Hike of the Week: Gibbs Lake
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| Winter brings tranquility to Gibbs Lake |
Gibbs Lake
Peaceful park near Port Townsend
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
January 4, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Quimper Peninsula
Land Agency: Jefferson County Parks
Roundtrip: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Contact: Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, Port Townsend (360) 385-2221
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
Access: From the Hood Canal Bridge follow SR 104 west. Exit onto Center Road (signed Quilcene, Port Townsend) and follow Center Road for 1.7 miles north. Turn left onto Eaglemount Road. In .25 mile turn right onto West Valley Road proceeding for 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Gibbs Lake Road for one mile to trailhead located on right.
A tranquil little lake nestled in the hills just south of bustling Port Townsend; Gibbs Lake offers peaceful ambling year round. Located within the Olympic rain-shadow, Gibbs is an ideal locale for a winter leg-stretcher. But a visit during the other seasons has its rewards too. In springtime savor the sweet smell of blossoming rhododendrons. In summer watch nervous ducks swim across the placid lake or be serenaded by sweet bird melodies emanating from shoreline reeds and groves of conifers.
Gibbs Lake is a sanctuary for hikers and critters. But it almost didn’t turn out this way. Thanks to negotiations by the Jefferson Land Trust, the Washington Department of Natural Resources ceased logging here and converted the 669-acre haven into a county park. Over nine trails traverse the forested hills surrounding the little lake. Most appeal more to mountain bikers and equestrians than to hikers. But pedestrians will find plenty here to their liking including the 1.75 mile Lakeside Trail. Combine this lovely trail with Jack’s Track and you have a nice 2.5 mile loop.
Start your hike by leaving southwest from the parking lot. Cross the access road and descend into a damp forest of alders and firs. After a half mile Gibbs Lake can be made out through the trees; but the trail courses away from it ascending drier ground. After another half mile, the lake comes into view once more. Pass two massive Doug-firs. More big trees including a grove of mature cedars are soon encountered. The trail now heads across a small wetland hosting Sitka Spruce; common along the coastal strip, but in the dry forests of the Olympic rain-shadow, an anomaly. After 1.75 miles the Lakeside Trail crosses Gibbs’ outlet creek ending at a dirt road. Pick up Jack’s Track across the roadway to the right.
Make a steep little climb onto a bluff above the lake; then stay left at a trail fork. At the next junction keep right eventually approaching a five-way signed trail intersection. Head right on trail (not the old woods road) and follow back to the trailhead. More trails are nearby if you feel the need to explore further.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Gibbs Lake visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
