South Olympics & South Puget Sound Hikes Guide

GETTING STARTED

Some of the area hikes involve easy terrain and distances that do not require any special preparations. However, other hikes can involve backcountry locations that require appropriate gear for a variety of conditions.

BE PREPARED

Weather can change rapidly within the Olympics. It’s not uncommon for a 70 degree warm morning to rapidly transform into a cool, windy and rainy afternoon. Be prepared for all conditions when hiking Hood Canal’s backcountry trails.

#1. NAVIGATION (map and/or GPS unit)

#2. SUN PROTECTION (sunglasses/sunscreen)

#3. INSULATION (layers/rain/wind jacket)

#4. ILLUMINATION (flashlight/headlamp)

#5. FIRST-AID supplies

#6. FIRE (fire-starter and matches

)#7. REPAIR KIT and tools (including a knife)

#8. NUTRITION (extra food)

#9. HYDRATION (extra water/filter device)

#10. EMERGENCY SHELTER (space blanket)

FOOD

Always carry extra food. Granola bars, energy bars, and fruit are great trail snacks.

HYDRATE

It’s easy to dehydrate, especially on warm summer afternoons. Always carry water. To be safe, consider all sources of water in the backcountry to be contaminated. You can treat it purification tablets, a filtering pump, or other approved filtering device before drinking it.

FOOTWEAR

For most well-groomed trails, walking or running shoes should be sufficient. For wilderness trails or uneven terrain, hiking boots or trail running shoes are a must. Be sure that they fit properly and provide good support.

PACK

Make sure you have a good fitting and comfortable pack. Depending on the distance and difficulty of your hike, this can be as simple as a hip-hugging fanny-pack or a large multi-compartment backpack.

BE REALISTIC

Before setting out consider your fitness level. Be sure that you’re capable of the hike before heading out. A mile up a steep mountain is not the same as a mile on a flat paved trail. Although the latter may take you only 20 minutes to walk, the former may take you over an hour. Give yourself sufficient time to complete and enjoy your hike.

MAPS

The maps in this booklet are meant to help familiarize you with the trails and locations. They are not meant for navigation. Carrying supplemental paper maps or a GPS device is advised. (Green Trails Maps make excellent maps for the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.)

Online sources for trails include Tread Maps and the Washington Trails Association. Both of these sites are trusted sites for assessing current trail conditions. But even with the best guides and maps, be aware that trails and access roads can and do change. They can wash-out, be buried in snow, or destroyed by wildfire. Occasionally they’re closed for wildlife management or other reasons.

PERMITS AND FEES

Some of the hikes highlighted in this booklet are within Olympic National Park and require an entrance fee: currently $30 for a one-week pass (good for vehicle and all occupants), or $55 for an annual pass. A better option is to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass (also known as an Interagency Pass) for $80. This pass grants you and three other adults (children under 16 are admitted free) in your vehicle access to all federal recreation sites that charge a fee. These include: national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management areas, not only here in Washington but throughout the country. You can purchase these passes at many national park visitors’ centers and ranger stations including the Staircase Ranger Station entrance; or online at store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.

If you plan to backcountry camp within Olympic National Park, you’ll need a wilderness permit available online or at the Staircase Ranger Station (limited hours) and Port Angeles Wilderness Center. More information can be found at nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ wilderness-reservations.htm

Many of the hikes in this booklet are in the Olympic National Forest and require a pass to park at the trailhead. You can either use a Northwest Forest Parking Pass or an Interagency Pass (America the Beautiful Pass, Golden Age Pass, or Golden Access Pass). Northwest Forest Passes currently sell for $5/day or $30/annual and are good at National Forest sites that charge a parking fee.

In any case be sure to purchase your pass before you arrive at the trailhead. You can purchase Northwest Forest Passes at most national forest ranger stations, from several outdoor retailers and area businesses or online (https:// www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits).

Several hikes in this booklet are within Washington State Park lands and require a Discover Pass, which you also display on your rear view mirror. These sell for $10 per day or $30 for an annual pass and are good at all state parks, DNR lands, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife properties. You can purchase one from several outdoor retailers and businesses or online (discoverpass.wa.gov).

FURTHER READING

Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula, Backpacking Washington, Urban Trails Kitsap County, and Urban Trails Olympia (Mountaineers Books), author, Craig Romano.

Trail Etiquette

Many of our trails are also open to uses aside from hiking. You can expect toalso encounter equestrians and mountain bikers along the way. For a greatexperience and minimum impact, some rules of etiquette are in order.

YIELD TO HORSES:

Step off the downhill side of the trail if feasible. Talk in a normal voice to the riders and keep your dog under control. DON’T CUT SWITCHBACKS: It causes erosion and damages vegetation. STAY ON TRAILS IN SENSITIVE AREAS: Don’t leave the trail to hike across alpine meadows, wetlands or other sensitive areas as this can damage and kill fragile and endangered plants. OBEY THE RULES: Know the specific rules and regulations (like in Wilderness areas) pertaining to the trail you’re hiking and adhere to them. AVOID DISTURBING WILDLIFE: Always observe wild animals from a distance to not only avoid disturbing them but also protecting yourself from an unpleasant encounter. TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS: Leave all natural things (like wildflowers), and historic artifacts as you found them for others to enjoy.

NEVER ROLL ROCKS OFF TRAILS OR CLIFFS:

You risk endangering others below you. CAN THE CAIRNS: Don’t stack rocks as it can confuse people thinking they’re directional and causes environmental damage. MIND THE MUSIC: Wear earbuds if you listen to music on the trail as loud music harasses wildlife and is an affront on those who come to the woods to seek solace. THE SCOOP ON POOP: Use restrooms when available and if you need to heed the call of nature while out on the trail, heed at least 200 feet from any water source or trail. Be sure to bury your waste. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT: Anything you pack in must be packed out, even biodegradable items like apple cores and pistachio shells.

WHAT ABOUT DOGS?

Dogs can make wonderful hiking companions, but an unruly dog can be a nightmare for other hikers and the environment.

Do your best to be a responsible dog owners by adhering to the special rules and regulations in place pertaining to dogs on the trail. Most of the trails in this guide are open to dogs but dogs are prohibited on the Olympic National Park trails listed. They must be on leash on state park property and several other hikes in this guide. They should always be under control. Please obey all leash laws. Too many dog owners flagrantly disregard this regulation, setting themselves up for tickets, and hostile words from fellow hikers. Be aware that many hikers are not fond of dogs on the trail. Respect their right not to be harassed by a loose dog. Another huge point of contention with dogs on the trail pertains to their waste. Too many dog owners do not clean up after their pets. Many leave bags of poop behind on the trail. Pack it all out. Dog waste is unsightly and fouls water sources.

LEAVE NO TRACE

While hitting the trail we should all strive to have the smallest impact as possible on our public lands. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoors Ethics is a nonprofit developed for responsible enjoyment and stewardship of the outdoors. They have designed a program to educate outdoor enthusiasts of their recreational impacts as well as created techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Their message is framed under seven principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

4. Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Visit www.lnt.org to learn more.

Finally; have fun! Enjoy the wonderful hiking trails around Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. They are among some of the finest and most scenic in the country. Happy Trails!

Murhut Falls, stream view Great family hike with a waterfall award at the end, hike details, 55.