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Trip Report

Big Cedar Tree - Quinault — Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia

After a couple of failed attempts to find the trailhead for the Quinault Big Cedar, I finally found it on a day trip while visiting the coast. The trailhead is unmarked, and difficult to spot. Just before the bridge over Grandey Creek, you will find the entrance on the north side of the road (left if you are driving from 101). There is no sign.

Once you get through some overgrown brush close to the road, the trail is easily found and very walkable for the first 100 yards or so. You will pass a large rock face on your left covered in moss. If you stay on the mostly level trail, it will take you to a fenced overlook over the river another 50 yards in, but you will have to scramble over some downed trees.

Just past the rock face you will see a set of partially-destroyed steps from a recent tree fall, overgrown with ferns, leading up. That is the way to the fallen Big Cedar. The trail from here is maybe 1/3 mile over obstructed trails and up some muddy banks. You will lose the trail when you get to the tree, it is unmistakable and huge.

Be careful if you choose to scramble on top of the fallen giant, as it is slippery and a misstep here will be dangerous.

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