Destination - QUINAULT TRAILS

Olympic National Park

QUINAULT TRAILS

Graves Creek Campground Nature Trail (1 mile)
This trail is a circle beginning and ending near the river adjacent to Graves Creek campground provides the casual visitor an opportunity to experience the rainforest without expending great effort.

Enchanted Valley Trail
This is a heavily used trail beginning at the end of the South Shore Road, 1/2 mile past the Graves Creek Ranger Station. The road, in years past, extended two miles further up the valley but since the road was closed to vehicle use, it now has become pa rt of the trail. An old picnic table still remains at the end of the old road section. Many day hikers elect to follow the trail only as far as Pony Bridge (2-1/2 miles), a scenic spot and good turn around point for those with a limited time schedule. F rom this point on, the trail basically follows the river, terminating at the chalet, a two-story log structure built in 1930, now partially used as the backcountry ranger station. There are several good camping sites along the way. It is possible to cont inue beyond the chalet trail to Anderson Pass or O'Neil Pass and even on to follow the Duckabush or Dosewallips rivers out to the other side of the park. This is often done in one direction or the other by summer backpackers.

Graves Creek Trail to Sundown Lake (8 miles)
This trail also begins at the end of South Shore Road past the Graves Creek Ranger Station. It climbs above Graves Creek, gaining elevation gradually, then steadily arriving at the confluence of Graves Creek and Success Creek at approximately four miles.

The stream must be forged at this point, which can be difficult in spring or at times of heavy rain. It is crossed quite easily, however, in the late summer, and one can continue on to beautiful Sundown Lake. This is considered a way trail and is not as heavily used as the Enchanted Valley Trail. Also, Sundown Lake can be reached from logging roads in the Olympic National Forest following the Winched Trail. The lake receives much heavier usage than indicated by the numbers entering the Graves Creek Trailhead. One can continue to explore beyond Sundown Lake by way of, trail along the north fork of the Skokomish over Six Ridge and out the Duckabush.

Low Divide (17 miles)
Beginning at the North Fork Ranger Station, the trail follows the North Fork of the Quinault to the Low Divide which is the pass between the Quinault and the Elwha. It is one of the main "through the park" trails as one can travel 27 miles beyond Low Divide to the Whiskey Bend Trailhead on the Elwha. There are several camp spots along the way to Low Divide, and the day hiker often elects to go the first 2-1/2 miles to "Wolf Bar".

Irely Lake (1.1 miles)
This is an easy 30 to 45 minute walk beginning on the North Fork Road, approximately 1/4 miles before the campground entrance. The day hiker is able to enjoy the handi work of beavers along the way and spot a variety of bird life, including Osprey, which often nest at the lake. This is a good hike for a camera buff.

Three Lakes (7 miles)
The trail climbs 500' in the first four miles to Big Creek bridge, crossing, then climbs 2000' the last 3 1/2 miles to the lake area. The three lakes are small shallow alpine lakes and the surrounding area is excellent amphibian habitat. Average hiking time is four to six hours.

Elip Loop (21 miles):One continues past Three Lakes on the Skyline Trail to the Elip Creek Trail, which, after four miles, connects with the North Fork trail. 3500' elevation gain.

Skyline Trail (31 miles)
This trail follows the Queets/Quinault Divide, beginning at Three Lakes and ending at the Low Divide. It is a late-summer, early-fall trail and difficult at times for even the experienced hiker. This is a most beautiful and scenic route in good weather.

Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail (.5 mile)
This trail, adjacent to the visitor center, passes through a portion of a temperate rain forest that is a diminishing part of our world. Mild temperature, summer fogs and some 140 inches of annual rainfall allow trees and other vegetation to grown vigorously here.

Your visit may be rewarded by the song of a winter wren or a glimpse of some other form of wildlife.