Hike of the Week: Kalaloch Creek

Nature's lanterns light up the forest pronouncing; "Spring is here!"

Kalaloch Creek

Celebrate spring along this coastal creek

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Olympic Coast
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 50 feet
Green Trail Map: La Push, WA- No. 163S
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100
Notes: Dogs prohibited
Access: From Forks travel 34 miles south on US 101 (From Hoquiam, follow US 101 north for 70 miles to Kalaloch). Turn right into Kalaloch Campground (just before Lodge and Ranger Station) and park in picnic day use area.


Derived from the Quinault meaning “Good place to land,” Kalaloch is also a good place to hike. Particularly in April and May, when higher points on the Peninsula are still buried in snow, but the forests, wetlands and vibrant coast surrounding Kalaloch are singing serenades of spring!
Most people who come to Kalaloch quickly take to its inviting strand of wide sandy beaches. But just a few steps away from the pounding surf is an entirely different environment; one perfect for escaping the ocean breeze and bevy of beachcombers. Take a quiet walk along Kalaloch Creek on a nicely groomed nature trail complete with boardwalks.
Find the trail taking off from the south end of the Kalaloch Campground. After carefully crossing US 101 begin your tranquil wanderings into dew dripping maritime forest. Under a dense canopy of salt sprayed Sitka spruce, western red cedar, western hemlock, and Douglas-fir follow the trail on a small bluff above tannic Kalaloch Creek.
Soon reach a junction. It matters not which way you choose to travel for it’s a loop. Both directions quickly drop down to the lush creek bottom. You’ll be greeted by the pungent smell of flowering skunk cabbage. This ubiquitous member of the arum family lives up to its alternative name, “swamp lantern;” its yellow lamp-like flowers light up the dark dank forest floor.
Gingerly walk on slippery boardwalks traversing the saturated surroundings. While this corner of the Olympic Peninsula did not escape the ax, the forest is rapidly maturing. The biomass of the Olympic forest is legion even in these second growth groves. Look for pacific tree frogs and Olympic salamanders in this favorable-to-amphibians environment. Look too for elk, quite possibly still lingering in the area; their upriver feeding grounds still buried in snow. Once you close the loop, head back to the trailhead from where Kalaloch Beach beckons you to further explore.



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