Hike of the Week: Wagonwheel Lake

Mount Pershing from the ridge above Wagonwheel-the view is worth the effort

Wagonwheel Lake

You’ll bust your axle on this tough hike




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

June 30, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Staircase –North Fork Skokomish River Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 5.8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,200 feet
Green Trails Map: Mount Steel, WA-No. 167
Access: From Hoodsport head west on SR 119 proceeding 16 miles to the Staircase Ranger Station. Turn right at ranger station for trailhead parking.
Notes: Dogs prohibited. National Park entry fee required.


One of the steepest trails in the Olympic National Park, you’ll gain 3,200 feet in less than three miles. Begin through a forest of fir and hemlock choked in a lush understory of shoulder-high ferns and salal. Break out onto a dry ledge and start getting down to business. The trail relentlessly attacks a steep slope in a series of short tight switchbacks; or no switchbacks at all! About halfway up the grueling trail, take a break at a small ledge with limited views of the valley below. Look down and think to yourself, “Man, is this trail steep!”
But it gets even steeper. Hikers like me who grew up scaling the White Mountains of New Hampshire may feel right at home. Or we may recall how those steep rocky trails used to beat us up. After 2.0 miles, two quarts of sweat, and a whole lot of cursing and grumbling, the trail miraculously levels out. Now through old-growth fir and hemlock, skirt a steep slope before breaking out onto a brushy avalanche chute. Work your way across slumping tread before re-entering cool evergreen forest.
Finally after 2.9 miles, arrive at the little tarn. A small sunny bench above the lake makes for a good place to suture your wounds. But if you have any life left, locate a primitive path taking off from the main trail at the lake. It goes a half mile straight up the 4,700-foot ridge to the north. From its open meadows pierced by silver snags, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding wild country. Mounts Pershing, Washington, Ellinor, Copper, Lincoln, and Skokomish surround you. The Brothers are visible to the north while little Wagonwheel Lake can be seen twinkling below. From here it looks like an easy hike-but boy do you know the truth.