Lopez Island, Washington

There are four trailheads that guide you to the top of Mount Townsend, but the most popular choice is to begin at the Upper Trailhead Trail #839 (snow permitting).  The trail gradually climbs while traversing through forested area. While walking through the fir and hemlock trees, you pass three ...

A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is ...

Madison Falls is at the end of a 200 foot paved pathway. It is approximately 60 feet tall and lingers in the midst of incredible lush forest. Enjoy it from a viewing point of up close and personal where you can see the greenest of moss growing up along the rocks.

Racehorse Creek is broken up into four distinct waterfalls that drop a total of 140ft through a relatively shallow gorge. The first two waterfalls are punchbowl-type falls that have deep holes at their bases. Immediately below the second waterfall, the creek descends rapidly before it arrives at...

A short and scenic trail of tranquility that leads to the secluded Lake PJ, hidden on Hurricane Ridge. Nothing but nature stirs here. The trail, while well-traveled, is far quieter than others in the surrounding area of Olympic. You might see one other hiker. It is lined with wildflowers and in t...

The winding roads and drop-off cliffs provide an outstanding journey to the trailheads on a clear day. If you have to bear through the fog, your reward at the top is worth every second of what you missed. The first image above is your view from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, so even if you a...

Olympic National Park is built for someone with a week or more to spare for backpacking deep into the heart of the park's endless miles of wilderness. Between the mountains, the coast, and the rainforest, there is a lot of park to see for someone who is trying to fit their visit into an extended ...

The beauty of many of the north coast trails in the Olympic Peninsula is that your car does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.  This is certainly true of the Grand Valley Trail, which begins more than a vertical mile above the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the end of the Obstruction Point Road.  Six...

Badger Valley Trail to Grand Pass Trail Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Port Angeles, Washington.

Mt Prevost is a local favourite for hikers, mountain bikers and if you can believe even hang gliders. Most people know it for the large war memorial tower that is perched on the cliff edge, standing guard over the valley below.The big draw of Mt Prevost is easy access to a significant distance an...

As you begin your journey into Burns Bog Delta Nature Reserve from the parking lot and small trail coming off of Westview Drive, notice the gravel trail ahead of you and across the train tracks that will take you into the bog itself and take a left. After spending a few minutes on the straight tr...

To get to this hike you drive up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The drive up to Hurricane Ridge is on a winding road with amazing views of the mountains. Once you reach the visitors center at Hurricane Ridge you can fill up water bottles or use the restroom. The trailhead for Hurric...

West Elwha River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Port Angeles, Washington.

This trail has a nice, steady climb that's perfect for beginner or intermediate backpackers. The first 2.5 miles follow a forest trail along the Big Quilcene River. For the next 3 miles, the trail flows in and out of shaded trees, over a small talus field, and through a meadow before the final ac...

The climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain.  Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass.  Be sure to filter water ...

The secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics...