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Olympic National Forest
This is an excellent trail for a short family day hike. But be cautious of large, hazardous trees in the trail corridor. There is a swimming area at the base of the falls, but, be aware, there are also a lot of leeches in the water.
Location and Access: Travel Highway 101 or State route 8 to U.S. route 12 to Montesano. Turn north on the Wynoochee Valley Road (Devonshire Rd.) about one mile west of Montesano. Proceed on Wynoochee Valley Rd. (becomes FS Rd. #22) for 34 miles to F.S. Rd. #23. Continue on FS Rd. #23 for 3 miles to the trailhead (just past Spoon Creek).
Facilities at Trailhead: There is a small pull-off area for parking. There are no facilities at the trailhead.
Opportunities: Day hiking, scenery, bird watching. Trail Length Miles Elevation Trailhead............0.0............900' Viewpoint of Falls...0.3............800' Level of Difficulty: Easiest.
Recommended Season: Spring Summer Fall
Mt. Walker
This 2 mile trail winds through dense stands of tall Douglas fir and lush undergrowth of salal, huckleberry and rhododendron. The trail switchbacks up the mountainside. The trees thin as one climbs in elevation, and the trail emerges onto a windswept ridge, called the North Viewpoint. This offers spectacular views of the mountains to the west and north. This viewpoint can also be accessed by a short (150 feet) trail from the upper parking lot. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the hike to the summit and 1 hour for the hike down.
Location: The Mount Walker Road (Forest Service Road # 2730) is located 5 miles south of Quilcene off Highway 101. The trailhead is located 1/4 mile up the road. The road continues to the summit of Mt. Walker.
Pioneers Path
This 0.3 mile trail takes the hiker through a stand of second growth fir and hemlock. Signs along the trail interpret pioneer activities. This loop trail travels along the banks of the Soleduck River and then returns to its starting point.
Location: The trailhead for the Pioneers Path Nature Trail is located in Klahowya Campground, 9 miles west of Lake Crescent on Highway 101. It can be found just beyond the boat ramp in the large campground loop.
Mt. Zion Trail #836
Trailhead: 13 miles northwest of Quilcene on FS Road 2810.
Length: 1.8 miles Grade: 15-20% Elevation: 29504273'
Activities: Trail ascends through new growth forest to picnic/camping area on top. Great views of Puget Sound, Mt.Baker, Mt. Rainier and the Cascades. Motorized vehicles, mountain bicycles and pack and saddle stock are permitted.
Facilities: Picnic and camping area. Water scarce. Boil all water before using.
Restrictions: None
Level of Difficulty: More difficult.
Ranger Hole #824
The hike can be completed in 1/2 hour. For the Ranger Hole Trail, keep to the right, descends 0.8 miles through second growth Douglas-fir to the Duckabush River. Allow one hour to hike to the river and return to the parking lot.
The Interrorem Nature Trail, which branches off to the left just 200 feet down the trail, is a short half-mile loop trail through rain forest-like vegetation.
Location: From Highway 101 take the Duckabush River Road (Forest Service Road # 2510 ) for four miles to the Interrorem Guard Station and trailhead parking.
Interrorem Nature Trail #804
This nature trail forms a loop off Ranger Hole Trail #824. In this rain forest like atmosphere, there is an abundance of ferns and mosses, as well as, huge second growth Douglas-fir and Hemlock. Many giant stumps of cedars and firs (up to 9 ft. in diameter) can be viewed as the signs interpret the vegetation of the area.
Location and Access: Travel Highway 101 to the Duckabush Recreation Area (FS Rd. 2510), 22 miles north of Hoodsport. Follow the Duckabush Road for 4 miles to the end of the pavement. Interrorem Guard Station and the trailhead are on the left side of the road.
Facilities at Trailhead: Parking lot for Ranger Hole and Interrorem Trails, picnic area, and vault toilet. Interrorem Cabin is available for overnight rent, contact the Hood Canal Ranger Station for details. Please respect the privacy of the renters. Potable water is available at Collins Campground 1 mile beyond Interrorem Guard Station.
Opportunities: Excellent short family day hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, vegetation similar to the Rain Forest.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Trail Length Miles Elevation Trailhead 100' up Trail #824..........0.0.............319' End of trail and Jct w/Trail #824..................0.25............319 'Recommended Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Falls View Canyon #868
The Falls View Canyon Trail switchbacks down steep canyon walls to the Big Quilcene River. Wood handrails are provided to help along the steeper portions of the trail. The trail emerges at a large rock on the banks of the Big Quilcene at the point where the river makes a sharp left turn. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the 1.2 mile round trip. Bring along your pole for some fishing at the river.
Trailhead: 3.5 miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 at Fallsview Campground parking area.
Length: 0.6 miles Grade: 10-20% Elevation: 400-200'
Facilities: Camping, water and toilets at Fallsview Campground.
Restrictions: Pack and saddle stock, motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: More difficult
Location: The trail begins in the Falls View Campground, 3.5 miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101. The trailhead is located at the left edge of the parking area. There is also a short (0.1 mile) vista trail that begins at the right edge of the parking lot. The vista trail offers views of a waterfall and the Big Quilcene River far below.
Recommended Season: All year
Fallsview Loop Trail #848
Trailhead: 3.5 miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 at Fallsview Campground parking area.
Length: 0.1 mile Grade: Level Elevation: 400 feet
Activities: Delightful short walk with overlooks of waterfall and steep canyon walls with depth of 300 feet.
Facilities: Camping, water and toilets available at Fallsview Campground. Picnic tables in trees.
Restrictions: Pack and saddle stock, motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: Easiest
Rainbow Trail #892
Trailhead: 5 miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 at Rainbow Campground.
Length: 0.5 miles Grade: Up to 20% Elevation: 600440'
Activities: Lovely trail descends through tall firs, understory of ferns and salal, and switchbacks past a waterfall to Rainbow Canyon at the Big Quilcene River.
Facilities: Camping, toilets at Rainbow Campground.
Restrictions: Pack and saddle stock, motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: Easiest
Short Hikes | Medium Hikes | Long Hiking Trails
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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