West Elwha Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There are often downed trees in the early season. Multiple creek crossings and muddy spots.

This trail starts at the north end of the now closed Altair Campground near its boat launch. The grade is mostly mellow although there is a bit of a climb early on in order to cross a creek. Wind through dense, mossy forest following the Elwah River valley.

There are good views of the river from the Hughes Creek bridge area and connoisseurs of wildflowers will have plenty to look at. The trail makes one last approach to the river before crossing Freeman Creek and then veering away, climbing up out of the valley. Run through a short stretch of private property before terminating at the end of Herrick Road.

Ferns, flowers (trillium, violets, geranium, larkspur, paintbrush), mushrooms, maple, old growth trees. Bear, deer, ducks.