Barnes Creek

A nice creekside hike within the Olympics with the option to check out Marymere Falls on the hike. This hike has all types of old growth and lush vegetation.

This trail follows Barnes Creek to Lake Crescent Lodge as an alternative idea, but at the junction turn left following the creek. Soon enough you will come to another junction where you have the option to check out the heavily visited Marymere Falls. This is a popular portion of the trail where most people will be heading. Take a right to stop and check it out if you are interested, otherwise continue onward for Barnes Creek. Continuing onward is surely a different trail, as it does not have the tourist who is trying to take the perfect photo.

Along this trail there is all sorts of old growth and lush plantlife. At one point you will have to cross the creek which is simple in the summer, but has the chance of danger during winter. Nearing the end of the hike you will find many places along the creek to dip feet and relax while enjoying the outdoors.

Driving Directions:

From Port Angeles continue west on US 101 for 20 miles at to Barnes Point at milepost 228 turn right at a sign titled "Lake Crescent Lodge and Marymere Falls." You will shortly come on a stop sign where you will turn right and continue to parking area. The trail begins on the Maryemre Falls nature Trail.

Recent Trip Reports

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There are 4 trip reports for this hike.

Barnes Creek — Jul 17, 2010 — tenderfeet

Overnight

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This is a great hike for quiet and solitude without a ton of elevation gain-- ideal in this year of ...

This is a great hike for quiet and solitude without a ton of elevation gain-- ideal in this year of lingering snows in the high country. After hopping off the #14 Forks bus Friday night at Lake Crescent Lodge it's a bare 3 1/2 miles to Dismal Draw camp, much prettier than its name suggests. The next morning is a smooth and easy stroll along the unmaintained but easily negotiable six miles to Lookout Dome atop the divide between Barnes Creek and Hughes Creek, a tributary of the Elwha. A great leg stretcher, no bugs, no snow, no traffic, just wilderness.

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Barnes Creek #48 — Apr 04, 2008 — PC

Day hike

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Barnes Creek Olympic National Park Fourteen members of the Klahhane Club hiked Barnes Creek on Wedn...

Barnes Creek Olympic National Park

Fourteen members of the Klahhane Club hiked Barnes Creek on Wednesday April 2 2008. Thanks to those volunteers who worked on the bridge across the creek the trail is now accessible up to Aurora Ridge.

We would like to congratulate all those who worked so hard to install the new bridge. It is a fine example of great engineering and cooperative team work. There has been no bridge at this crossing for years.

The trail was in good shape up to the Aurora Ridge junction with some downed trees to negotiate in the higher region - so what's new for this winter! We encountered snow (2-4ins) near the ridge.

This will be a great trail for summer hiking - we will repeat it.

Thanks for the fine effort.

Patricia J Cleall

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Barnes Creek #48 — Apr 20, 2003 — Woodchopper

Day hike

Issues: Blowdowns | Bridge out

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Arrived at the trailhead at 9am – no cars. Quickly donned my pack and rushed to the trail. For th...

Arrived at the trailhead at 9am – no cars. Quickly donned my pack and rushed to the trail. For the next five hours I saw no humans, bears, deer or any other four-legged wild creatures. The first half mile or so is a tourist walk but then the trail narrows to a 12-inch wide path. Despite the incessant rain the trail was rarely muddy. With only two blow downs there was little to slow my advance into the interior.

Then there was the crossing. The ruins of an old bridge are easily visible but resemble a bombed Baghdad bridge. Not wanting to get my feet wet I precariously danced across a white log. I survived. For the next several hours I enjoyed the solemn hymn of the forest. Somewhere after the tenth switchback I rested with bread, jam and water. The return was swift and upon my return to civilization witnessed several tourists on their way to the Falls.

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Barnes Creek #48 — Apr 17, 1999 — ONP

Day hike

Issues: Blowdowns

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Barnes Creek Trail: A short distance beyond the Marymere Falls turnoff there's a large jumble of tr...

Barnes Creek Trail: A short distance beyond the Marymere Falls turnoff there's a large jumble of trees and root wads that make the trail essentially impassable at this time.

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