L. Lisa Lawrence
L. Lisa Lawrence is a local freelance photographer and writer and an avid hiker, backpacker, skier, cyclist and snowshoer. She has worked in the outdoor field for more than 20 years as a park ranger, river guide, ski instructor and an environmental educator and often field tests gear and apparel.
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The Lower Gray Wolf Trail is one of the few hikes low enough in elevation to be accessible and hiked virtually year-round in all but the most extreme weather conditions. It is conveniently located in the Olympic rain shadow, which makes it a pleasant destination even when other low-elevation trails are gray and rainy.
The Olympic rain shadow is a phenomenon created by the Olympic Mountains holding rain bearing clouds on their west side where most of the precipitation falls, leaving areas of the east side drier and often sunnier. It does rain in the shadow, but not as persistently as in other parts of Western Washington.
In addition to being generally drier, the lower elevation often gives hikers a wonderful break from the ice, snow and slush found on most local trails in the winter. Sometimes a bit of green and good old terra firma is just what the heart, soul and hiking boots need on an otherwise dreary weekend.
Getting Started
The trail begins on an old roadbed, then winds easily through hardwood forest. At ¼-mile loop, the Cat Creek Trail connects to the main trail on both ends, which can be taken on either the trip out or the trip back for variety.
The main trail then descends slightly and opens up brightly along the Gray Wolf River, providing a scenic view of the canyon. But this is not the destination. It is merely a respite and chance to take in the views of the Olympic National Forest as the trail begins its journey into the Buckhorn Wilderness. The entire trail, even before the wilderness boundary, is an area where a hiker does not need to be concerned with dodging motorcycles or even mountain bikes. It is an oasis of peace and solitude for those traveling on foot.
After a moderate climb to the 2-mile mark, the trail begins to descend more steadily, and the roaring of the river fills ones senses with anticipation. Soon the more spectacular stretches of the Gray Wolf River come into view. Continue along the trail to any number of scenic campsites, which also make wonderful lunch and photo stops.
This trail is normally rated easy, as the maximum grade is only about 15 percent, which makes it a fairly leisurely hike for most people in good condition.
When You Go
The Lower Gray Wolf Trail currently ends at a washed-out bridge at mile 4.2, which makes for a healthy 8.4-mile round-trip that can take four to five hours, depending on the number of washouts and slides, which vary month by month and season by season.
Those who wish to hike up into Olympic National Park or who have horses or pack stock can access the trail from the Slab Camp Trail No. 838 off road No. 2875, which intersects with the trail past the wash out at mile 6.1. The National Park boundary is at mile 9.1. Wilderness permits are required for overnight use in Olympic National Park.
The Gray Wolf River offers trout fishing, wildlife watching, and backpacking opportunities year round.
How To Get There
From Highway 101 heading west toward Sequim, turn left on Louella Road across from Sequim Bay State Park. Go one mile and turn left of Palo Alto Road. Continue on this road to Forest Road No. 28. Turn right on Road No. 2880, go past the Dungeness Forks Campground, and stay left onto road No. 2870. You will pass the old trailhead. A new trailhead has been constructed with a small parking area approximately one mile past the old trailhead. If the small parking area is full, there are areas along road No. 2870 that are wide enough to safely park on.
For More Information Contact
Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene office at 360.765.2200.
National Park Service, nps.gov
USDA Forest Service, fs.fed.us
Nature of the Northwest, naturenw.org
For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.
