Bunker Ridge Trail

Dogs Unknown

There is no pass or entry fee for Salt Creek Recreation Area or WDNR Striped Peak Area. If the main parking lot is full you can drive in a bit further and park near the playground / picnic area instead. All parking is free for the day use area.

Part of the Salt Creek Recreation Area the Bunker Ridge Trail is the quickest access to the summit of Striped Peak. Along the way you'll also have to opportunity to see some abandoned bunkers. During World War 2 this area was named Camp Hayden and was the main base of operations for coastal defense along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Starting from the parking lot at the entrance of the Salt Creek Recreation area start running along the Strait Slope Trail for about 1/3 of a mile. There you'll see junction of the Bunker Ridge Trail to your right. This trail climbs for about 1000 feet of elevation gain in 1.25 miles as you approach the summit of Striped Peak. During your climb you'll get some brief views of the Strat to Juan de Fuca and even a nice wooden table and chairs if you need a short break. At about a mile in you'll see an abandoned WW2 bunker on your left. I have read that you can enter it and see multiple rooms, but I did not attempt it, so approach at your own risk. After the 1.25 mile mark you'll find the junction for the Striped Peak Summit Trail on your right. The trail is a short 1/3 mile loop and modest climb, but worth it for the surrounding views of the Olympic mountains and Crescent Beach area. From that point you can then either go back the way you came or continue on another 2 miles until you reach the terminus of the Strait Slope Trail. From there it is another 2 mile downhill run through coastal forest back to the parking lot.