Elwha River Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The first 24 miles of this trail are completely runnable, albeit a little wet (like most PNW trails...), but the final ~2 miles are incredibly steep. Only super-humans will be able to charge their way up this pitch.

Due to the road washout, this trail now must be accessed from Madison Falls Trail. From the trailhead parking area, follow the paved road 0.7 miles to the Bypass Trail. Take the entire Bypass Trail. Once you are back on the road, in approximately 0.8 miles you'll reach Whiskey Bend road. Hike or bike this road in its entirety to Whiskey Bend trailhead, where this trail description begins.

The Elwha and its tributaries are closed to fishing. Obtain backpacking permits from Olympic National Park.

The Elwha is the Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed and, prior to the construction of two dams in the early 1900s, was known for its impressive salmon returns. Today, both dams are gone, the Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell reservoirs have drained, and Elwha River flows freely from its headwaters in the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Sediment once trapped behind the dams is rebuilding critical river and nearshore habitats, vegetation is being restored in the once barren landscapes of the drained reservoirs, and anadromous salmon and trout are naturally migrating past the former dam sites for the first time in over 100 years.

The Elwha River Trail (ERT) spans the entire Elwha Valley, which is located in the central northern area of Olympic National Park. Today, the Elwha River is the site of one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park Service history. With its sparkling river surrounded by mountains, the Elwha Valley is a popular destination for all.

From the Whiskey Bend Trailhead, the ERT extends further than a marathon, following the Elwha River the entire way. The trail begins quite moderately, contouring along the Elwha River's eastern wall as it goes.

The trail passes multiple feeder streams, tributaries, and intersecting trails through thick old-growth forest hosting stands of Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce. The trail's final push is a tough challenge, and will have most runners out of breath. Additionally, the Elwha River must be forded at Chicago Camp en route to Low Divide. Always check conditions prior to your trip. With all of this in mind, the views from Low Divide and Margaret/Mary Lakes are stunning and well worth the slog.

Snow can persist during winter and early spring months and can obscure the trail. River crossings can be hazardous. Always check trail conditions.