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Olympic National Forest
The 4 mile Lake Quinault Loop Trail extends deep into the dense vegetation of the Olympic Rain Forest. It also offers views of Lake Quinault, a boardwalk through a cedar swamp and trees standing on stilts. Allow 2 to 3 hours to complete this walk. The Rain Forest Nature Trail, a 1/2 mile loop, has small signs interpreting many unique rain forest features. Allow 45 minutes to walk this short hike through the giant trees of the rain forest.
Location: The loop trail can be accessed from several locations along the South Shore Road at Lake Quinault, including the Forest Service Ranger Station, Lake Quinault Lodge, both Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds, and the Rain Forest Nature Trail parking lot. The Nature Trail parking lot is 1.4 miles from Highway 101 on the South Shore Road or 1/2 mile south of the ranger station.
The Brothers Trail #821
This trail enters The Brothers Wilderness. You will travel through a remote canyon area called the Valley of the Silent Men. The Brothers were named in 1856 after Edward and Arthur Fauntleroy, brothers of Ellinor and Constance Fauntleroy, for whom were named Mt. Ellinor and Mt. Constance. The south peak is called Mt. Edward, the north one Mt. Arthur. The trail is maintained to Base Camp where a faint path utilized by climbers angles to the northwest and ascends the slopes to the base of a chute. The climbing route follows this chute to the top of the south peak, the last few feet being a rock scramble. The ascent is long and strenuous and is recommended for experienced climbers only. Many people have been seriously injured because they did not take the proper precautions. Climbing gear, good boots, helmets, and the ten essentials are a necessity when climbing The Brothers. Fires above 3,500 feet elevation and groups consisting of more than 12 people are prohibited within the Wilderness.
Location and Access: Travel Highway 101 to FS Rd. #25 (Hamma Hamma Recreation Area), 14 miles north of Hoodsport. Go 8 miles to the Lena Lake Trailhead #810. Hike Trail #810 for 3.6 miles to the beginning of The Brothers Trail #821.
Facilities at Trailhead : There is a large parking area at the Lena Lake Trailhead, a vault toilet, and potable water (available at Lena Creek Campground).
Trail Length Miles ElevationTrail begins at Lower Lena Lake at the inlet of the east fork of Lena Creek.
Miles Elevation
Beginning 0.01,800'
The Brothers Wilderness 100'1,900'
End of maintained trail 3.03,100'
Summit of the south peak 4.56,866'
Recommended Season: Spring Summer Fall
Opportunities : Climbing, backpacking, day hike, scenery.
Level Of Difficulty: Difficult
Jefferson Pass Trail #800
The trail is annually maintained and generally is in good condition to the saddle. An abandoned trail drops from the saddle into the Jefferson Creek drainage.
Climbing Route: Climbs in the early season should be undertaken with caution. Avalanche hazard in the Big Creek snow basin is always present in the Spring. This peak is the highest point on the rocky ridge overlooking Lake Cushman from the north and is named for its resemblance to George Washington's profile, the chin being the summit.
Note: This is not considered to be the main route to the summit of Mt. Washington. Most climbers use Route 1A (see Olympic Mountain Rescue's"Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains" for more details).
Location and Access: Travel Highway 101 to Hoodsport. Turn onto State Route 119 and drive 9.0 miles to junction with F.S. Rd. #24. Turn right and travel 1.6 miles to F.S. Rd. #2419 (Big Creek Rd.). Travel 7.0 miles to trailhead.
Facilities at Trailhead : There is a small area for parking right before the trailhead. There is no toilet or potable water.
Opportunities: - Climbing, day hiking, and scenery.
Recommended Season: Mid Spring, Summer, Mid-Fall
Miles Elevation
Trailhead 03,000'
End of maintained trail
at saddle at the base
of the east face 1.13,850'
Climbing route to summit 2.06,255'
Level of Difficulty : Trail is Moderate Climbing route beyond the end of the trail is a Class 4 climbing route, (ropes and belaying) and is Most Difficult
Lena Lake Trail #810
The trail to Lena Lake is well maintained and is an easy to moderate grade with long switchbacks. Please stay on the trail, cutting switchbacks will save only seconds, while the destroyed vegetation will take years to recover. This is a National Recreation Trail and is heavily populated during the summer months. Beyond Lower Lena Lake, the trails are of limited maintenance and steeper. There are 29 rustic campsites with metal fire rings around the lake for your use.
Please: Keep fires confined to metal fire rings. Put fire dead out before leaving camp. Attend fire at all times. Develop no new sites. Treat all water before drinking. The Forest Service is in the process of revegetating the southwest shoreline of Lena Lake from the outlet to approximately 500 feet north of the Big Rock cookout point). You can help revegetate this area by not entering the"No Camping" areas.
Going to Upper Lena Lake ? You will be entering Olympic National Park. - Be sure to fill out a backcountry permit for overnight trips (available along the trail at the park boundary). Firearms and pets are prohibited in the Park. Stoves only, no fires above 4,000' elevation. Violators will be cited under Federal Law.
Location and Access : Travel Highway 101 to F.S. Rd. #25 (14 miles north of Hoodsport) and follow 8 miles to trailhead.
Facilities at Trailhead: Parking area on each side of the road, accessible vault toilet, water available at hand pump at Lena Creek Campground.
Opportunities: Camping, fishing, excellent family day hike, bird and wildlife watching.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Miles Elevation
Trailhead 0.0650'
1st bridge 1.91,600'
2nd bridge 2.61,800'
Jct. w/ Upper Lena
Trail #8113.01,900'
Lena Lake Campground 3.21,800'
Jct. w/ Brothers
Trail #8213.51,800'
Fires above 3,500 feet elevation and groups consisting of more than 12 people are prohibited within The Brothers Wilderness.
Recommended Season: Spring Summer Fall Winter
Deer Ridge Trail #846
Trailhead: 14 miles southwest of Sequim on FS Road 2875.
Length: 5.2 miles Grade: 35% maximum Elevation: 2540-5230'
Activities: Splendid views of Olympic peaks at high elevations. Trail crosses National Park Boundary and ends at Deer Park. Pack and saddle stock not recommended.
Facilities: Camping area adjacent to trailhead at Slab Camp. Water may be scarce. Boil all water before using.
Restrictions: Motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited. Pets, weapons and vehicles not allowed in Olympic National Park.
Level of Difficulty: More difficult
Slab Camp Trail #838
Trailhead: 12.5 miles southwest of Sequim on FS Road 2875.
Length: 3.1 miles Grade: 30% overall Elevation: 2540-1440'
Activities: Follows Slab Camp Creek to Gray Wolf River. Single log footbridge at river. Pack and saddle stock are permitted with ford of the river. Intersects Graywolf Trail.
Facilities: Camp at rustic sites at parking area and Duncan Flat Camp. Boil all water before using.
Restrictions: Motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: More difficult.
Silver Lakes Trail #842
Trailhead: 15 miles west of Quilcene on FS Road 2760. Trails starts 4.0 miles up the Mt. Townsend Trail #839.
Length: 2.5 miles Grade: 8-10% Elevation: 5500-5300'
Activities: Upper and lower lakes beyond end of trail. Both lakes stocked. Spectacular scenery above lakes. Pack and saddle stock permitted.
Facilities: Camp at existing sites. Boil all water before using.
Restrictions: Motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: More difficult.
Little Quilcene Trail #835
Trailhead: 14 miles west of Quilcene on FS Road 2820.
Length: 4.1 miles Grade: 1540% Elevation: 4200-5275 3400
Activities: Open spaces with spectacular views. Intersects Mt. Townsend Trail. Pack and saddle stock are permitted.
Facilities: Camp at existing sites. Water scarce. Boil all water before using.
Restrictions: Motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles prohibited.
Level of Difficulty: More difficult
Short Hikes | Medium Hikes | Long Hiking Trails
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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