Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions – April/2024

Our new hiking departure time will now be at 8:30 a.m.

Date Hike ~Miles / ~Elevation Parking

Wed, Apr 3 Olympic Adventure Trail - Mile 0 [Easy to Mod] 7-8.5 / 700'-955' Discover

A popular & familiar route for many and is considered Mile “0” of the Olympic Adventure Trail (OAT) off of Hwy 112. Can hike to what is called the “Living Room” with a bench and picnic table, offering a nice view and a convenient turn-around spot. Or, we may do an adventure loop off the OAT, depending upon the leader! An extra 1-1/2 mi. can be obtained by going to the truck.

Fri, Apr 5 Foothills Trails [Moderate] 7-9.2 / 1167'-1800' Discover

This multi-use, DNR area off of Little River Road, provides a network of trails, including On Ramp, Quick Climb, Sunny Side, Freefall, Phantom Bear, I-5, Water World, to name a few. On top, at a picnic table for lunch, can get good views of P.A., the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Mt. Angeles, etc. to the south.

Wed, Apr 10 Gibbs Lake County Park [Easy] 5-6 / 250'-377' n/a

There are many loops & hiking options here. One popular route is around the lake in this 700-acre County Park in Jefferson County. The Walt Hoffman Trail (with peekaboo views of the 90-acre lake) & possible add-ons of Jack’s Track Trail, Springboard, Ameri-Corps, Scout's Trail add a nice variety. There is a convenient picnic table and restroom at the lake for a snack or lunch.

Fri, Apr 12 Lower Gray Wolf [Easy to Mod] 7-8.5 / 900'-1250' NW Forest/Golden

Distance will be dependent upon which trailhead is used and if the Cat Creek Loop (~ 1.4 mi.) is incorporated. Enjoy this hike along/near the Gray Wolf River with its many features. One comes down to the river 2-3 times at Two-Mile Camp, Cliff Camp, etc., and also goes up above the river in spots. WILDERNESS HIKE: LIMIT 12

Wed, Apr 17 Striped Peak [Moderate] 7-9 / 850'-1650' n/a

Many options of loops in this area, including going down to the picturesque Cove. Can go to the real Striped Peak @ 1,166’ (not a real peak but a high prominence), on a newly built trail in this County Park and 1500-acre DNR area. There are also fabulous views of Crescent Bay, towards Vancouver Island across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, etc. One might even get to see Mt. Baker!

Fri, Apr 19 Lower Dungeness River Trail - (Lower Section) [Mod to Diff] 6.6-13 / 1645'-2100' NW Forest/Golden

Starts at lower parking lot of Lower Dungeness T.H. off F.S. Rd. 2860. Follows the Dungeness; then climbs steadily to the 3 O'Clock Ridge Trail, a good turn-around point. There are older bridges and some creek crossings, like Skookum and Cougar to the 3 O’Clock Ridge Trail. Or, can continue towards the River Shelter crossing Bungalow Creek or on to the Upper Dungeness area.

Wed, Apr 24 Fort Townsend [Easy to Mod] 5.2-7.5 / 550'-800' Discover

Built in 1856 at Port Townsend Bay. It has Army history, including a torpedo x-ray tower and an abandoned military cemetery (27 bodies were removed in 1898). Many lovely forested trails; bluff, rhody, madrona, fern, and trillium trails; native plants; and a self-guided, interpretive history trail.

Fri, Apr 26 Dosewallips Cascades [Moderate] 11-13 / 1335'-1650' NW Forest/Golden

Hike is up Dosewallips River Rd., before Brinnon. Hike to the Cascades (aka Dosewallips Falls) @ ~ 5.5 mi. Hikers can turn around here or proceed on up to the abandoned Dosewallips Ranger Station & Campground another approximate mile.

NOTE: Our new hiking departure time will now be at 8:30 a.m., a ½ earlier than before. Please be at the Sequim Safeway Gas Station parking lot by 8:15 a.m. for a prompt departure. Thanks for your flexibility & promptness.

DISCLAIMER: Hiking is to be done at your own risk. Hikers assume their own liability and should be prepared for any circumstances. Please carry your Ten Essentials. Over-the-Hill Hikers assume no collective or individual liability for any mishaps on any of their hikes or outings. Please use discretion and be safe. Do you own research on the hikes offered and in order to determine if a hike is to your ability. Thank you.

*- For partaking in snowshoe hikes with us, it is recommended to consider having some Avalanche Awareness whenever partaking in a snow sport or going into the “back-country”, especially when off of Hurricane Ridge Rd. You can find some listings of various Avalanche Awareness presentations as scheduled on the NWAC website (Northwest Avalanche Center) under the heading, Education. These presentations include: REI Silverdale on Wed., 1/10 from 5:30-7 p.m.; a virtual class by the Kula Cloth Academy at 6 p.m. on Thurs., 1/11; & a class at the Port Townsend Library on Thursday, 1/18 at 6 p.m., to name just a few! Good Luck! Pre-registration is recommended or required for these presentations. Thank you!