Hike of the Week: Ranger Hole
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| The historic Interrorem Cabin makes for a great diversion on the Ranger Hole Trail |
Ranger Hole
Historic fishing spot on the Duckabush
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 21, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Duckabush River Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Forest
Roundtrip: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District (360) 765-2200; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Notes: Northwest Forest Pass required
Access: From Shelton drive north on US 101 for 37 miles. At Milepost 310 turn left onto the Duckabush River Road. If coming from Quilcene drive US 101 south for 15 miles. Follow paved Duckabush River Road for 3.6 miles to trailhead located at the Interrorem Cabin.
This short trail leads to a famed fishing hole on a rocky rugged bluff along the Duckabush River. Starting from the historic Interrorem Ranger Station, this delightful trail will take you back to the early days of the Olympic National Forest. But, first a history lesson is in order to help you appreciate this little corner of the national forest. So, don’t go running down the trail just yet.
Admire the well-built and restored Interrorem Cabin. Constructed in 1907, it is the oldest Forest Service Dwelling on the Olympic Peninsula. Possessing a colorful history in its 100 years of existence, Interrorem has served as a ranger station, a base for WPA and CCC workers, and as a fire guard station. Currently it is rented out by the Forest Service to the public for overnight stays. Be sure to respect the privacy of any guests who may be staying in the cabin while you’re visiting the premises.
The first overnighter at Interrorem was Ranger Emery Finch. Ranger Finch was an avid fisherman and it was he who was responsible for developing the Ranger Hole Trail; a .8 mile path to that revered spot. Your history lesson is now over; carry on down that path. Through mature second growth (cut around Finch’s tenure) the good trail climbs a little hump; then makes a slow descent toward the Duckabush River emerging at the famed fishing spot, an open ledge above the tumbling and churning river.
While the fishing isn’t what it used to be, you’ll still catch some good views of the river. The Duckabush crashes through a narrow chasm here. Frothy gurgling waters crash up against the narrow cleft. During periods of heavy rainfall it can be downright deafening. The ledges can be slippery too, so use extreme caution and be sure to keep small children nearby while admiring this landmark. On your return be sure to take the .3 mile interpretive loop for more information on the Interrorem Cabin and the Ranger Hole.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Ranger Hole visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
