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CHS 1 Hike - North Fork Quinault River

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - North Fork Quinault River

Hike along a wild river whose big bends and wide gravel bars will make you think you are in Alaska. This hike is part of the OLYMPICS CAMPOUT WEEKEND. CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.75-2.25 mph)

Contacts

James Souza
James Souza
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 13.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 600 ft

TBD -- however the trailhead is about 4 hours from Seattle.  Participants are encouraged to join us at the Lake Quinault campout or acquire lodging nearby on Fri & Sat nights.

We'll retrace a part of the Press Expedition's 1889-90 route across the Olympics on this jaunt along the North Fork of the Quinault River to the site of a former lodge called Halfway House.  Along the way, we'll pass a gravel bar named Wolf and a creek named Wild Rose and witness towering Sitka spruces, maples dripping with moss, huge western hemlocks, and speckled alders. 

This trail reminds us very much of the East Fork Quinault, so if you're not a backpacker and you've always wanted to visit Enchanted Valley but found the 27-mile distance too much for a day hike, this is your chance to see what all the fuss is about (minus the chalet)! 

Route/Place

North Fork Quinault River


  • 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.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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