Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Craig Romano/The Mountaineers Books Mount Walker
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Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula,
by Craig Romano.
A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails. Washington's state flower, the coast rhododendron, grows in profusion along the steep dry slopes of Mount Walker. For much of the year the rhodies merely add a layer of dark green to the forest understory. But come late spring this hardy shrub calls for attention as it begins to blossom, speckling the surrounding firs and hemlocks with rosy-purple bouquets. By June, vibrant violet bell-shaped blossoms ring throughout the emerald forest. Mount Walker is one of the best places in the state to witness this floral show. But if you can't come for the blossoms, Mount Walker makes for a great winter hike. With the summit road closed, you won't have to worry about sharing those far-fetched Puget Sound views with very many people. The trail is hiker only; it's short but steep, well maintained and well traveled. Immediately begin climbing through a tunnel of rhodies under a uniform canopy of second-growth cedar and hemlock. Look up occasionally to see if you can locate any of the old wire and insulators that once serviced a fire tower on the summit. After about 1.5 miles small ledges begin to break the monotony of the forest and tease with limited views. The grade eases slightly, and after 2 miles and 2000 feet of climbing you emerge at the North Summit viewpoint. Views are limited here. They're much better at the South Summit, reached by walking the graveled Summit Road for 0.5 mile and then following a small trail to the breathtaking panorama of Puget Sound. Stare straight down to Dabob Bay and the Toanodos Peninsula. Behind, Green and Gold Mountains rise on the Kitsap Peninsula. Mount Rainier adds a snowy backdrop. And if you're here in June, the whole scene will be framed with fragrant purple boughs. For a variation on the return, if the road is closed (winter) consider descending on it. It loops 4 miles around the mountain, offering more sweeping views of the surrounding territory.
Driving Directions:
From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 5 miles. (From Shelton follow US 101 north for 47 miles.) Just north of milepost 300, turn left (east) onto Mount Walker Road (Forest Service 2730) and proceed 0.25 mile to the trailhead. When the road is closed, park at the gate. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Mount Walker was calling this morning, siren song that she can be this time of year on a sunny day....
Mount Walker was calling this morning, siren song that she can be this time of year on a sunny day.
We arrived at the trailhead at the leisurely hour of 11 a.m., and found surprisingly few cars - no one yet parked along 101. Downed a few Advil (planning ahead for the ol' knees.) The trail seemed quiet today and one could not have asked for more perfect conditions. This steep climb of 2,000 feet over 2 miles warmed us right up. When we broke out at the top, a few patches of snow lingered here and there, but nothing troublesome and no traction devices needed. As usual the gray jays greeted us, along with stunning views of Baker...Townsend...Constance. We strolled down the road to the south viewpoint and broke out the ham and pickle sandwiches, sunning on the bench, enjoying the warmth and the views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and the Hood Canal. Don't forget your binoculars. Skip the Superbowl....Walker calls. Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Day Hike to both summits of Walker.
This is often a popular and well-travelled trail, especially on weekends, and today was...
Day Hike to both summits of Walker.
This is often a popular and well-travelled trail, especially on weekends, and today was no exception. In fact, it seemed more like being on a sidewalk in downtown New York City. Everyone, however, was pleasant, which makes being on a trail with lots of users more enjoyable for everyone. Jason and I and my Border Collie enjoyed a strenuous trek on a cloudy Saturday. There were about six cars in the parking area when we arrived at 7:35 a.m. By the time we left at about 10:30 a.m., cars were parked along the highway. We encountered two large groups and several duos and solo hikers. About 3/4 mile below the summit, we started encountering new-fallen, soft snow, and by the summit walked in about two inches of the stuff. It was still powdery and easily trodden upon, without any slipping and sliding to speak of. I decided to go light, hiking the ~5 miles round trip in my Merrell barefoot shoes, and had no problems. Although we made it above the fog on the North summit and enjoyed a fantastic view of the Olympics (with overcast skies above them), the fog seemed to hang high around the South summit, preventing the usual splendid view of Hood Canal, Seattle, and the Cascades. It's typically breezier and a few degrees cooler on top, so it's often a good idea to bring a windbreaker and an extra insulating layer to put on when you arrive. Even though today didn't afford views to the east, I still highly recommend visiting the South summit to see if you can catch the vistas for yourself.
Mount Walker
— Dec 29, 2011
— nphiking
Day hike
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No water source
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A very beautiful 2000 foot climb to the top. There was no snow today, but very windy. Prepare to have...
A very beautiful 2000 foot climb to the top. There was no snow today, but very windy. Prepare to have a windbreaker at the top. This was a great hike for our labrador.
We then walked the road down around the mountain. There are a few trees down along the way, but nothing that can't be circumvented. Day hike
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Snow on trail
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Fun trip with the road closed for the winter! Nice 1000ft elevation gain per mile on this short 2mi...
Fun trip with the road closed for the winter! Nice 1000ft elevation gain per mile on this short 2mi trail.
The lower section was snow-free and switchbacks through beautiful a forest. As we approached the trail end on the North summit, there was 1-2 inches of snow and a cloud covering the entire mountain top. We hiked to the South summit, but except for a brief break in the cloud, were unable to see any views. Only saw 2 other hikers entire trip. We went back down the trail, instead of using the road for a loop route. We'll return id there is enough snow later this winter to snowshoe the road.
Mount Walker
— Jun 28, 2011
— karyl15
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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Rhododendrons were still in bloom as of Tue, June 28. At the top there was one still tightly budded....
Rhododendrons were still in bloom as of Tue, June 28. At the top there was one still tightly budded. Although I'm contradicting the hiker from the previous wk-end, thanks to him I chose this hike. Not as many rhodies blooming as last June, I thought, but how glorious it is to enjoy being under and then above them! Clouds swirled between us and Constance and Warrior, making these peaks seem grander. Both the several hiking parties and those who had driven up were impressed and joyful. If you're looking for a short tho steep hike this holiday, this is for you. Just beware of ferry traffic; the middle day of the holiday wk-end is usually OK.
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A bench makes a nice resting stop atop Mt. Walker. Photo by "skimpyphud."
2010, 2011
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