Mount Walker

Hike of the Week:

January 28, 2008

The North Viewpoint of Mt. Walker provides a pleasant bench to ponder the view of Puget Sound, the Olympics and the Cascades. Photo by skimpyphud.

Location:  Eastern slopes of the Olympics
Distance:  5 miles roundtrip
Elevation:  2000 feet gain to 2084'
Maps:  USGS Mount Walker

Why Go?

Excellent views of Hood Canal, the Seattle skyline, Mt. Constance, Mt. Jupiter and east to Mt. Baker and more.  No crowds.  And it's a great winter (or spring) workout with its 2000 feet elevation gain.

Mount Walker is the the Olympic's easternmost peak and the only peak facing Puget Sound to have a road and a trail to the top.  In winter, however, the road is gated and makes for a rewarding and steep hike to two viewpoints at the top.  No snowmobiles are allowed!

After crossing over the winter gate on the road, go a short distance until you see the sign for the trailhead on the right.  The trail takes you through hundred year-old Douglas-fir, spring blooming pacific rhododendrons, salal, and Oregon Grape (so you may want to return and see the flowers in May or June!).

The North Viewpoint is at 2 miles and 2,805 feet - there is a bench there where you can eat your lunch and enjoy the view.  The South Viewpoint lies a half-mile farther (same elevation) along the road and offers a different perspective on the scene below and beyond.  You won't want to miss either viewpoint.

Enjoy the winter solitude, because the road to the top makes this a popular place in the summer.

For More Information:

Hood Canal Ranger District: Quilcene (360) 765-2200. The Olympic National Forest website has write-ups on the trail and the viewpoints.  Also, check our Hiking Guide and Trip Reports - at least two have been filed this winter so far. Guidebook: Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula (Craig Romano, The Mountaineers Books, 2007).

Directions:

Drive 5 miles south of Quilcene on US Highway 101. Turn east onto Mt. Walker
Viewpoint Road and park at the gate which closes the road in winter. To get to the proper trailhead, you must walk around the gate and up the road a short distance until you arrive at the signed trailhead on the right side of the road.