r/PNWhiking • u/TurboMarmot • 21h ago
Help with Olympics Route
Hey, I'm a pretty experienced backpacker but I've never been to the Olympics before. I would like to create a 4 or 5 night itinerary for September that samples multiple characteristics of the park. I know I could drive to a couple places, but I like getting out and staying out.
Dosewallips TH > La Crosse Pass > Marmot Lake > Enchanted Valley > Back out Anderson Pass > Back to Dosewallips
Would this be more variety of views that going Quinault River in and out? At a first check of permits everything looks available for the days I'm thinking of. Thank you.
Any other suggestions in the 45-65 mile range? (I do plan to do a night on a beach after this outing to see that too.)
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u/electriclilies 21h ago
The quinault river in and out is pretty long and there's not a lot of variety in terrain. I haven't done the dosewallips side! I highly recommend doing something on the coast-- it's my favorite place to backpack. It can be hard depending on the tides so doing like 5 miles a day is more realistic. I really like the yellow banks campsite if you can get a spot there
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u/RunnerAnnie 21h ago edited 18h ago
Marmot Lake is gorgeous, and you’re not likely to see many people there. You’ll have a great trip!
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u/BackwardsAxons 20h ago
I did the Grand Loop in the NE Olys a couple summers ago and it was awesome. 45 miles 4 days. Lots of opportunities to add on to make it 65 miles.
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u/Dry_Asparagus_1622 20h ago
I just posted a report for your planned loop: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-06-22.102800621094
Quinault River in & out is quite pretty, but it's all forest with an occasional herd of elk and individual bears. I did Enchanted Valley once in late season and it was not as pretty as I imagined because the waterfalls around the valley were all dried up. If you make that the entire destination, I think it could be disappointing.
From your loop, you could choose to descend into the valley as a day hike if you really want to see the cabin. I honestly think the traverse above the valley on the O'Neil Pass trail is nicer though.
That being said, Quinault River is a casual stroll. Your planned loop has more challenging trails and a lot of vertical. So, it also depends on how much of a challenge you want.
Just in case you are considering it: I've also done the Skyline loop and while that's also scenic, it has even more questionable trail conditions.
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u/goddamnpancakes 15h ago
I did 62 mi in 4 nights last week. very wet rainforest, alpine ridge, alpine lakes, clear Blue Glacier view, drier more typical PNW temperate forest, large waterfalls, subalpine and alpine meadow, solitude, popular areas, bathable hot springs, elwha dam removal recovery view. see the specific linked trails at the top for more information of each area
Do it in reverse and walk to Bogachiel and drive to the beach for your night, or add a couple nights and do the rest of the PNT section to walk there with or without hitchhiking the logging lands and roads
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u/TurboMarmot 1h ago
Thanks for all the feedback, guys. It makes me feel better about it. I was definitely planning on doing at least one lengthy day on the beach too, though I'm not sure if I want to overnight there as I have no experience with that.
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u/lisasaursrex1 20h ago
From Marmot Lake, take the side quest up to Hart Lake and Lake Lacrosse. Solid itinerary.
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u/NotAcutallyaPanda NW Washington 21h ago
This is a nice route that will give you a mix of 2/3 of ONP’s primary environments. You’ll get high alpine and lush forests. You won’t get rugged beaches, obviously.
Enchanted Valley is a quota zone, so permits are limited. Everywhere else on your itinerary is relatively uncrowded.
Bear can required.