Hike 7/20 Elwha River/Glines Canyon Vista
Monday, July 20, 6:45 AM - 7:30 PM
7 miles, 500 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
B
Let's hike along one of the mightiest rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, and explore a fascinating vista that overlooks the site of the former Glines Canyon (aka Upper Elwha) Dam. Located a few miles west of Port Angeles in Olympic National Park, the hike begins where a major washout several years ago blocked the Elwha Valley/Olympic Hot Springs Road. A bypass trail now takes you around the washout, and the road can then be walked for many miles through the gorgeous river valley. We'll go about 3.5 miles to the canyon overlook and back again. Expect to see great views of the river, the snow-covered peaks, and maybe some wildlife sightings too. Note that this trip will vary slightly from the trip I led in spring of 2025, as we will walk up the Whiskey Bend Road (east of the river) to a similar viewpoint with a different vantage point into the river canyon and out over the former reservoir. Trip fee includes ferry cost and the national park permit fees.
Expected Conditions:
There should be no issues with the roads or trails for this trip, aside from one tree down over the trail near the beginning. Most of this hike is on the old road up the valley toward Whiskey Bend. There are slight ups and downs, no steep sections. We are at low elevation the whole day, so there could be warm temperatures, but much of the way is in forest. This is an out-and-back hike, we'll return the same way we go.
Other Considerations:
It's bug season--bring bug repellant. Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for this hike. Trekking poles might be useful at times. Pack water and food in your pack, and plan to eat lunch out on the trail. We'll be taking the 7:55 ferry from Edmonds to Kingston in the morning, and will stop at Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston. If anyone wants to be picked up in Edmonds, note that the pickup spot is now on Pine Street, near the Schaefer Community Garden. Here's a Google Maps link to that spot. Contact me ahead of time if you need a pickup there.
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