Low-level hikes to love
Published 12:01 am Sunday, May 22, 2011
QUILCENE — At Crystal Mountain they’re planning to ski into June and perhaps even July. Paradise, on the south side of Mount Rainier, is still blanketed with more than 18 feet of snow.
In other words, the epic winter that produced such a spectacular ski season will also certainly mean a late start to hiking season on higher elevation mountain trails.
But standing on top of tiny Mount Walker gazing across Hood Canal, the wait doesn’t seem so bad.
The eastern Olympic Peninsula offers a treasure trove of rewarding lower elevation hikes that are snow free or almost snow free right now.
The trails offer views of the Cascades and Olympics, enough uphill to workout the legs and easy access from U.S. 101.
And the trails aren’t as busy as you might think.
“The amount of people has been down this year and so has the number of people who have been calling for information about the trails,” said Peggy Dressler who staffs the Olympic National Forest ranger station in Quilcene.
“Sales are down and we aren’t handing out as many maps. I think it has to do with the weather and the economy. It’s been a rough year.
“But this is a really good place to go hiking, especially if you are content with shorter trails.”
Here are five hikes (and a couple of side trips) worth exploring around Quilcene. Unless otherwise noted, maps and passes for the trails are available at the Hood Canal Ranger District office (295142 U.S. 101 S., Quilcene).
Miles: 5.
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet.
Pass: None required.
Sure, on May 6 the road to the top of the 2,805-foot mountain opened to motorists, but the views are always more rewarding if you hike.
The two-mile hike climbs at grades ranging from 10 percent to 20 percent through a forest of Douglas firs and soon-to-bloom rhododendrons. The trail ends at the north peak with a view that includes Mount Baker, the Olympics and Quilcene Bay. However, the views might be even better if you extend the hike another half-mile.
By following the gravel roads to the south viewpoint, you can take in a bonus panorama that includes Jackson Cove, Mount Rainier and Seattle.
Picnic tables, benches and outhouses are available at the top. For drivers, the short gravel trail to the south viewpoint is marked as wheelchair-accessible.
Trailhead: From U.S. Highway 101 about five miles south of Quilcene, turn east on Mount Walker Viewpoint Road. The trailhead is on the right about a quarter-mile up the gravel road.
Side trip: The half-mile Falls View Canyon Trail is on the west side of Highway 101 about 3.5 miles south of Quilcene.
Miles: 3.5.
Elevation gain: 400 feet.
Pass: None required until July 1.
This relatively easy loop hike travels through second-growth forest and a grove of maple trees and runs briefly alongside the Dosewallips River.
The park is open to camping, but fees increased $1 on Friday. A standard campsite is now $22 per night. Full utility sites are now $31 per night, a
$3 increase.
The park has 5,500 feet of shoreline on Hood Canal.
For more information, visit parks.wa.gov. Maps are available at the park.
According to the website, the park is closed occasionally because of flooding and visitors should call 360-796-4415 before their journey.
Trailhead: Follow Highway 101 about 12 miles south of Quilcene.
Miles: 9.6.
Elevation gain: 1,950 feet.
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass.
This hike along the Duckabush River is one of Olympic National Forest ranger Peggy Dressler’s favorites to recommend.
“It¹s a great hike you can do any time of the year,” she said.
There are places to camp along the trail. The park boundary is at 6.7 miles.
Wilderness permits are available at the trailhead and are required to camp inside the park boundaries.
While the trail gains nearly 2,000 feet, the trail grade is moderate.
There is a rest area near the river at 2.4 miles for those looking for a shorter hike.
Trailhead: About 15 miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101, turn west on Duckabush Road. Drive six miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road 2510-060.
Miles: 1.6.
Elevation gain: 300 feet.
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass.
The hike to the falls is easy and mostly follows along an old logging road.
Murhut Falls drop about 130 feet.
For an easy side trip, hike the nearby 2.1-mile trail to Ranger Hole. This was once a popular fishing spot, but is now simply a scenic spot at the end of this short, mostly flat trail.
While the trail is easy enough for kids, Dressler says, “I hate to recommend it for kids. It’s so close to the river, I¹d hate for them to fall in.”
Trailhead: From Highway 101 about 15 miles south of Quilcene, turn west on Duckabush Road and drive 6.3 miles. At this junction, stay right; continue
1.3 miles to the trailhead. The Ranger Hole trailhead is located at the Interrorem Cabin 3.6 miles west of Highway 101 on Duckabush Road.
Miles: 4.2.
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet.
Pass: None required.
Notch Pass is 2,500 feet above sea level, and the climb to this spot is a good way to get the legs in shape.
From the pass you’ll be able to see Mount Constance and other peaks.
“The views aren’t as stellar as Mount Walker,” Dressler said, “but they are pretty good.” While it is only 2.1 miles to the pass, you can double the length of this hike by continuing over the pass to the Big Quilcene River. And if you want to go farther still, the trail hooks up with the Lower Big Quilcene Trail.
Trailhead: From Highway 101, turn west on Penny Creek Road about one mile south of Quilcene. Follow Penny Creek Road, staying left at the fork, and then (0.9 miles after the fork) turn left on the unmarked Road No. 10.
Continue 1.4 miles to the trailhead.
