West Fork Humptulips River #806
Aug 28, 1999
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: West Fork Humptulips River
- Region: Olympics -- South
- Agency: Olympic National Forest, Pacific Ranger Station, Quinault
- Trails: West Fork Humptulips River (#806)
- Avg Rating: 2.00
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
This trail enters the lower elevations of the Moonlight Dome Roadless Area, which the Wild Washington Campaign has proposed for Wilderness designation. A group of five of us accessed the trail at the Campbell Tree Grove campground and headed southwest. The campground, as the name suggests, contains many massive Douglas-firs. The trail crosses the river about a quarter mile along, requiring a ford. Several more fords follow in the subsequent four miles or so. All of the river crossings are relatively easy and fun this time of year, though. A few were about thigh-deep, but the current was not especially strong. The trail has benefitted from recent maintenance work and re-routing, but in some places is barely visible. This is not a problem, however, as the route is always obvious and no brush obscures the way. Instead, the faint parts of the trail are mostly covered with grass and other small plants. Ribbons and markers on the trees also prevent any confusion insofar as direction. Although views of heavily timbered ridges were pleasant, the highlight of this trail is without question its exquisite rainforest. Although I expected some nice old growth, I was surprised at the abundance of many species common in valleys such as the Hoh or Queets. Oxalis and ocean spray were extremely abundant on the forest floor, and Sitka spruce added its unique character overhead. An impressive grove of grand fir was observed along the way. Western red cedars, old and lovely, were also scattered about. Beautiful elk-mowed glades with moss-hung maples were a very special treat to the eye, enhancing the rainforest appeal. We turned around at the 6th crossing from the campground, and saw no other hikers the entire day. Seems strange that Bob Wood didn't include this trail in his otherwise very comprehensive Olympic Mtns. Trail Guide.
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