Jefferson Ridge

Access is by Forest Road 25 (Hamma Hamma Road), 14 miles north of Hoodsport.  Drive 6.5 miles on FR 25, turn left on FR 2480 and continue 0.2 mile.  Turn right onto FR 2421 and drive 2.5 steep and rocky miles to the unmarked trailhead on the right, a switchback at 2,300 ft. There is a sign-in box about 50 yards up Trail 808 (Jefferson Ridge Trail). 

The trail starts in second growth forest along the edge of a logged area that is covered in rhododendrons and bear grass.  At about 0.5 mile the trail crosses FR 2421 and continues to the former lookout point where the ruins still lie.  Views into the Hamma Hamma drainage and north are spectacular with The Brothers, Mount Bretherton, Mount Lena and Mount Stone dominating.  Once near the summit, Mount Washington, Mount Pershing and the Sawtooth Ridge peaks come into view. 

Notes

• Parking for this seldom-traveled trail does not require a Northwest Forest Pass.
• The elevation gain and mileage can be increased by starting at a hard-to-find lower trailhead near the 1,600 foot elevation, or decreased by continuing up FR 2421 to a locked gate at 2,900 ft (4.1 miles from FR 2480) and walking about ten minutes to Trail 808.

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

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Length: 3.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
• High Point: 3,850 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Forest
  Hood Canal Ranger District (ONF)
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12