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Elwha River Nature Loop

Olympic National ParkElwhaGoal trailNot yet hiked

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Route info

Length
0.5 mi
Type
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Route gain
3,440 ft
Dogs
Not Allowed

Published figures from the park, the forest, WTA or AllTrails. "Route gain" is for a popular WTA hike that uses this trail, so it may cover more or less than the trail itself.

Season & conditions

For reference
Seasonal access
Creek crossings may be difficult or impossible, particularly in the winter through the early summer or during periods of high rainfall.
Passes & permits
NPS entrance fee/pass (park-wide); wilderness permit required for all overnight trips; WTA lists: America the Beautiful Pass; Permit: No
Trail status
Trail has been cleared of downed trees to Hayes River Camp 45 trees down between Hayes River and Chicago Camp. This section of trail has several sections of very brushy trail as well Visitors are reminded that there are still fire damaged areas of the trail between Hayes River Camp and Chicago Camp and to be alert for the following hazards: falling (NPS, updated 8/23/26)
Road
Olympic Hot Springs Rd & Whiskey Bend Rd closed to vehicles (washout) since 5/7/21; start at Madison Falls (NPS road conditions)

Conditions change fast, and these notes may be out of date. Check official sources before you go: NPS Olympic trail & road conditions.

Sources: nps.gov 1 · nps.gov 2 · nps.gov 3 · wta.org 1 · wta.org 2

Finding the trailhead

Trailhead
Whiskey Bend Trailhead
Access
Paved road to Elwha Ranger Station
Road
Olympic Hot Springs Rd & Whiskey Bend Rd closed to vehicles (washout) since 5/7/21; start at Madison Falls (NPS road conditions)
Seasonal access
Creek crossings may be difficult or impossible, particularly in the winter through the early summer or during periods of high rainfall.
Pass
NPS entrance fee/pass (park-wide); wilderness permit required for all overnight trips; WTA lists: America the Beautiful Pass

Directions to trailhead

From public park, forest and WTA info. Roads and access change, so check before you go.

Map

TrailheadParkForest
USGS The National Map · NPS · USFS

No public trail line yet, so this shows the verified trailhead.