WEST LAKE MILLS TRAIL
Length 2.0 mi/3.2 km 
Access Elwha River Road 
USGS Maps Elwha; Hurricane Hill 
Agency Olympic National Park

This trail is reached by leaving the Elwha River road just beyond the Glines Canyon Dam and following the 
boat launch road to Lake Mills (0.2 mi/0.3 km; 600 ft/183m).

Although the trail more or less follows the lake's west shore, it is one of those up-and-down routes that 
hikers find disconcerting. One moment the trail is at lake level, close to the shore; then it climbs high 
above the water, only to return to the shore, crossing several streams en route. Nevertheless, it is an 
interesting route to walk, particularly in the fall, when the maple leaves turn golden yellow. The trail 
also makes an excellent "owl hike" during the evening, A few old-growth firs, scarred by fire, are scattered 
through the stands of second-growth timber.

Beginning in a stand of alder and big leaf maple, the trail climbs to an old roadbed and follows it a short 
distance. The path then descends to lake level and crosses Stubey Creek near an old fir that has an osprey's 
nest in its top.

The route climbs over a couple of spurs that extend down to the lake. Madrona trees add artistic touches, 
and at the second spur the hiker can see the upper end of Lake Mills and the mountains beyond. The trail 
then descends to a little stream and a good viewpoint, where one can look down the length of the lake. The 
buildings near the dam are visible; so, too, are the heavily timbered spurs that rise from the lakes eastern 
shore. At night the lights twinkle on the lakes surface, making the scene romantic.

Beyond this point a short path leads left to a campsite on the shore. The main trail goes right, and one can 
hear Boulder Creek just ahead. The trail ends abruptly (2.0 mi/3.2 km) at the edge of a precipice overlooking 
the arm of the lake that leads to the creek. Caution is advised. The hiker who walks too fast, without paying 
attention, may take an involuntary header in the lake. However, the scene at the brink is picturesque—the hike 
lies at one's feet, and the cascades made by Boulder Creek are visible.