Hike of the Week: Heart Forest
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| Old Growth Forest hiking right outside of Port Angeles |
Heart Forest
Peaceful path on park’s periphery
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 7, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Heart O’ the Hills Campground
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 4.8 miles
Elevation gain: 500 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; The Olympic Peninsula has received substantial wind and flood damage this month. It is imperative to call ranger station for trail updates before venturing on this or any other trail in the region.
Access: From Port Angeles follow Heart O the Hills Parkway (Hurricane Ridge Road) 5.5 miles to the Heart O the Hills Campground. Park at amphitheatre parking lot and walk 600 feet to Loop “E” trailhead.
The Heart O the Forest Trail offers a quiet free from crowds alternative to nearby Hurricane Ridge trails year round. Beginning from the bustling campground of same name, the way heads out into an emerald jungle of ancient conifers on a wide and well-manicured path. Giant pillars of old-growth hemlock, silver fir, and Douglas-fir hold up a verdant canopy above an equally lush green understory.
Walk farther into this primeval patch of forest and leave behind the commotion of the modern world and the hum of vehicles hurriedly traveling to Hurricane Ridge. Now listen to the soothing melodic calls of the forest’s denizens; chickadees and chickarees, jays and wrens. Venture through these majestic woods on a misty morning and be mesmerized by glistening ferns kissed by a procession of droplets fluttering down from the surrounding giants.
The first mile or so of the trail is fairly level and can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages and abilities. But as the path wends deeper into the woods, its tread narrows and its course begins a downward march. Use caution on an old boardwalk traversing a boggy skunk cabbage patch. Continuing its descent, the trail comes to the lip of a small ravine; Lake Creek, outlet stream for Lake Angeles tumbles down this natural sluice.
The trail soon rounds a salal shrouded bluff, then drops into a ravine crossing a small creek. Pass a few more ancient giants before coming to the end of the trail at the park boundary. Take a break, enjoy a snack then make your return regaining 500 feet of elevation back to the trailhead.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Heart O' the Forest visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
