Graves Creek Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

This is an epic trail run, but the creek crossings 3.5 miles in can thwart a longer outing. Watch for roots and rocks, and be prepared to encounter serious sections of mud and water. Also, watch your step as some places are quite steep and a tumble could be hazardous.

Starting at the always gorgeous Graves Creek Campground in the Quinault Rainforest of Olympic National Park, the Graves Creek Trail is rarely explored and worth the adventure. If you have ever wondered what the "jungle" of the Quinault Rainforest feels like, exploring this side creek that feeds into the Quinault River is a journey back in time. Passing by huge trees and moss-covered logs, rocks and forest floors, this trail is a perfect place to find solitude and peace in the beauty of Olympic National Park.

Graves Creek steeply climbs up the hillside, and the trail follows the same route, though elevated high above the box canyon below. The first mile has you crossing a handful of streams that could be flowing high and fast for most of the year. You'll also gain 500 feet of elevation before you reach a short spot to rest and take in the tumbling streams feeding the creek in the canyon below. Past here, the trail crosses a few avalanche chutes before reaching two serious creek fords. In the fall, winter, spring and early summer months, these creek crossings can deter most visitors. For those that continue on, dry off and enjoy a much more leisurely trek toward the junction of Sundown Lake Trail and Wynoochee Pass Trail.

Very few people choose to take this trail, and the beauty you'll encounter makes it worth the trip. However, keep in mind that it will be wet and muddy, as you are still in the rainforest.

Old growth cedar, fir, and hemlocks can be found around every corner.