LaCrosse Pass

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This is an insane trail run that will have extremely steep sections with loose dirt and rocks. There will also be numerous areas of downfall and countless roots.

It is easy to believe that saying 99.9% of visitors to Olympic National Park won't to see LaCrosse Pass is an understatement. This is about as wild as it gets in the heart of the Olympic Interior. Offering stunning views of glaciers and access to some of the wildest terrain around, if you want solitude, this is where you'll find it.

If you start this trail from the Duckabush River Trail, be aware that it starts out ridiculously steep. The path switchbacks up nearly 3,000 feet in the first mile or so, giving your legs a complete and utter beating. Take your time, take rests and eventually, you'll rise out of the forest and stand atop LaCrosse pass.

The pass gives great views, and will almost rejuvenate your spirit after the climb. With views of Mount LaCrosse and Mount Anderson to restore your sense of wonder, start heading down the trail for 2,000 feet of elevation loss and reach the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail. This section of the trail is far less steep than the Duckabush side, and will be a welcome relief. Keep an eye on the always gorgeous Mount Anderson and glacier as you work your way down, and keep an eye and ear active for black bear.

Fantastic fall colors, a few nice sections of wildflowers and amazing old growth wilderness will leave you happy. Watch for deer, possible elk and black bear and even a few marmots.