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Hike to Mt. Walker North & South Viewpoints

Brinnon, Washington

3.0/5
based on 3 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

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.

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!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Falls View Canyon

Hike Lower Big Quilcene River

Short Hike to Rocky Brook Falls

Camp at the Dose Forks

Marmot Pass via Big Quilcene Trail

Backpack to Marmot and Constance Passes