The Front Country Volunteer Trail Crew performed trail brushing and repaired additional tread. This was only done for the official trail.

The Front Country Volunteer Trail Crew repaired trail tread in several areas, including a very muddy section. Drainage was confined and fill placed. Several logs were removed from the trail. Brushing was also done in several trail sections with a plan to return to do more extensive brushing at a future date. Trail in good shape.  Note, the work involved only the official trail.  The waytrail to the "other summit" of Cascade Rock was not worked on.  

We love Cascade Rock but the reviews on WTA and All Trails are mostly misleading. The trail can ONLY be accessed from the Madison Falls Trailhead and then you walk up to the trail junction and begin to climb to the sign for Cascade Rock. There are NO stream crossings for this spot, because you don’t go anywhere near the Elwha Campground, which is effectively under the Elwha River. You stay on the “bypass” side of things and do not cross a bridge, as described in the listing.

We clocked this at around 7 miles round trip, which is much more than the 5+ listed on other sites. Elevation gain is moderate at first and then “hard” level, which means over 30% grade for about 1/4 mile. It’s slow going, but absolutely breathtaking as you ascend into the madronas and firs, draped with lichens.

Many, many reports list “there is no rock!” which is categorically untrue. You just have to keep on hoofing the “false summit” or bald area where the grasses begin. Several social trails take you a partial view of the Elwha valley, looking across at the West Elwha. You ain’t at Cascade Rock yet my friend. This is where (we believe?) people are tired and turn around. But if you keep going the trail narrows considerably and you begin what is a grueling climb through trees and a scrabble to the top. We were slow and careful but we knew that the rewards were worth it!

Cascade Rock is a beauty. We left it better than we found it.

I chose the Cascade Rock trail for a conditioning hike that was likely to be uncrowded. The trail seems to have gotten longer and steeper than the last time I hiked it. There were five trees across the the trail but all but the first one were easy to step over. No views until you reach the end of the trail at Cascade Rock.

Beautiful hike up in the Elwha river valley. Follows the left ridge. Wanted to hike this trail ever since I saw the Google review to the tune of "I want my life back." It is a hard trail, but not too difficult for the Olympics. And the payback is huge!

Followed the trip report by Eric Nagle (11/8) and was able to make it all the way up--I think. The last 1/8th of a mile or so is very steep, through soft loamy ground that feels very strange compared to our compact trails. The trail is very clear, except for a rock at one point on the "extender trail"--go left! Beautiful views at the top and my favorite part--several gorgeous twisty juniper trees. Heaven!! Plucked a few berries for tea. Loved the views. Thank you, Eric Nagle!