Mt. Muller

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Running, riding, mountain biking and viewing scenery are all on offer here at Mt. Muller, in addition to the ever-changing colors of flowers. In addition, carry adequate drinking water and be prepared for bad weather.

Be mindful - the flower meadows are very fragile. Please stay on the trail. Tether stock in designated areas only or in the trees below the meadows. Practice LEAVE NO TRACE techniques during your trip.

This trail is very rocky and rooty, especially coming down the eastern side of the loop. Keep an eye out and place your feet carefully.

From a lush temperate forest valley, the trail climbs 2,200 feet in three miles to Snider Ridge Trail on very steep switchbacks. After reaching this ridge, the trail weaves four miles through Douglas-fir trees on the ridge's northern side, and rocky points and high meadows to the south. The trail meanders along the ridgetop between Jims Junction and Mosley gap. This section offers spectacular views of Mt. Olympus, Lake Crescent, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the Sol Duc Valley below.

Be sure to stop and take a breather at Panorama Point - the views to the south, especially of Lake Crescent and Mt. Olympus, are unrivaled.

From Mosley Gap the trail descends to the valley floor through boulder formations and overhanging moss. Along the way you bypass the Spruce Railroad Trail, which takes you to the northern shores of Lake Crescent. The loop trail finally returns to the trailhead through beautiful stands of maple, Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

The Olympic Mountains range from sea level to the summit of Mount Olympus at 7,965 feet elevation. This mountain range consists of many ridges extending out like spokes from the hub of a wheel. Most of the mountainous terrain on the Olympic Peninsula is within the Forest's or Park's Wildernesses. Wildlife, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, cascading rivers, flowering meadows, and crystal clear lakes make this mountain range a very special place to visit. Backpacking, running, mountain climbing, hunting, and fishing are common activities in the Olympic National Forest's mountain ranges.