Day Hike - Deer Ridge

Meet at the Slab Camp/Deer Ridge trailhead at 0830.

Directions (from USFS ONP Slab Camp/Deer Ridge page):

From Sequim, WA go approximately 2.5 miles west of Sequim on US Highway 101. Turn left on Taylor Cutoff Road just after crossing the Dungeness River. Follow Taylor Cutoff Road to Lost Mountain Road. Follow Lost Mountain Road for 2.6 miles. Take a slight left onto Slab Camp Road and follow for .9 miles. Turn right onto NF-2875. The trailhead is located at the end of NF-2875 after 3.6 miles, and will be at the junction of NF-2878 and NF-2875.

Alternate directions (from WTA Deer Ridge page):

From the south, drive Highway 101 to Louella Road just south of Sequim Bay State Park. Turn left at the T onto Palo Alto Road. After about 6 miles, take a right at a junction onto FR-2880. The road goes down steeply to cross the river. In just over 1.5 miles, turn right onto FR-2870 (signed for Gray Wolf and Slab Camp trails).

Stay straight to be on Slab Camp Road (do NOT turn left onto 2878 or other unmarked roads). Turn left onto FR-2875. Take note that the sign is sometimes knocked down or obscured and go about four miles to the 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. After another 2.5 miles, turn left onto FR-2870. In about a mile, go right at FR-2875.

Please note that shortly before the 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.

Join us for a long and scenic hike to Deer Park in the Olympic National Park. The Hurricane Ridge road isn't scheduled to open until later in June and we're likely to have the entire area mostly to ourselves.

If the group is willing/able, we might extend our trip just a bit to Blue Mountain. We'll make that decision at Deer Park.

It is still early in the season, and although reports suggest there is no snow on the trail, you should be prepared for mud and water on the trail in places. With any luck, the sun will be blazing, so don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water.

We probably won't stop for a sit-down break along the way unless it's necessary. Please be prepared to knock out 5+ miles at a relaxed pace with few breaks, other than the usual short breaks to take pictures, adjust gear, and use the euphemism. We'll have a leisurely lunch at Deer Park. With lunch, this trip will take around six hours, give or take.