Hike to Mt. Walker North & South Viewpoints
Brinnon, Washington
Details
Distance
4 miles
Elevation Gain
2000 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jason Horstman
A steep but short and well-groomed trail offers sweeping panorama views of the Olympic mountains and Puget Sound. From the North Viewpoint, take in the views of prominent Olympic peaks such as Constance, Warrior, Welch, and Mount Townsend. From the South Viewpoint, take in views of the Puget Sound, Mt Rainier, and Mt St Helens.
Directions:
From the Quilcene Ranger Station drive 4.6 miles south on US 101. Watch for the signs for Mount Walker View Point. Turn left onto Mount Walker Road. The trail head is about a quarter mile up the road with pull over parking on the left side of the road. In the winter and early spring, the road is closed and gated very close to US 101. Park near the gate and walk the road to the trailhead.
Hike:
In my opinion, the best option is to do this one in the winter or spring when the gate is still closed and the trail is snow free. Park near the gate and walk a quarter mile or so until you see the sign for the lower trailhead. Follow the West ridge of the mountain as it switches back and forth until you reach the North Viewpoint. The trail is very well groomed and easy to follow. From the North Viewpoint continue on until you get to the summer parking lot, and veer off left to make your way to the South Viewpoint. Both areas offer sweeping panorama views of both the Olympics and Puget Sound.
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Reviews
We drove to this location thinking we were going to be hiking up. We quickly realized by reading signs that you can actually drive to the top of the view points instead of hiking. We didn't end up hiking, and I'm glad we didn't. The views wouldn't have been worth the hike to me. If was pretty, don't get me wrong..but not for the effort if you can just drive to the top. I like the view to be the reward at the end of a hike & I just wasn't that impressed. There's also quite a bit of people because you can drive to the top. I would recommend driving to the top of this one if you're going and find a different hike if you want to actually hike up. There is a very pretty direct view of Rainer though.
3.0
Although the hike is short and steep, the views on a clear day of the prominent Mt Constance and surrounding Olympic peaks are hard to beat. The views of Mt Rainier and Puget Sound are also outstanding!
5.0
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