Ludden Peak Way Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

While the belief that "the more remote a mountain in the Olympics is, the harder it is to summit" is mostly true, Ludden Peak is an exception. This is a fun little scramble for those already in the area, and those looking for solitude on a remote peak. Just a few short miles from Dodger Point Primitive Trail, the route up to Ludden Peak is more of a scramble than a hike. Gaining a little more than 850 feet from the start of the trail, the path gets right to the ridge, and stays there, aside from a few areas where a little down climbing is needed.

You don't need serious gear to get to the summit, but experience on the loose rock of the Olympics will really help. Late snow can also make this turn from a fun scrabble to something more serious, so gauge the conditions before you start.

High alpine plants and wildflowers make this a very pretty experience, but there isn't a lot of plant life on the windswept ridge. Possible mountain goat or marmot sightings may occur.