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Mount Zion

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
47.9228, -123.0261 Map & Directions
Length
4.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
4,274 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate

The trip to Mount Zion is straightforward and short; a steep hike through fir, hemlock cedar, salal, and, the main attraction for many visitors, tall groves of wild rhododendrons. Views from the top are limited, but a little ridgeline wandering to the south afford the intrepid better views of the Olympic Mountains. Continue reading

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Hiking Mount Zion

The trip to Mount Zion is straightforward and short; a steep hike through fir, hemlock cedar, salal, and, the main attraction for many visitors, tall groves of wild rhododendrons. Views from the top are limited, but a little ridgeline wandering to the south afford the intrepid better views of the Olympic Mountains.

The trail, found across the road from the parking area, begins climbing almost immediately through close forest. As you go, you'll discover that flatter, gentler grades are interspersed with the steeper incline, which makes the hike a little less of a thigh-burner. Many people use this trail as a quick workout, particularly on vacation or for an intermediate day hike.

Though views from the top are somewhat limited, keep an eye out for a spur trail near the summit. Using this trail, you can find nice views of the Olympic Mountains before reaching the true, treed summit. Stop here, or follow a well-traveled trail about a half mile to amazing views of Mount Townsend, Gray Wolf Ridge, and the Olympics.

Another more technical trail leads in the opposite direction to better views of Mount Baker and Puget Sound. On clear days, the cities on the Sound can be seen as well!

WTA Pro Tip: There are two other steeper ways up Mount Zion -- a trail known as Deadfall, and another known as Snow Creek. Both are steeper, but Deadfall is longer, while Snow Creek is shorter. Either are good options for those looking for an extra workout.

WTA worked here in 2022!

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Mount Zion

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.9228, -123.0261 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

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

Drive Highway 101 north from Quilcene for one and a half miles onto Lords Lake Loop Road. Continue 3.5 miles and turn left at a junction near Lords Lake itself.

Turn right onto Forest Road 28 (graveled) and proceed nearly 5 miles to an unmarked junction at Bon Jon Pass. Look for a junction with FR 27 and pass it before arriving at Bon Jon.

In Bon Jon Pass, hang a right on unmarked FR 2810 and in two miles, arrive at the Mount Zion/Sleepy Hollow trailhead. The trail departs across the road from the parking area.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Mount Zion (#836)

Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula (Romano - Mountaineers Books)

Green Trails Tyler Peak No. 136

Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness

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Mount Zion

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