & including Lunch Lake
|
0.6 miles
4800' to 4450'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Deer Lake Trail
|
Jct. Sol Duc River Trail via Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake to jct. Little Divide Trail
|
3.0 miles
2000' to 3600'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Mink Lake Trail
|
Trailhead (Sol Duc Resort) to jct. Bogachiel River & Little Divide Trails
|
4.3 miles
1643' to 4130'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Lover's Lane Trail
|
Jct. Mink Lake Trail to jct. Deer Lake Trail
|
2.9 miles
1643' to 2000'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Hidden Lake Creek ford can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and/or seasonal snowmelt.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20
|
|
Little Divide Trail
|
Jct. Bogachiel River & Mink Lake Trails to jct. Deer Lake & High Divide Trails
|
3.5 miles
4130' to 3600'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
Experienced stock and stock users only.
|
12/23/20
|
Hoh/Bogachiel Area Notices:
|
Hoh/Bogachiel Area
|
| Trail Name |
Description |
Mileage & Elevation |
Conditions |
Updated |
|
North Snider-Jackson Primitive Trail (Rugged Ridge + Indian Pass Trail)
|
Boundary to jct. Bogachiel River Trail
|
6.3 miles
1300' to 1700' to 800'
|
No recent report.
As of 8/24/2018, Overall trail is in good condition. 10 down trees, all fairly easy to bypass. No signage at the trailhead.
The Calawah River ford can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and seasonal snow melt.
Not recommended for stock.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Bogachiel River Trail
|
Boundary to jct. Mink Lake & Little Divide Trails
|
21.6 miles
400' to 4130'
|
No recent report
The trail from Fifteenmile to Twentyone Mile is very brushy and overgrown. Many down trees.
Shelter at Twentyone Mile no longer exists and has one small campsite. No bear wires or toilets anywhere in the Bogachiel drainage.
The Undie Road is open to the trailhead using a by-pass road to get around a wash out.
Trail beyond Flapjack is currently not passable to stock.
Some creek and river crossings can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and seasonal snow melt.
All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area.
|
12/23/20 |
|
South Snider-Jackson Trail
|
Jct. Bogachiel River South Bank Trail to Hoh Road
|
10.0 miles
560' to 3200'
|
No recent report.
As of 7/25/2017, the trail has been cleared the first 3 miles from the Hoh side. Over 100 down trees from there to the Bogachiel.
Trail from Tumwata Creek to the ford is somewhat difficult to find.
The Bogachiel river must be forded. The ford regularly runs deep and can become hazardous at any time due to heavy precipitation and snow melt.
Trail is currently not stock passable.
The only water source on this trail is Tumwata Creek at the north terminus.
Not stock passable currently.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Hoh River Trail
|
Trailhead to Glacier Meadows
|
17.5 miles
600' to 5000'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
*An avalanche chute ladder is in place between Elk Lake and Glacier Meadows with several broken rungs- USE CAUTION.
Bear canisters are now required at 5 Mile Island due to coyotes actively stealing food and non-food/gear items from visitors.
In all other sites in the Hoh area, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored using park established bear wires or park approved bear canisters at all times.
The stock hitching post at 5 Mile Island has washed away. Trail is closed to stock (except llamas) beyond Elk Lake.
Campfires are not permitted at or above Elk Lake.
Visit the Reservations page for more information about obtaining reservations for Martin Creek, Elk Lake and Glacier Meadows, which are reservations-only areas.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Mount Olympus
|
Mount Olympus climbing routes
|
Mileage varies
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
This is a technical mountaineering climb and should not be attempted by the average hiker. Technical gear and skills are extremely recommended.
There is NO blue bag deposit on the lateral moraine. Human waste must be carried out in blue bags or WAG bags. Climbers must bring WAG bags or pick them up with their permit at the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Hoh Lake Trail
|
Hoh River Trail to jct with High Divide Trail
|
6.5 miles
948' to 5474'
|
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Steep, exposed grade (no canopy) through 1978 burn. No water sources along this trail until C.B Flats.
Not stock passable.
|
12/23/20 |
|
South Fork Hoh River Trail
|
Trailhead to end of maintained trail
|
4.2 miles
750' to 800'
|
No recent report.
As of 8/24/2018, trail is in great shape; No blowdowns or obstacles.
|
12/23/20 |
Southwest Trails
Quinault Area Notices:
Enchanted Valley - Bear canisters are Required for all overnight camping above Pyrites Creek and below the O'Neil Pass Junction.
Quinault Wilderness Information Center will be closed for the season begining September 8th, 2020 and will reopen spring of 2021.
|
Quinault Area
|
|
Trail Name
|
Description
|
Mileage & Elevation
|
Conditions
|
Updated
|
|
Irely Lake Trail
|
Trailhead (North Fork Quinault River Rd.) to & including Irely Lake |
1.1 miles
500' to 600' |
No recent reports.
Closed to stock.
|
3/17/21 |
|
Big Creek Trail
|
Irely Lake to & including Three Lakes |
5.9 miles
600' to 3200' |
No recent reports.
Big Creek bridge has been removed, requiring a river ford. River normally ankle to knee deep during the summer season.
Above Big Creek, a slide area has damaged the trails exit from the creek bottom and this section is somewhat difficult to traverse.
Closed to stock.
|
3/17/21 |
|
Three Lakes to Skyline Trail Junction
|
Three Lakes to jct. Elip Creek Connector Trail |
2.9 miles
3200' to 4000' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Trail can be brushy in places. ~ 5 trees down across trail. Expect some minor routefinding through meadowed areas where grass has overgrown the trail.
Closed to stock.
|
3/17/21 |
|
Skyline Primitive Trail
|
Elip Creek Trail via Kimta Peak to North Fork Quinault Trail |
20.1 miles
3350' to 5400' |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Streams available near Kimta Burn and at Kimta Peak Campsite; no water between Kimta Peak and Three Prune.
Expert route finding/navigation skills recommended. This route is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain/loss.
No water sources between Three Prune and Kimta Peak.
Bear Canisters are required in most areas along this trail due to lack of good trees for hanging food and a large bear population.
Closed to stock.
|
3/17/21 |
|
Elip Creek Connector Trail
|
Jct. North Fork Quinault River Trail to jct. Skyline Trail |
4.6 miles
1000' to 3350' |
No recent report.
The Elip Creek Bear wire is damaged and requires a rope to use. Privy is across the creek from the campsites.
Closed to stock. |
3/17/21 |
|
Martins Park/Lakes Primitive Trail
|
Jct. Elwha River to Martins Lakes |
2.4 miles
3600' to 4500' |
No recent report.
|
3/17/21 |
|
North Fork Quinault River Trail
|
Trailhead to Lake Margaret |
16.5 miles |
No recent report. Expect winter conditions.
Visitors report a washed out section of trail approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead along a steep slope. With erosion occurring to the trail tread, visitors reported having to rock hop to get through this section.
Trail has been cleared of down trees to 12 mile. ~ 20 trees down between 12 Mile and Low Divide, some of which are challenging to get over/around. Wild Rose and Elip Creeks must be forded and these are typically ankle-knee deep during normal summer conditions; 16-Mile ford is also mid-shin to knee deep and swift-moving under normal conditions. North Fork Trail Quinault River Trail clear of snow from Trailhead to Low Divide.
Elip Creek bear wire requires your own rope. 12 mile bear wire is down and the shelter is buried in gravel. Camping at 12 Mile is not recommended due to many hazard trees near the buried shelter; camping on the gravel bar 0.25 miles downriver from the old shelter is recommended.
*Wild Rose Creek, Elip Creek and the river ford at Sixteen Mile Quinault River may become impassable due to heavy precipitation and snowmelt.
|
3/17/21 |
|
East Fork Quinault River Trail
|
Trailhead to Anderson Pass |
18.2 miles
646' to 4465' |
Visitor reports of multiple trees down across the trail. Snow begins on the trail just past Pyrites Creek and becomes shin to thigh deep in places.
Enchanted Valley is still largely covered in snow.
All food (including scented, packaged, & dehydrated food), garbage, and scented items (including lip balm, sunscreen, alcohol, tobacco, etc.) must be stored in bear canisters in Enchanted Valley (between Pyrites Creek camp and the O'neil Pass Trail jct).
White Creek, just below the O’Neil and Anderson Pass Junction, must be forded and during times of heavy rain or hot afternoons as snow continues to melt from higher elevations expect it to run knee high and swift. Use caution and good judgement as this crossing can be hazardous.
Enchanted Valley has a high population of bears; stay a minimum of 50 yards away from park wildlife.
***While the Hart Lake Cutoff and Lacrosse Lake Cutoff Routes may appear on some GPS devices and maps, these are not trails. Hikers attempting to complete these routes should expect cross-country conditions, consisting of dangerous and loose rocks, steep and brushy slopes, and zero signage.***
|
3/17/21 |
Queets Area Notices:
- Caution: The Queets River ford can be hazardous at any time of the year.
- Always check weather & road conditions.
|
Queets Area
|
|
Trail Name
|
Description
|
Mileage & Elevation
|
Conditions
|
Updated
|
|
Queets River Trail
|
Trailhead to Pelton Creek |
16.2 miles
360' to 800' |
No recent report.
27 trees down beyond the first 3.5 miles, most of which are easy to get over/around.
There is a washout .3 miles west of Bob Creek, about 200 yards long with an easy bypass by the river.
The trail past Bob Creek is extremely difficult to follow due to damage from the 2015 Paradise Fire. Numerous down trees. Expert route finding and navigation skills required. Camping past Bob Creek is not recomended due to many dead standing trees.
Trail is currently not passable to stock due to many blow-downs.
Fording the Queets River can be dangerous. For river levels, visit Queets Stream Flow. The river is generally fordable when the flow (measured at highway 101) is below 800 CFS. The crossing can still be waist deep or deeper even at this level. The river is generally not fordable during late fall, winter and spring.
Riverflow can go from fordable levels to unfordable levels, reaching 10,000 CFS or more within a few hours after heavy rain. Know the weather forecast. Don't get caught upriver during a rain storm unless you have planned in advance to stay awhile.
|
317/21 |
|
Lower Crossing Route
|
Queets River Trail @ Spruce Bottom to Smith Place |
2.1 miles
400' to 500' |
No recent report.
|
3/17/21 |
|
Sam's River Loop
|
Loop Trail from Queets Trailhead to Ranger Station and return |
2.8 miles
|
No recent reports. |
3/17/21 |
|
Upper Crossing Route
|
Queets River Trail to & including Smith Place |
0.3 miles
No elevation gain. |
No recent report. |
3/17/21 |
Coastal Trails & Routes
Coastal Area Notices:
- As of March 17, the Quileute Tribe has closed the Quileute Reservation to the general public until further notice. This closure includes the Second Beach Trailhead.
- As of March 16, the Makah Tribe has closed the Shi Shi Beach Trailhead to the general public until further notice. There will be no access to Shi Shi Beach from the north. For more information on the closure, please visit the website for the Makah Tribe (https://makah.com/).
- The Ozette Indian Reservation is closed to the public. Hiking north past the campsites at Cape Alava is prohibited. Please see the park alerts to see when/if this closure is lifted.
- Cannonball Island (Tskawahyah Island) is part of the Ozette Indian Reservation and is always closed to the public. Please respect this closure.
- ALL food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park approved Bear Canisters at all times along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Canisters may be available for loan at the WIC in Port Angeles or the South Shore Quinault Ranger Station.
- Visitors have left hundreds of piles of human feces unburied on the Coast and in other areas of the park. Walk at least 70 steps (200 feet) away from water, trails, and camp areas, dig a hole 8 inches deep in soil, and bury your human waste and toilet paper. ALWAYS use toilets when available.
- Iodine is not sufficient for water treatment as it does not kill cryptosporidium. Boiling or filtering water water is recommended.
- Storms can bring high wind and surf, storm surges, and beach and trail erosion.
- Coastal routes and stream crossings can be extremely difficult or impossible to traverse during high surf or heavy rain events. Always check weather and tides before attempting a coastal hike. Carry a tide table and topographic map with tidal markings and know how to use them.
- Ropes on overland trails are not installed or maintained by the National Park Service. Use at your own risk.
- Always check tides, weather & road conditions.
|
North Coast
|
|
|
Description
|
|
Conditions
|
Date
|
|
Shi-Shi to Cape Alava Beach Trail
|
Makah Reservation Trailhead to Cape Alava
|
14.3 miles
|
|
Access to this trailhead is via the Makah Indian Reservation. While the Makah Reservation remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, this trail will not be accessible.
|
r>
No recent reports.
Headland routes are often muddy, brushy and slick. Headland trails can be difficult to spot from the beach due to vegetation obscuring targets or missing targets.
Shi Shi Beach Toilets: North toilet is located at the south end of wooded campsites at park boundary; center toilet is located behind the large Petroleum Creek campsite; south toilet is located in forest north of Willoughby Creek.
Water sources can run low in the summer months. Chlorine and iodine do not effectively purify coastal water for human consumption.
Ozette River ford can be hazardous at high tide and/or after heavy rain. It is recommended to ford when the tide is below 2 feet.
Closed to stock.
No pets, use of weapons or wheeled devices.
|
|
|
South Coast
|
|
|
Description
|
|
Conditions
|
Date
|
|
Second Beach Trail
|
Trailhead to Second Beach
|
0.7 miles
|
Access to this trailhead is via the Quileute Indian Reservation. While the Reservation remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, this trail will not be accessible.
Beach logs at the end of the trail can be difficult and slippery to cross and trail can become muddy and slippery with precipitation.
The first toilet is on the north end of the beach and can be accessed from the main trail. Look for orange flagging/tape indicating its location.
Closed to stock.
No pets, use of weapons or wheeled devices.
|
12/23/20 |
|
Third Beach Trail
|
Trailhead to Third Beach
|
1.4 miles
|
No recent report. Check the marine forecast for expected ocean swell.
Toilet is on the south side of the creek; it is flagged with orange and red tape but can be hard to spot.
Closed to stock.
No pets, use of weapons or wheeled devices.
|
12/23/20
|
|
South Coast Beach Route
|
Third Beach to Oil City
|
15.3 miles
|
Visitors report 10+ down trees on the Scott Bluff trail and active erosion on the north side. Check the marine forecast for ocean swell.
There are no main water sources between Scott Creek and Jackson Creek (located just south of Toleak Point) making for a 2.5 mile dry section.
However there is one water source located .3 miles north of Strawberry Point in the brush but can be hard to locate.
There are 39 trees down on the overland trail between Mosquito Creek and Hoh Head and is very brushy.
Always use the Taylor Point Overland Trail. It is impossible to travel on the beach around Taylor Point.
As of 8/16/2020, overland routes at Third Beach and Scott Bluff are reported to be steep and exposed. Rope and ladders are up to assist hikers, but are not maintained by the park - use caution when navigating around headlands!
Always use the overland trail between Mosquito Creek and Jefferson Cove; the beach access trail just north of Hoh Head no longer exists. Trail can be very strenuous for some hikers. The trail currently has multiple downed trees, washouts, and eroded areas.
**CAUTION** Diamond Rock has a tidal restriction of 2', located approximately 1.5 miles north of the Oil City Trailhead. Any backpacking trips that include travel through this area require advanced planning with tidal charts to safely navigate this section. If the tides are too high, this section can be impassable for numerous days in a row.
Camping at Jefferson Cove may not be possible during high tides or surf.
Beach access to/from the Oil City trailhead from the Hoh River mouth can be cut off at high tide and/or when the river is in flood stage. Always carry a tide chart and check the weather forecast!
During winter, the coast south of Third Beach is only recommended for experienced backpackers due to difficult bluff climbs, deep mud and high streamflow levels; stream crossings especially at Goodman and Mosquito Creek may be difficult even during low tides.
Closed to stock.
No pets, use of weapons, or wheeled devices.
|
1/13/21 |
|
Oil City Trail
|
Hoh River Bank to Trailhead at Oil City
|
0.6 miles
|
No recent report.
**CAUTION** Diamond Rock has a tidal restriction of 2', located approximately 1.5 miles north of the Oil City Trailhead. Any backpacking trips that include travel through this area require advanced planning with tidal charts to safely navigate this section. If the tides are too high, this section can be impassable for numerous days in a row.
Campsites are limited on the coast at the mouth of the Hoh River.
Trail has several downed trees but is in overall good condition.
Beach access/exit at the mouth of the Hoh River is cut off at high tide or when the river is at flood stage in winter. Always carry a tide chart check the weather forecast!
Closed to stock.
No pets, use of weapons or wheeled devices.
|
12/23/20
|
|