Hike of the Week: Duckabush River
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| Let the Duckabush's swift waters woo you deep in the Brothers Wilderness |
Duckabush River
Everyday is Hump Day on this wilderness trail
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
April 27, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: The Brothers Wilderness, east Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Olympic National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: 2,300 feet
Contact: Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene (360) 765-2000; www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Green Trails Map: The Brothers, WA- No.168
Access: At Milepost 310 on US 101 (37 miles north of Shelton; 15 miles south of Quilcene) head west on the Duckabush River Road (FR 2510) for 6 miles. Turn right onto FR spur 2510-060 (signed Duckabush Trail) reaching trailhead in 500 feet.
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
One of the quieter Olympic Peninsula River Valleys, the Duckabush River Trail travels over 20 miles into the heart of the Olympic Mountains. No need to go very far to experience this special valley though. A trip of three, four, or five miles up this good trail will deliver plenty of scenery, solitude and perhaps even a chance to spot elk or a bear.
Beginning on an old road bed in second growth fir the trail enters The Brothers Wilderness Area after one mile. Now drop a couple hundred feet to follow an old logging railroad grade. A few remnant old firs still stand tall. After 2.0 miles of ambling through forest the river finally comes into view. A half mile farther stop to admire giant cedars and firs hanging over waves of whisking whitewater. This mesmerizing spot is a good place to turnaround if you’re not inclined to make the 1,000 foot climb up the Big Hump.
Otherwise grab a snack-fuel-up-and continue. Twisting and turning via tight switchbacks the trail makes its way up this valley obstacle. At about 3.5 miles emerge onto a ledge with a spectacular view east down the river and all the way out to the Cascades. Impressive St. Peter’s Dome hovers to the south. More spectacular than the view however, is the spring floral show now in session. Batches of fawn lilies line the ledges. The rhodies will soon be flaunting their showy blossoms.
Encounter one more outcropping before cresting the Hump. Now, through cool old growth begin descending. After dropping 650 feet the trail once again reaches the river. Here 5.3 miles from the trailhead, a well-worn camping area near a series of impressive rapids makes a good spot to call it quits. Rest up, for you’ll need to head over the Hump again on your way home.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Duckabush River visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
