17. ELK LAKES

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

A great alternative to the oft-crowded Lena Lakes the Elk Lakes are a perfectdestination for hikers young and old alike and those just seeking a little solace.The hike described here is the longer way following a remnant of a trailthat once traversed the entire Jefferson Creek Valley. If your intent is just toget to the lakes, then begin your hike from the upper (main) trailhead.

Start hiking through a recent burn area traversing steep slopes several hundred feet above roaring Jefferson Creek. Born in the snowfields of Mount Ellinor and her rugged neighbors; the creek crashes through a steep and narrow canyon before draining into the Hamma Hamma River.

The way eventually enters old-growth forest and makes a few ups and downs before coming to a junction at 1.1 miles. Now head right (you’ll be retuning on the left) through a grove of gigantic cedars coming to Elk Lake. Shallow and surrounded by grasses, the lake teems with birdlife and casts

pretty reflections of the surrounding slopes. Continue along the shore and then follow alongside Jefferson Creek through more impressive old growth coming to FR 2401.

Then walk the road left for 0.8 mile, picking up the trail again just after crossing Cedar Creek. But be sure to head right first on a 0.2 mile side trail to pretty little Upper Elk Lake. Then retrace your steps—cross the road and follow a trail dropping back down to the lower lake.

Pass big trees and some nice shoreline lounging spots. Pass the spur leading to the upper (main) trailhead and cross Jefferson Creek on jumbled rocks. In spring and other periods of high water this may be difficult. Just beyond the crossing reach the first junction. Turn right and return to your vehicle.

Highlights: Old growth forest, wildlife

habitat Distance: 4.5 miles return Difficulty: Easy Elevation gain: 700 feet Permits: None Hiking Season: Year round Notes: High clearance vehicle recommended for lower trailhead. If FR 2421 is too rough, stay on FR 2480 for 3 more miles, turn right onto FR 2401, 2.5 miles to the upper trailhead. Kid & Dog Friendly: Yes Trailhead Amenities: none GPS waypoint: N47 34.759 W123 07.222 Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District: fs.usda.gov/olympic Map: Green Trails Olympic Mountains East 168SX Trailhead Directions: From Hoodsport travel north on US 101 north for 13.7 miles turning left at milepost 318 onto FR 25 (Hamma Hamma River Road). Continue west for 6.4 miles and turn left onto FR 2480. Cross the Hamma Hamma River, and in 0.2 mile turn right onto unsigned FR 2421. Follow this rough road 1.6 miles to trailhead on your left at a pullout where the road makes a sharp turn right.