WEST ELWHA TRAIL
Length 3.0mi/4.8km 
Access Elwha River Road 
USGS Map Elwha 
Agency Olympic National Park

The trail begins at the north end of Altaire Campground (400 ft/122 m). This 
route was once part of the Olympic Hot Springs Trail, most of which was de-
stroyed by extension of the Elwha River Road up Boulder Creek.

As it parallels the river, the trail goes through stands of Douglas fir, a mix of 
virgin forest and second growth but primarily the latter. After about a half mile, 
the trail veers away from the Elwha and crosses a maple-and-fern glen, then 
returns to the conifer forest. The latter now consists mostly of young trees, 
with a scattering of big firs blackened near the ground by fire. 

The trail contours a steep hillside, and the river can be heard below. This is a 
good point (1.0 mi/1.6 km) for families to stop; otherwise the adults might 
have to carry their children up the hill on the return trip. The path descends to 
a flat where a few old firs still stand, but most of the big trees were cut years 
ago. One can still see the springboard curs in the rotted stumps. The trail then 
crosses Hughes Creek (1.5 mi/2.4 km). The forest beyond is dense second 
growth.  

The trail climbs around a bluff overlooking the Elwha. Here one has a 
splendid view upriver, with the Elwha River Range rising beyond. After 
crossing Freeman Creek, the trail climbs to the national park boundary at the top 
of the hill (2.6 mi/4.2 km), then continues through private land to the Herrick 
Road (3.0 mi/4.8 km).