Kloshe Nanitch

Once the site of a historic lookout, this craggy, ridgetop perch serves up excellent views of Lake Crescent, Mount Olympus and the Sol Duc River Valley.

Start by following an abandoned section of Highway 101 that parallels the Sol Duc River. Several access points allow close-up views of the river. In fall, the many vine maples lining the path put on a colorful show. At 0.2 mile, take the signed trail toward Kloshe Nanitch. Cross a bridge at 0.5 mile, and start the ascent of Snider Ridge by way of switchbacks.

Continue through dense second-growth Douglas-fir and an understory of greenery, including salal, ferns, mosses and liverworts. The trail crosses several drainages while steadily climbing 1,700 feet in about 2 miles. Briefly, the grade eases and travels through a stand of hemlocks before climbing a series of tight switchbacks to a small ledge.

At 3 miles, the trail passes beneath cliffs and arrives at a junction; the right fork continues along Snider Ridge for 3 miles where it connects with the Mount Muller Loop. Follow the left fork, through a meadow beneath the site of the historic lookout. Arrive at the viewpoint after a final steep climb.

Kloshe Nanitch—Chinook jargon for “take care” or “look out”—served as the site of a fire watch for many years. Originally built in 1917, the lookout was abandoned and destroyed in 1963. A replica of the historic building was built in 1996, only to be removed once again in October 2012. On clear days, views extend beyond the surrounding peaks, all the way to the Pacific Ocean and James Island.