Hike of the Week: Appleton Pass
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| Oyster Lake; the "pearl" of Appleton Pass |
Appleton Pass
The hike is arduous. The views are awesome
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
September 14, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Elwha Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 15.0 miles
Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; http://www.nps.gov/olym/
Green Trails Maps: Seven Lakes Basin/ Mt Olympus No 133S
Access: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 9 miles turning left onto the Olympic Hot Springs Road (signed Elwha Valley). Follow this good paved road 10.0 miles to its end at trailhead.
Notes: Dogs prohibited; National Park Entry Fee required
An arduous hike to one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Olympics, Appleton Pass offers breathtaking glimpses of craggy peaks, heavily forested valleys, and thousands of acres of pure wilderness. En route to this remote pass on the Sol Duc-Elwha watershed divide enjoy resplendent meadows, primeval forest, and captivating cascades. If the 7.5 mile hike doesn’t completely exhaust you, venture a little farther to tiny Oyster Lake where snow-capped 6,000-foot Mount Appleton often reflects in its placid waters. And if you’re not up for this laborious trip, a trek just a few miles along this trail still has its rewards.
Start by following a long-abandoned section of the Hot Springs Road for 2.3 miles to a junction. The Olympic Hot Springs are just a short distance to the left. Consider a soak upon your return. Continue right through a backcountry campground coming to another junction shortly afterwards. The trail right heads to popular Boulder Lake; proceed left. Wind through imposing giant firs, cedars, and hemlocks.
Cross the North Fork of Boulder Creek and after a half mile come to the first of two short side trails leading left to pretty Boulder Creek Falls, a series of cascades set in a mossy ravine. This is a good destination for those not intent on making it all the way to Appleton Pass.
Beyond the falls, the trail crosses the creek and begins to climb more steeply. Traversing a deep rugged valley, forest cover thins to allow previews of what lies ahead. Copious huckleberry bushes may tempt you to abandon your plans for the pass. After about 5.5 miles, the trail enters an open basin, getting rougher while the views get better. Mount Appleton looms above. Dazzling wildflowers paint the basin in reds, purples, and yellows. Numerous creeks tumble down the rugged encircling slopes.
The trail makes a few steep and sweeping switchbacks through clumps of mountain hemlock and sprawling meadows to finally arrive at the 5,050-foot pass after 7.5 grueling miles. Oyster Lake, reached by a well-defined way path, lies a short distance to the left a hundred feet higher. It’s a real pearl, set in a most gorgeous arrangement of wild country.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Appleton Pass visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
