5,050 Pass from Dosewallips Road

Getting There

Head east on the Dosewallips River Road from US-101. It's about 9 miles to the Tunnel Creek Trailhead, ~0.25 mile before the washout (700 ft).

on the trail

A hike for those who want to train and/or stay in excellent shape. With 1,500 feet elevation gain per mile, it is rated as extreme—it takes no prisoners. There is no reliable source of water along the way. The Tunnel Creek Trail (No. 841) climbs up and up through trees with views of Mount Jupiter. It is rivaled only by the next trail to the west, The Lake Constance Trail, 2 miles at 1,750 feet per mile. Near the end you break out at the alpine level and are rewarded with views of the interior of the Olympics, Mount Constance and more of Mount Jupiter.

notes

• On the return, your knees will be punished on the steep downhill—trekking poles are strongly recommended.
• The trail can be dangerous if it is wet. It is very slippery when headed back down. A good alternative in these treacherous conditions is Tunnel Creek.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Length: 6.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,350 ft
• High Point: 5,050 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Forest
  Buckhorn Wilderness, Hood Canal Ranger District (ONF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12