Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions -- Jul, 2025
Meeting point changes to
SEQUIM PUBLIC PARKING LOT just beyond the
north-east corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street
(162 N Sequim Ave, Sequim, WA 98382)
Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions -- Aug, 2025
Fri, Aug 1
Crown Park to Reservation [Easy] 5-7 / 125'-200' n/a ride-$5
Start from Crown Park in P.A. and walk down to beach area, which is a short, but very steep decline for ~ 100'. Then, walk along the pleasant beach under towering cliffs, for about 4 miles. One can proceed further, if allowed.
Wed, Aug 6 Madison Falls to Altair Campground up Elwha River [Easy to Mod] 7.2-7.8 / 700'-980' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
Walk on the E. side of the Elwha River from Madison Falls, up along the Bypass Trail, by the Elwha Ranger Station, on the Olympic Hot Springs Rd. crossing the Elwha River. & down to the abandoned Altair Campground.
Fri, Aug 8 Badger Valley to Moose Lake from Obstruction Point [Difficult] 9.7-10.1 / 2769'-3000' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$10
This is a difficult, brutally descending hike down to Grand Lake & going on to Moose Lake before an equally grueling, exposed ascent. Bring plenty of water. Experienced mt. road drivers needed for the drive to the end of Obstruction Point Road. It's nice to do a loop whether clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Wed, Aug 13 Little River [Moderate] 7 / 875' Discover ride-$5
This is a hike close to Port Angeles off of the Black Diamond Rd. The trail enters Natl. Park at about 1.2 miles. This used to be a historical trail leading to mines. You will pass by rock walls, old growth trees, and cross log bridges across the S. Branch of the Little River about 5-7 times and can end up at a log bridge (with a rope for support).
Fri, Aug 15 Storm King [Mod to Diff] 4.1 / 1831' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
Park at the Storm King Ranger Station at Lake Crescent. Proceed towards Marymere Falls. Storm King Trail will be on left. From there it is a climb!
Wed, Aug 20 Royal Creek [Moderate] 6.9-7.4 / 1099'-1226' NW Forest/Golden ride-$7
Follow Royal Creek up to the base of a beautiful rock slide area. (There is often a waterfall seen in the late spring/early summer.) This hike begins at Upper Dungeness Trailhead. Pass the trail to Camp Handy on the left (crossing over Royal Creek). Proceed on the right following Royal Creek up. Pass the Maynard Burn Trail and hit the Natl. Park Boundary at 1.5 miles. At the end drop down ~ 75' to Royal Creek Camp @ 3.5 mi for lunch. Lots of Fungi.
Fri, Aug 22 Marmot Pass, Quilcene [Difficult] 11-11.5 / 3490'-3650' NW Forest/Golden ride-$7
This is one of the more difficult, but popular, hikes in the area steadily climbing up to Marmot Pass at ~ 6,000'. There are wonderful views from up on top with a steep, ¾-mile climb up to this point from Camp Mystery. The trail follows the Upper Big Quilcene River, goes by Shelter Rock Camp, leaving the river at Camp Mystery at ~ 4.6 miles and on up the final ascent to Marmot Pass, which "captures what makes the Olympics so special".
Wed, Aug 27 Camp Handy [Easy to Mod] 6.5-7.5 / 750'-875' NW Forest/Golden ride-$7
Camp Handy is on the Upper Dungeness River. Park at the Upper Dungeness T.H. Parking lot. Go ~ 1 mile on the trail, crossing Royal Creek on the left over an impressive bridge. Trail parallels the river for the most part. Enjoy old-growth Douglas fir and a green carpet of moss along this trail. Camp Handy is an excellent destination for first-time backpackers, as it is fairly easy to get to.
Fri, Aug 29 Pyramid Mt. [Difficult] 6.6-7 / 2400'-2486' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$7
This hike starts from the N. Shore Picnic Area off of Camp David Jr. Rd. near Fairholme. It goes up to a WWII enemy-airplane spotter cabin up on the precipitous summit. At 1.5 mi., cross June Creek. Climb steeply crossing a rather "dicey" and exposed landslide at 1.8 miles. Use caution (and poles!) for this section. Turn-around if need be. At 2.7 miles, reach the ridge crest & follow an old logging road at about 3 miles. Then, it's a final push of a 1/2 mile to the summit and cabin.
NOTE: As with any hike, do your own research on a particular hike and assess whether it is of your hiking ability. Always carry your Hiking Essentials and do not rely on others to bring them for you. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: OTHH assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps on any of their hikes or outings. Please use discretion and be safe. Please read the Hazards & Liability section on the Home page of the OTHH website and refer to the link given and agree to the conditions set forth in that document.
WILDERNESS HIKE: One hike listed above (Mt. Townsend to Silver Lake) goes into the Wilderness, so there is a Wilderness Regulation of a limit of 12 in a group. Please honor this and divide up.
EARLY START: Watch for an e-mail from the leader(s) ahead of time indicating what time to meet at the Sequim Public parking lot.