Trip

Backpack - North Fork Quinault River & Skyline Trail Loop

Backpack a less-visited corner of Olympic National Park and traverse a rugged and beautiful high traverse along the Skyline Trail. We’ll start on the North Fork Quinault trailhead and climb up the river in two days to Low Divide, where we turn west and traverse below Mt Seattle to Lake Beauty, along the ridgetops to Three Prune camp for the last night. We’ll try to find the giant Yellow Cedar on the last day.

Sat, Jul 24, 2021 — Wed, Jul 28, 2021
Committee: Olympia Hiking & Backpacking Committee
Activity Type: Backpacking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Leader Rating: Challenging
Mileage: 45.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 8,000 ft
High Point Elevation: 5,300 ft
Pace: 1.0 - 2.0

Availability: FULL, 2 on waitlist (5 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Leader's notes

This is a challenging backpack, especially the fourth day, which follows a very rough trail -- narrow, with lots of up and down -- between Lake Beauty Peak and Kimta Peak. The trip up the North Fork Quinault requires three fords (Wild Rose Creek, Elip Creek, and the river at Sixteen Mile). Trekking poles and bear cans are required for this trip. The rewards are worth it.

We have permits for camping at Elip Creek (6.6 mi), Low Divide (9.2 mi), Lake Beauty (8 mi), and Three Prune (10.5 mi). The final day is 11.8 mi.

The leader will seek reimbursement from participants for the $8 per night backpacking fee the Park Service charges, for a total of $32 per person.

Meeting place and time

We may meet closer to the trailhead to arrange a short carpool, to avoid crowding at the trailhead.

Route/Place

Roster

Required Equipment

Trip Reports

Route/Place

North Fork Quinault River

Recommended Maps & Charts:
Green Trails Mt Christie No. 166
Custom Correct Quinault-Colonel Bob
Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park
USGS Bunch Lake
USGS Mount Hoquiam
USGS Mount Christie
USGS Kimta Peak
See full route/place details.