MOUNT ZION TRAIL

Length 1.8-mi/2.9 km 
Access FS Road 2810 
USGS Map Mount Zion 
Agency Olympic National Forest

Mount Zion stands somewhat isolated, its slopes draining to 
four systems—on the west, via Gold Creek, to the Dungeness 
River; north, to a tributary of Jimmycomelately Creek; 
east, into Snow Creek, and on the south to Deadfall Creek, 
a tributary of the Little Quilcene. The peak does not, 
therefore, belong to any particular watershed; but because 
it is more closely linked with the Quilcene than the 
Dungeness, it has been included here.

The trailhead (2950 ft/899 m) is located on FS Road 2810, 
2.0-mi/3.2 km from Bon Jon Pass, where a parking lot and a 
permanent restroom have been constructed.

This trail is at its best in late June or early July, when 
the rhododendrons are in bloom. The floral display rivals 
that on Mount Townsend as one of the finest in the 
Olympics. The smooth, well-laid-out trail is a delight to 
walk.

The route climbs at a moderate grade, ascending slopes 
covered with second-growth fir and an understory of 
rhododendron. Lichen clings to the trunks of the trees and 
the branches of the rhododendrons; the ground is covered 
with salal and ferns. Columbia lilies bloom alongside the 
path in the summer; their seed stalks way in the autumn 
winds.

The only source of water on this route is a trickle on the 
right side of the trail (0.6 mi/1.0 km)—enough to hold a 
cup under and obtain a drink.

The trail climbs to the northwest, then makes a big bend 
and reverses its direction 180 degrees. After traversing 
beneath outcrops of basalt, the path climbs a bit, via a 
half dozen switchbacks, and then goes by more examples of 
volcanic rock.

Upon the summit (1.8 mi/2.9 km; 4274 ft/1303 m), the trail 
breaks out into he open, but little trees are scattered 
around. The actual top is a smooth, flat area where a 
lookout cabin once stood. Built in 1929, it was removed in 
1975.

The views are excellent. High peaks are visible to the 
southwest, including snow-flecked Mount Deception and The 
Needles, but flat-topped Mount Townsend dominates the scene 
because it is closer. Lower peaks and ridges can be seen to 
the northwest. The Strait of Juan de Fuca lies to the 
north, partially obscured by the ridge n the foreground. 
Mount Baker rises to the northeast, beyond Puget Sound, 
which is often covered by clouds, but on a clear day one 
has a glorious view of the water and the Cascades.

The hiker should not be misled by an old path near the summit.  
This is probably a remnant of the Snow Creek Trail, which no 
longer exists.  On the peak's north side the path follows a 
narrow ridgeto a point overlooking Gold Creek Valley.  Logging 
roads and clearcuts are visible below, intermixed with patches 
of second-growth forest and stands of virgin timber.