Hike of the Week: Geyser Valley

Spendid views of the Elwha River await hikers along this loop

Geyser Valley

Plenty of history and wildlife spout along this section of the Elwha River




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

May 26, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Elwha Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 7.6 miles
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Green Trails map: Elwha North, Hurricane Ridge No. 134S
Access: From Port Angeles travel 9.0 miles west on US 101. Turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road. After four miles, turn left onto Whiskey Bend Road following it to its end at the trailhead.
Notes: National Park entrance fee; dogs prohibited


Trace part of the historic Press Expedition route of 1889; the group of hardy souls who first traversed the rugged Olympic Mountains interior. But unlike those men who faced ongoing hardship over rough terrain, you have a well-maintained trail to deliver you into the Olympic Wilderness. Follow the Elwha River Trail 1.2 miles to the first of a series of side trips into the Geyser Valley. It’s a misnomer, there are no geysers, but you won’t be steaming after visiting this beautiful region of the Elwha Valley.
Hike along the churning waters of this great waterway. Lounge on its grassy and rocky banks. Snoop around old homesteads and scope out feeding elk and bear in surrounding pastures. Admire the force of the river at Goblins Gate. Embrace the scope of the Elwha Canyon at the Dodger Point Bridge. You can spend hours or days in this magical valley.
The loop to Humes Ranch is 7.6 miles. Dodger Point Bridge is .6 mile farther. If you’d like to venture deeper in this wilderness valley, you can continue hiking the Elwha River Trail for several more miles and days.