Hike of the Week: Striped Peak
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| Explore a wild hidden cove on the way to Striped Peak |
Striped Peak
Scenic summit above saltwater
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
March 28, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Strait of Juan De Fuca
Land Agency: Clallam County Parks and Washington Department of Natural Resources
Roundtrip: 5.0 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Contact: Salt Creek County Park, Joyce (360) 928-3441
Green Trails Map: Joyce WA-No 102
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
Access: From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west 5 miles to SR 112. Proceed for just over 7.0 miles on SR 112 turning right onto Camp Hayden Road. Continue for 3.5 miles to Salt Creek County Park. Pass entrance booth and gate and immediately turn right for trailhead parking.
Hike to a 1,000 foot peak rising straight above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From this landmark on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula stare directly down at liners and vessels plying treacherous coastal waters. Then look out to a backdrop of craggy peaks on Canada’s Vancouver Island. Port Angeles residents have long known that some of the finest coastal scenery around can be found at Striped Peak and adjacent Salt Creek County Park, a former army post known as Camp Hayden,.
Clallam County Parks now manages the property complete with an attractive campground. A 1,500-acre DNR tract encompassing 1,166-ft Striped Peak abuts the park to the east. And although this tract was heavily logged, its steep northern slopes sporting groves of huge ancient Douglas-firs were spared.
The well-built but poorly marked trail to Striped Peak takes off though a stand of big firs. On a high bluff above crashing surf, the trail hugs Striped’s steep northern slopes. After twisting beneath one big tree after another, the trail reaches a dizzying viewpoint of an isolated cove 200 feet below. Be careful. The trail rounds the cove high above. A side trail takes off left rapidly dropping to it.
The main trail continues up a damp ravine. Uniform second growth replaces the old growth. The trail then climbs steeply skirting an old cut before emerging onto a dirt road. Now follow the road right a short distance to a viewpoint overlooking a vast expanse of saltwater and Canadian soil. Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, and Port Angeles can all be seen to the east. It’s possible to return to the trailhead via a series of DNR roads, but it’s a confusing route. Return the way you came perhaps taking time to explore that hidden cove.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Striped Peak visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
