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.
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