Hike of the Week: Gray Wolf
 |
| Enjoy solitude along the Gray Wolf River |
Gray Wolf
Wilderness waterway howls through a deep valley
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
March 1, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Dungeness River Valley, North Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Olympic National Forest
Roundtrip: 8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene (360) 765-2200
Green Trails Map: Tyler Peak, WA-No 136
Access: From Sequim head east on US 101 turning right (south) onto Palo Alto Road. Continue for 8 miles to a junction bearing right onto FR 2880; cross Dungeness River and come to a junction in 1.7 miles. Turn right on FR 2870; cross Gray Wolf River and arrive at trailhead after 1.8 miles. Alternatively you can arrive via the Lost Mountain Road to FR 2870.
This easy trail will appeal to all hikers; novices to veterans, young and old alike. Hugging the lush banks of the Gray Wolf River, the trail marches through unbroken old-growth forest up a quiet canyon in the Buckhorn Wilderness. And along the tumbling and churning river, chances are always good for spotting elk and other critters.
From the trailhead, start downhill on a former logging road turned trail. Enjoy nice views of Maynard Mountain and the “portal” to the Gray Wolf Canyon. After a half mile of gentle walking, enter mature forest. The Cat Creek Loop Trail takes off to the left. An alternative route, it drops steeply through an ancient cedar grove; returning to the main trail about a half mile farther.
The main trail leaves the old roadbed. Entering cool old-growth forest the way drops to the river. At 1.5 miles, the Buckhorn Wilderness is entered. Soon afterwards the wild waterway is reached; lush bottomlands traversed.
At 2.5 miles the trail temporary leaves the river to slab a steep hillside. A few breaks in the forest provide views up to lofty Gray Wolf Ridge and down into the canyon. Dropping back to river level, cool breezes greet you. At 3.5 miles, after some of the finest riverside hiking this side of the Olympics, the trail once again climbs a steep hillside.
Enjoy good views of the river crashing through a tight canyon gorge. Make your way back to river bottom and at 4.2 miles call it quits. The trail ends at a narrow gorge once housing a high bridge. A torrent in the early 1990s washed it away.
Fording the river here is extremely dangerous. If you desire to further explore the Gray Wolf Valley, use the Slab Camp Creek Trail which delivers you just upriver from this point. But that’s another hike. Right now, sit back and let this lovely waterway mesmerize you.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Gray Wolf River, visit
Click here for link to Olympic Peninsula
