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Elwha River Trail

Olympic National Forest, Washington · 4 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
Year-round
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Walk the recovering Elwha River valley, site of the largest dam removal in U.S. history
  • Salmon and steelhead have returned to the upper Elwha for the first time in a century
  • Old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock throughout
  • Nearly flat terrain makes this accessible for most hikers year-round
  • Visible ecological recovery in progress along the former reservoir sites

Overview

The Elwha River valley is one of the most ecologically significant places in the Pacific Northwest. Two dams that blocked salmon migration for nearly a century were removed between 2011 and 2014, and the river has been recovering ever since. Walking the Elwha River Trail today means witnessing an active ecosystem restoration: vegetation re-establishing in former reservoir beds, salmon rediscovering channels they have not used in 100 years, and the slow return of the food web that depends on Pacific salmon as a keystone species.

The trail itself is straightforward: low elevation, minimal grade, well-maintained surface through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock. The ecological significance is what elevates it from a pleasant valley walk to something worth driving to the Olympic Peninsula specifically to experience. This is a place where a deliberate human decision to remove infrastructure and let the river recover is producing visible results on a human timescale.

This trail is within Olympic National Park; Olympic National Forest surrounds the lower approaches. Park fees apply. The national forest vs. national park guide explains the difference in jurisdiction and regulations.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Lower Elwha Valley

The trail begins from the Elwha Trailhead off Olympic Hot Springs Road and heads south along the river. The old-growth forest provides canopy cover throughout this section. The Elwha River is visible through the trees and the trail passes several bank viewpoints looking down at the river's clear blue-green water.

The river's clarity is itself a sign of the restoration's progress. When the dams were in place, the upstream reservoirs trapped the glacial sediment load. With the dams gone, the sediment has been partially flushed to the delta and the river has returned to something closer to its pre-dam condition.

Miles 2.5 to 4.5: Former Reservoir Zone

The upper section of this day hike description passes through terrain that was once submerged beneath Aldwell Lake (the Elwha Dam reservoir). The landscape here is strikingly different from the old-growth forest below: young vegetation colonizing former reservoir sediments, a wider, more open floodplain, and the Elwha braiding through new channels.

This is one of the most visually interesting sections for understanding the restoration process. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the dam removal timeline and describe what was here before. The turnaround point at 4.5 miles is a good river viewing location.

When to Visit

Year-round access is practical given the low elevation. The best salmon viewing is from September through November. Summer is warm and the old-growth forest is beautiful. Winter is wet but rarely has snow at this elevation.

The Olympic Hot Springs Road sometimes closes after major flooding events. Check the park website for current road status.

What to Bring

  • Rain gear for any visit outside of July and August.
  • Many hikers carry 1 to 1.5 liters of water for this flat hike. Individual needs vary.
  • Binoculars for wildlife watching, particularly during salmon season.
  • Bug repellent from May through July.

Practical Details

Olympic National Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle for 7 days as of 2026) applies. Vault restrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted.

For veterans and active military seeking information on free pass programs, see veteran benefits for national forests. Follow the Leave No Trace principles for staying on trail and respecting the recovering riparian vegetation.

Check current conditions for road status before heading out.

Getting There

From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 approximately 8 miles to the Olympic Hot Springs Road turnoff on the left (south). Follow Olympic Hot Springs Road approximately 4 miles to the Elwha Trailhead. Total drive from Port Angeles is about 20 minutes.

The road is paved and typically accessible year-round, though winter flooding can cause temporary closures. Check the Olympic National Park website for road conditions before making the drive.

Trailhead Parking

Elwha Trailhead off Olympic Hot Springs Road, approximately 10 miles south of Port Angeles. Small paved lot. Olympic National Park entrance fee required ($35/vehicle for 7 days, as of 2026).

← Back to Olympic National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Elwha River dam removal?
Two dams, Elwha Dam (built 1913) and Glines Canyon Dam (built 1927), blocked salmon migration and degraded the river ecosystem for nearly a century. Both dams were removed between 2011 and 2014 in the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. The Elwha River has been recovering since, with salmon and steelhead observed returning to reaches above the former dam sites for the first time in 100 years.
Can I see salmon in the Elwha River?
Yes, depending on season. Chinook, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead trout are returning to the Elwha system. Viewing opportunities are best from September through November during fall salmon runs. Check current conditions with Olympic National Park for specific viewing locations.
Is the Elwha River Trail a good option in winter?
Yes. The low elevation and mild coastal climate make this trail accessible in most winters. The trail does not gain much elevation and the dense old-growth forest provides some shelter from rain. Expect wet conditions from November through April.
How far does the Elwha River Trail go?
The full Elwha River Trail extends approximately 29 miles from the Whiskey Bend Trailhead to Olympus Guard Station. The section described here covers the first 4.5 miles on the most accessible lower portion of the valley.
Is this trail appropriate for novice hikers?
The Elwha River Trail lower section is one of the more accessible trails in Olympic National Park due to its flat terrain and well-maintained surface. It is popular with a wide range of hikers.