Elwha River and Lillian River Trails

To tackle the Wolf Creek Trail, you start by winding up Whiskey Bend Road just outside of Port Angeles, falling the curves and hills of Elwha River. The peaks of the Olympic Mountains stand in the distance.Once you approaching a clearing and small parking area, you grab the gear and hit the trail. The trailhead starts at around 1,200 feet and, if the season allows for it, finishes at 5,100ft. F...

The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Springs Road, bearing left past the drained basin of Lake Mills to the end of the road at Whiskey Bend Tr...

Tucked away in the trees along Olympic Hot Springs Road, the Elwha River slows to a crawl and forms a perfect natural swimming hole.   It is a great place to cool off, picnic, and enjoy the beautiful forest surrounding the Elwha River.   The river's water is crystal clear and a vivid blue-green color.  It runs down from the Olympic Mountains, so make no mistake, the water is very cold.   If you...

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 Hurricane Hill is just a few minutes drive further down the road. The hike up Hurricane Hill is a 3 mile ...

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 aren't in the mood for a gripping hike, you're on an unforgettable adventure with an expansive overlo...

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 via the Madison Falls Trailhead. Located in the Olympic National Park, the trailhead lies at the en...