CHS 1 Hike - Deer Ridge

We will leave the campground at 7:15. If you prefer to meet the group at the Slab Camp & Deer Ridge TH we plan to hike out at 8:00. 

Directions to trailhead: From Sequim and other points north, travel 2.5 miles west of Sequim on US Highway 101. Just after crossing the river, turn left on Taylor Cutoff Road. Bear right after 2.5 miles onto Lost Mountain Road. (Lost Mountain Rd turns into Slab Camp Rd.) After another 2.5 miles, turn left onto FR-2870. In about a mile, go right at FR-2875. Continue 3.5 miles to the Slab Camp Trailhead (2,550 ft).

Please note that shortly before the FR-2875 turn, there's a small sign saying Gray Wolf Trail is straight ahead; this sign is for Lower Gray Wolf. Follow FR-2875 about four miles to the end and an open parking area for Slab Camp & Deer Ridge Trails.

Google maps indicates that it is 16 miles from the campground to the trailhead and should take about 32 minutes. 

*** if you’re coming from the campground you will turn RIGHT off Highway 101 onto Taylor Cutoff Road***

Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass

We will hike the ridge from Slab Camp up to Deer Park on the north side of the Olympics following the Deer Ridge Trail, # 846 the entire hike. Trail No. 846 starts out in the Olympic National Forest on an old road bed.  At 1.5 miles the elevation gain begins in earnest.  Weather permitting, views to the south begin about 2.7 miles in.  At 3.3 miles (4,800 ft) enter Olympic National Park.  At 4.9 miles we will reach the Deer Park campground /ranger station at 5,350 ft and the end of the trail -- where we will enjoy our lunch. 

On the trail, the forest flora includes rhododendron and other wildflowers.  WTA writer reported, “Look for stonecrop and phlox in the rockfields and chocolate lilies, columbine, buttercup and lupine in the meadows.” 

Carry enough water because there is no water at the top. There is a primitive toilet at the campground. 

Weather

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.9332&lon=-123.4096