Mt. Walker Trail #894

 

Mt. Walker Trail Map.

Mt. Walker Trail and Viewpoint Map.


Area Status: Open
Mt. Walker Trail in fall.

A 2 mile steep, forested hike through Douglas-fir, spring blooming pacific rhododendrons, salal, and Oregon Grape to the north summit of Mt. Walker. Grades up to 25%. Walk the road at the top for .5 miles to reach the south viewpoint.

Mt. Walker is the only peak facing Puget Sound that has both a road and trail to its summit. The trail is easily accessed year-round, though the summit road is subject to seasonal closure.

See also: Mt Walker Viewpoint accessed by driving the Mt. Walker Road 4.0 miles to the summit from US Highway 101.

Topo Maps: USGS Mt. Walker

Looking out at the clouds below over the large blue water of the Hood Canal Hiker reads sign at Mt Walker trailhead Hiking Crew walk up and down Mt Walker in late fall A trails leads out to an open viewpoint through douglas fir forest View of forested peaks with mist aruond them

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 10/02/23 Due to hill instability the higher gate to the Mt. Walker Viewpoint is closed. Lower gate will close in early November.
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Motor vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited on the trail.
Closest Towns: Quilcene, WA
Water: No
Passes: No pass required
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Parking Conditions: During the summer months the Forest Service gate is open allowing for access to a small parking area. This is a primitive trailhead not equipped with any facilities.

Nov 1 – March 31 – The entry gate at FS Rd 2730 is closed. Parking is extremely limited along Hwy 101. Do not block access to the gate and ensure your vehicle is completely off the road when parking. Before heading out, have a back up trail planned in case there is no available parking. Do not block access on the road, in front of gates, or into private driveways.

General Information

Directions:

From Quilcene, WA drive 5 miles south on US Highway 101. Turn east onto Mt. Walker Viewpoint Road. Drive a short .25 mile to the Mt. Walker trailhead. Pullover parking for the trail is on the left side of the road. Trail begins on the right side of the road.


General Notes:

Trailhead parking but no toilet or water available. *At the summit there are picnic tables and restrooms available but no water.


Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: Fairly steep with 10% to 20% grades and 2,000 feet elevation gain. Trail ends at the north viewpoint. The south viewpoint can be reached by walking the road. The summit viewpoints can also be accessed by driving the Mt. Walker Road 4.0 miles to the summit from US Highway 101. Mt. Walker is the only peak facing Puget Sound that has both a road and trail to its summit.

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants: Douglas-fir, spring blooming pacific rhododendrons, salal, and Oregon Grape.

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery: Vistas at the north viewpoint include Mt. Jupiter, Mt. Constance, Buckhorn Mountain, Mt. Baker and the town of Quilcene. Vistas from the south viewpoint include the Hood Canal, Mt. Rainier, and Seattle.

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Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Highlights

  • Recreation Passes