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Hike or bike a washed out road to a historical dam with incredible views.


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Out and Back

609' 186 m

High

267' 81 m

Low

427' 130 m

Up

427' 130 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly You can go as far as you want and have fun, it is a low grade and mostly a paved path.

Overview

This road cannot be driven anymore due to road wash out. Now you can hike this easy road and access some incredible views of the Bailey Range and Elwha River.

Need to Know

There is limited room for turning around at the trailhead when it is busy. There is an accessible compost toilet at the trailhead.

Description

Bikes and leashed dogs are allowed on this road. Start at the Madison Falls Trailhead and hike along paved road. After about a half mile, you'll use a parks created bypass trail which travels near the former Elwha Campground (almost all traces of the campground have washed away). Then you get back on the road and travel past the former Elwha Ranger Station and the facilities. Follow the road, continue straight past the left turn that would go to Whiskey Bend. Cross the Elwha River on the road bridge. On the right is the Altair Campground, which is worth checking out. Continue up the road all the way to the spillway.

Flora & Fauna

Likely to see deer. Sometimes you'll see Elk. The banks of the Elwha near the dam site are covered in Lupine in the spring.

History & Background

The Depression-Ear Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) built some of the structures at Altair Campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

Maura Treaccar

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2292

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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#158

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#2,292

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Photos

With the removal of the Glines Canyon Dam, the Elwha and her native salmon can finally run free.
Jul 5, 2017 near Port An…, WA
Looking across the Elwha
Aug 22, 2021 near Port An…, WA
Winter in the mountains along the lower Elwha.
Feb 1, 2021 near Port An…, WA
The Elwha River slowly regains life after the removal of the Glines Dam.
Jan 28, 2017 near Port An…, WA
Ferny mossy forest along the West Elwha Trail (Photo by bensonk42)
Apr 8, 2015 near Port An…, WA

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