Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions -- May, 2026
Fri, May 1 Blyn Tower from W Uncas Rd [Mod to Diff] 7-8 / 1623' Discover ride-$3
Hike up ~ 3-1/2 miles to the Blyn Cell Towers off of Uncas Rd. Very difficult stream crossing possible. This is a multi-use DNR area. Get views into the Olympics and may even see Mt. Rainier!
Wed, May 6 Fort Townsend (Old) [Easy to Mod] 5.2-7.5 / 550'-800' Discover ride-$5
Built in 1856 at Port Townsend Bay. It has Army history, including a torpedo x-ray tower and an abandoned military cemetery (27 bodies were removed in 1898). Many lovely forested trails: a bluff, rhody, madrona, fern, and trillium trails, native plants, and self-guided interpretive history trail.
Fri, May 8 Burnt Hill from Louella Cabin [Mod to Diff] 10-12 / 2600' N/A ride-$3
See some different parts of Burnt Hill. Park at the Louella Cabin off Palo Alto Road. Hike up rutted and often muddy roads and trails to access the logging road system that rings Burnt Hill. Travelling in a rough figure 8 pattern, we will decide at 6.25 miles if we want to hike out to the NE overlook for a view toward Discovery Bay and Port Townsend, which will add 2 miles to the hike. We will then head back toward the Louella Cabin. Poles are recommended for the steep sections of this hike. There are some areas of mud and pools of water so wear waterproof boots and gaiters.
Wed, May 13 Pat's Prairie [Easy to Mod] 5-5.5 / 575'-655' NW Forest/Golden
Near Slab Camp. Named for a possible meadow (prairie?) with some "native plants". Could be an old homestead site, as well? The mystery remains. Cross Pat's Creek at about 1/4 mile before climbing a short way on a Jeep trail and then branching off and going on a remote, 1-1/2+-mile forested trail before coming to a DNR road. A viewpoint of Blue Mt. about 1/4 mile up & off of the DNR road.
Fri, May 15 Switchback Trail / Victor Pass / Klahhane Ridge◆︎ [Mod to Diff] 5.7-8.6 / 2240'-3140' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
Starts at Switchback TH. Starts at cascading stream in subalpine Alaska yellow-cedar forest and climbs 1480' in 1.6 miles, transitioning to the alpine meadows of Victor Pass with lots of wildflowers this time of year. Continue along the ridge for a mile with continuous spectacular views (weather permitting). Descend 400' over 0.3 miles to an outstanding raven's eye view of Lake Angeles and turnaround point. Mostly good quality trail with scattered rocky/steep spots. Expect a few lingering snow patches covering the trail on the East end of the ridge. If still feeling perky on the way back, can do a side trip around to the meadows on the West side of Mt. Angeles, adding 2.0 miles and 900' round trip.
Wed, May 20 Mt. Zion [Moderate] 4.5-5 / 1340'-1535' NW Forest/Golden ride-$5
This trail offers one of the quickest & shortest ascents of ~ 1.8 mi. to a summit in the Olympic Mts. One passes a site of an old fire lookout built in 1935 and can proceed on to another rock outcrop/overlook after ~ a 1/2 mile for better views of Mt. Townsend and Gray Wolf Ridge. May see lovely blooms of the Pacific rhody.
Fri, May 22 Storm King◆︎ [Mod to Diff] 4.1 / 1831' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
Park at the Storm King Ranger Station at Lake Crescent. Proceed towards Marymere Falls. Storm King Trail will be on left. From there it is a climb!
Wed, May 27 Little River◆︎ [Moderate] 7-9 / 875'-1745' Discover ride-$5
This is a hike close to Port Angeles off of the Black Diamond Rd. The trail enters Natl. Park at about 1.2 miles. This used to be a historical trail leading to mines. You will pass by rock walls, old growth trees, and cross log bridges across the S. Branch of the Little River about 5-7 times and can end up at a log bridge (with a rope for support).
Fri, May 29 Deer Hair Rock/Elwha Overlook◆︎ [Difficult] 6.8-8 / 1450'-1934' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$7
Park near picnic area near Hurricane Hill Trail & hike on the paved trail to 5,757' gaining ~ 600'. Backtrack from top down ~ .1 mi. to the Elwha Trail. This trail drops down to what is called Deer Hair Rock or the Elwha Overlook @ ~ 4,643'. This hike is a reverse hike where you drop ~ 800-1,000'+ to the overlook and then climb back out! Has excellent views overlooking the Elwha River & Valley. Wildflowers can be nice! Couple of steep, scree sections, so poles are most helpful.
NOTE: As with any hike, do your own research on a particular hike and assess whether it is of your hiking ability. Always carry your Hiking Essentials and do not rely on others to bring them for you. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: OTHH assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps on any of their hikes or outings. Please use discretion and be safe. Please read the Hazards & Liability section on the Home page of the OTHH website and refer to the link given and agree to the conditions set forth in that document.
WILDERNESS HIKE: Any hike with a ◆︎ goes into the Wilderness, so there is a Wilderness Regulation of a limit of 12 in a group. Please honor this and divide up.
EARLY START: Watch for an e-mail from the leader(s) ahead of time indicating what time to meet at the Sequim Public parking lot.