Queets River
Olympic rain forest at its finest! A beautiful, but difficult rain forest hike or backpack in Olympic National Park. It's up to 32 miles round trip with up to 500 feet of elevation gain. Brush and a river crossing is what makes this a potentially challenging trip.
Getting There
From US-101, 50 miles north of Hoquiam and 53 miles south of Forks, turn east onto Forest Road 21 (West Boundary Road). Drive 8.1 miles, bear left onto Forest Road 2180, drive 1.3 miles, an turn left onto Forest Road Spur 011. Drive 1.4 miles, turn right onto Upper Queets Road, and drive to its end and the trailhead (290 ft).
On the Trail
Hike the Queets River Trail up to 16.2 miles to with 500 feet of elevation gain to the Pelton Creek Shelter. Be sure to visit the record Douglas Fir, on a short spur trail 2.4 miles from the trailhead.
Notes
- A river crossing is required. It is challenging and best done late in the season, late July trough September when water levels are lower.
- The trail is quite overgrown and difficult to follow.
- There are reservable campsites (via recreation.gov) at Spruce Bottom, Bob Creek and Pelton Creek.
- Beyond 7.5 miles, the forest burned and the trail is gone.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
- Seasons: August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 15.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 300 ft
- 680 ft
- Land Manager: Olympic National Park
- Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Custom Correct Queets Valley
- Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park
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- Queets River
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