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Jefferson Ridge

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
47.5858, -123.1369 Map & Directions
Length
4.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,832 feet
Highest Point
3,832 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

In an area known for rhododendrons and stunning mountain views, find a relatively easy hike to a high ridgeline that used to house a fire lookout tower. Continue reading

Rating
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Hiking Jefferson Ridge

In an area known for rhododendrons and stunning mountain views, find a relatively easy hike to a high ridgeline that used to house a fire lookout tower.

Hike through second-growth forest of Douglas-fir, wandering in and out of trees along the edge of an old logging show, now filled with rhododendrons (Washington's state flower) and bear grass. Half a mile in, cross Forest Road 2421, and look to your right, up the road about 100 feet for the continuation of the trail. From there, begin to climb steeply up the hillside before reaching Jefferson Ridge.

From here, you have views into the Hamma Hamma River drainage, lush with trees and the Hamma Hamma sparkling below. Continue along the ridgeline before reaching the site of the historic Johnson Ridge fire lookout. From here, you'll enjoy views of Mounts Washington and Pershing, Cruiser, Skokomish, and Mount Stone.

The Brothers and Lena are also visible, and between the two, Mount Deception and Mount Mystery are just visible.

WTA Pro Tip: Pick up a free map of this area from the Quilcene Ranger Station.

Jefferson Ridge

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.5858, -123.1369 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

14 miles north of Hoodsport, on the west side of the Hood Canal. Turn onto Forest Service Road 25 (Hamma Hamma Road). Proceed 6.5 miles onto this road and take a left across a bridge to Forest Service Road 2480. Drive 0.2 miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 2421. Drive 3.1 miles to a fairly obscure trailhead sign on the right side.

Park on the side of the wide road here.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Jefferson Ridge (#808)

Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Robert Woods

Olympic Mountains Trail Guide.

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Jefferson Ridge

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