Hike of the Week: Elwha River Geyser Valley Trail

Want a hike with historic significance? Want a hike along a beautiful river? The lower portion of the Elwha River Trail is your hike. A loop is recommended for a nice family outing. The trail is relatively level, though with enough ups and downs to stretch some muscles.

The trail starts out above the Elwha River, on the Elwha River Trail. In about 1.2 miles you come to the Rica Canyon Trail. Take a right and head down the hill.

Directions

: Drive U.S. 101 west from Port Angeles 9 miles and turn left onto the Elwha River Road (AKA Olympic Hot Springs Road). Drive 2 miles to the park boundary. Just past the ranger station, turn left onto Whiskey Bend road. Drive 5 miles to the end.

Difficulty rating

: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 most difficult) Miles round-trip

: 7.6 Elevation

: 300 feet Best time of year

: Year-round

Map

: GT 134S Elwha North/Hurricane Ridge; GT 134 Mt. Olympus; GT 102 Joyce

Pass

: Olympic National Park day or annual pass

Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee. For other hikes, visit www.thenewstribune.com/hiking.

This story was originally published July 3, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Hike of the Week: Elwha River Geyser Valley Trail."