Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions -- Jul, 2025
Meeting point changes to
SEQUIM PUBLIC PARKING LOT just beyond the
north-east corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street
(162 N Sequim Ave, Sequim, WA 98382)
Wed, Jul 2 Victoria/Canada [Easy] 5-8.6 / 500' n/a ride-$3
EARLY START (be at ferry by 7:50)
Take the earliest Coho ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and walk around Victoria exploring the waterfront, Beacon Hill Park, Clover Point Park, Holland Point Park, to the Breakwater Lighthouse, having lunch at the Breakwater Bistro & Bar, and returning via Fisherman's Wharf and the colorful floathouses, and Peter Pollen Park. This will be a long day, so plan accordingly! For more info contact Matt Qmerge@gmail.com
Fri, Jul 4 W. Elwha/Herrick Rd. to Altair & Upper Dam Site [Moderate] 6.5-10.5 / 1325'-1700' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
Park and proceed up trail respecting private property on an easement. Campfire Girls red alder grove (1938) as you enter the Natl. Park. Follow the west side of the Elwha across some bridges like Freeman, Deadhorse, & Hughes. Drop down to the abandoned Altair Picnic/Campground Area. Can proceed on up to Glines Canyon Dam on the Olympic Hot Springs Rd.
Wed, Jul 9 Anderson Lake State Park [Easy to Mod] 5-7.1 / 250'-600' Discover ride-$10
Head to the Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary (Sacred Rock) via Split Rock from the Savage Memorial Trail, Cascade Trail, and San Juan Trail, on the west side of the lake. Many possible loops in this state park. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-1340351-11
Fri, Jul 11 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, Jul 16 Peabody Creek [Moderate] 5.8-6.13 / 948'-1050' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
This is a pleasant hike from the ONP Visitors' Center, which follows Peabody Creek through a ravine and over several wooden bridges up to the end at Hurricane Ridge Road. This hike offers plenty of shade on a warm day but can still be muddy in places. Bring bug repellent & trekking poles for the muddy spots!
Fri, Jul 18 Buckhorn Pass [Mod to Diff] 12-14 / 2643'-3050' NW Forest/Golden ride-$7
This is beyond Buckhorn Lake turn-off and heads up to the "Pass". Fairly easy ~ 3.6 miles to Copper Creek. Then, start climbing up towards Buckhorn Lake turn-off @ ~ 5.8 mi. and then on up to the plateau between Buckhorn and Marmot passes. Wildflowers are often seen in the meadows heading up beyond Buckhorn Lake & quite beautiful. There is a 3/4 mi. "shortcut" which cuts mileage down to 12 miles. It's steeper & 1/3 mi. beyond Copper Creek @ 2nd switchback.
Wed, Jul 23 Olympic Adventure Trail - Mile 0 to Living Room [Easy to Mod] 7-8.5 / 700'-955' Discover ride-$5
This is a popular & familiar route for many and is considered Mile “0” of the Olympic Adventure Trail off of Hwy 112. We will hike to what is called the “Living Room” with a bench and picnic table, making it a convenient turn-around spot with a nice view, as well. An extra 1-1/2 miles can be obtained by going further to the truck and turning around.
Fri, Jul 25 Tunnel Creek / Valhalla [Mod to Diff] 9.5-10.5 / 2650'-3018' NW Forest/Golden ride-$7
Hike is out of Quilcene going steadily up along Tunnel Creek to the Tunnel Creek Shelter @ ~3 mi. & a gain of ~ 1,300'. Cross Tunnel Creek and start climbing up to Harrison Lake & to 5050 Pass. There are a couple of short, technical rocky sections. Can stop at "Lunch Rock" for its incredible view of Mt. Constance and Valhalla; or those wishing to go further, can scramble up to Valhalla--another 20 min. of ~ .3 miles and 350’-400’ where you can be looking directly at Mt. Constance.
Wed, Jul 30 Striped Peak [Easy to Mod] 7 / 850' Discover ride-$5
Go to the Striped Peak @ 1,166’ (not a real peak but a high prominence), on a newly built trail in this County Park and 1500-acre DNR area. There are also fabulous views of Crescent Bay, towards Vancouver Island across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, etc. One might even get to see Mt. Baker! https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/striped-peak
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: One hike listed above (Mt. Townsend to Silver Lake) 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 Safeway Gas Station parking lot.