Hike of the Week: Lake Mills

Hike here soon for Lake Mills will soon be a memory

Lake Mills

Time is running out for manmade lake

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

November 23, 2007

Quick Facts
Location: Elwha Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 4.0 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; www.nps.gov/olym
Green Trails Maps: Elwha North/ Hurricane Ridge No-134S
Notes: Dogs Prohibited, National Park Entry Fee
Access: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 9 miles. Turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road (signed Elwha Valley) proceeding for 5.5 miles to the Glines Canyon Dam. Turn left onto a dirt road (signed boat launch) and in .2 mile come to trailhead.

Here’s a quiet trail to a small backcountry campground on the far end of Lake Mills, formed when the Elwha River was dammed back in 1927. Ideal for rainy afternoons or sunny ones when snow blankets the high country; either way you’ll probably be all alone on this hike. While not a natural body of water, Lake Mills sits in a wild setting. Surrounded by mature timber and reflecting lofty snow-capped summits, Lake Mills has its charm. But hike here soon for the dam holding back these waters is scheduled to be removed in a few short years. Then what was once a quiet hike alongside a placid body of water will be a jaunt besides a wild and free flowing waterway. The Elwha will once again be a mighty river, and you’ll be able see it restored back to its majestic self.
The trail begins by a boat launch. While most of the way embraces the shoreline of Lake Mills, the real charm to this trail is the forest it traverses. Mossy alder groves, a handful of madronas, and plenty of big old firs greet you along the way. Lots of cascading side creeks to cross, too; and after periods of heavy rainfall you may find one or two daring you to keep your boots dry.
After a pleasant start along the lakeshore, the trail climbs a couple hundred feet above it. Enjoy some good views then a plunge back to the shoreline. In just shy of two miles arrive at a backcountry campsite. It’s a nice place to break for lunch, or proceed for another .1 mile to the trail’s end at a small bluff above crashing Boulder Creek. Now retrace your steps visualizing this trail in the future brushing up against a free flowing waterway just like Boulder Creek.


For information on lodging and other attractions near Lake Mills visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula