18. MILDRED LAKES

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

It’s one of the hardest and meanest trails in the Olympic Mountains. The trailto the Mildred Lakes was never officially built and includes steep sections uprocks, roots, and ledges. And while the actual elevation difference betweenthe trailhead and the lakes is a mere 1,900 feet; the real elevation gain ismore than 3200’ due to copious ups and downs. There’s one section of trailthat climbs more than 1,000 feet in about a half mile. It’s a nasty clamber up roots, rocks and loose gravel. But don’t curse the roots—for they’ll be your handholds.

Is all of this trouble and toil worth it? The Mildreds are among the largest backcountry lakes the Olympics. Their setting is quite sublime in a rugged basin surrounded by serrated peaks. And because many hikers just aren’t cut out for this grueling journey, you can expect an uncrowded journey.

The trail leaves the roar of the cascading Hamma Hamma River behind and enters the 13,000-acre Mount Skokomish Wilderness.

Starting out fairly easy, the path winds through an old cut, passes a large avalanche chute, and then enters gorgeous old growth forest. The way then gets tougher steeply climbing a 3200’ ridge with good views of nearby Mount Pershing looming above.

The trail then descends into a cool forested glen graced by rushing Huckleberry Creek which needs to be crossed on a questionable log or forded.

The way then ascends a steep ridge and comes to a tight ravine. After clambering over rock, root, and ledge—and gaining 1000’ in elevation in a little more than a half mile—the insanity ends on a 4100’ ridge. Wander along open ledges, enjoying views of Mount Cruiser and the Sawtooth Range.

The trail then drops 250’ and trudges through marshy mosquito breeding grounds before reaching the first of the Mildred Lakes. Set in primeval forest, enjoy a backdrop of rugged summits.

To reach the other lakes, cross lower Mildred’s inlet stream and follow a rough path through heather meadows for 0.3 mile to a junction. Here a path leads right to middle Mildred Lake. Admire its rocky islands.

Upper Mildred, one of the largest backcountry lakes in the Olympics is reached by continuing on the more defined path for a couple hundred yards forward.

Highlights: Trio of large backcountry lakes, views of Sawtooth Ridge and Mount Pershing, extensive old-growth forest Distance: 9 miles R/T Kid & Dog Friendly: No Elevation gain: 2900’ Difficulty: Strenuous Permits: Northwest Forest/Interagency Pass Hiking Season: July through October Notes: Wilderness rules apply Trailhead Amenities: privy, picnic tables GPS Waypoint: N47 34.517, W123 15.672 Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene:fs.usda.gov/olympic Map: Green Trails Olympic Mountains E 168SX Trailhead Directions: Hoodsport travel north on US 101 for 13.7 miles, left at milepost 318 onto FR 25 (Hamma Hamma River Road). Continue for 13.3 miles (last five miles are gravel) to the trailhead.