Hike of the Week: Griff Creek
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| Drop your pack and enjoy the view from the Rock Lookout |
Griff Creek
Enjoy lonely but spectacular views of the Elwha Valley
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
May 11, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Elwha Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 3.6 miles
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; www.nps.gov/olym
Green Trails Map: Joyce, WA No-102
Access: From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west for 9.0 miles turning left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road (signed Elwha Valley). Follow this good paved road. In 2.0 miles enter Olympic National Park. Two miles beyond is the Elwha Ranger Station. Park here; trail begins behind building.
Notes: Dogs Prohibited, National Park Entry Fee
Don’t let the distance fool you. This hike’s not easy, climbing 1,500 feet in a little more than 1.5 miles. But the payoff is grand. Your chance of encountering a fellow hiker is slim to none. The trail ascends steep slopes to a sun-kissed ledge providing a panoramic perspective of the wide and wild Elwha River Valley.
Despite being named for Griff Creek, the trail travels along a dry ridge nowhere near the clamoring waterway. Pack lots of water. Begin your adventure in a daisy-dotted meadow just to the rear of the Elwha Ranger Station. After passing through a compound of park buildings enter a cool and mature forest of evergreens. Griff Creek roars in the distance.
The way wastes no time climbing. Ascending via a series of tight steep switchbacks the forest canopy begins to thin, revealing teaser views to what lies ahead. In 1.6 miles, emerge on a dry ledge. Take in a nice view of Unicorn Peak framed by manzanita and madrona.
Now make one sweeping switchback to the top of that ledge to a sign indicating “Rock viewpoint el. 1875 feet.” Drop your pack, grab your water bottle and head out on this picture-perfect promontory. Lake Mills and the Elwha River lie directly below. Snow-capped Mount Carrie towers above. Directly across the wide valley admire the imposing and inhospitable wall of Mount Baldy and the Happy Lake Ridge guarding the Hughes Creek drainage.
You should be quite content from this sunny scenic spot. However, if your interest is piqued to see what lies ahead, carry on. More fine views are reached in another half mile and 600 feet of climbing. Beyond, the trail climbs an insane 800 feet in another half mile on rough and rocky tread to a ledgy terminus with an impressive view of Hurricane Hill, Griff Peak and the Unicorn. The views are pretty good from the Rock viewpoint though, so why push it? Enjoy.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Griff Creek visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
