Over-the-Hill Hike Descriptions -- Dec, 2024
Hikers will meet in the Sequim Safeway Gas Station Parking Lot (just west of the gas station and south of Goodwill) by 8:15 a.m., in order to be able to leave promptly at 8:30 a.m
Wed, Dec 4 Port Gamble Heritage Forest Park [Easy] 5 / 464'-500' N/A ride-$5
There are several options for this area, included trails like Secret Squirrel, Beaver Pond, and going to a viewing platform that can offer nice views of Mt. Baker and surroundings. Access from a parking lot at the n. end of this Kitsap County Park. Afterwards, we usually like to have lunch at the Port Gamble General Store and view the Christmas decorations and lights.
Fri, Dec 6 Pack trail from Herrick road [Mod to Diff] 9.7 / 1890' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$5
The old Olympic Hot Springs Pack Trail was established in 1908. We will begin our hike at Herrick Road and take the West Elwha River Trail. But for this hike we’ll take the Olympic Hot Springs Pack trail located about 2.5 miles from the cars that’s just beyond a small un-bridged creek. We turn off at the clearly evident and recently cleaned-up trail, which is marked a little way up by a wooden sign. The trail runs about 2 miles (1,125 ft. elevation gain) through a lovely forest and gradually ascends, turns, and then continues down to meet Olympic Hot Springs Road just above the Glines Canyon Dam site. We will have lunch at the Dam then we will return via the usual West Elwha route passing through the old Altair Campground.
Wed, Dec 11 Voice of America/Dungeness Recreation Area [Easy] 4-5.2 / 300'-450' Nat'l Park/Golden ride-$3
We will access the trails from the parking area (about 164' above sea level), near the entrance of this County Park off of Voice of America Rd. We will walk along the bluff, view the Spit from the viewing area, down to the beach, up by the Wildlife Refuge Office, to a picnic table viewing the Olympics, through the meadow, & follow a network of other trails in this popular County Park, including seeing the largest yew tree in Clallam County!
Fri, Dec 13 Fri, Dec 13 Whiskey Creek [Mod to Diff] 6.5-10 / 1000'-1800' Discover ride-$5
This is an adventure hike introduced to us by Paul. It is off of the Joyce-Piedmont Rd. where we park. We head East along this trail. There are a variety of loops here, including "Jeff's Tree Trail", Leaf Trail, and one crossing Whiskey Creek. Can have a snack or lunch at a picnic table on the OAT Trail with nice views. Be flexible! Poles and waterproof boots are very helpful.
Wed, Dec 18 Verne Samuelson County Park Trail – P.A. [Easy to Mod] 3.2-5 / 450'-1150' N/A ride-$5
Matt has offered to lead this hike along Valley Creek. We leave from his house @ 1927 S. Pine St. @ ~ 9:00 a.m. After hiking the main trail ~ 1.6 miles up to Wellman, the more adventurous will then proceed and hike an addtl. 1.7-mile extension trail towards the high school. This portion is technically difficult and adds an addtl. ~700’, requiring 2 creek crossings (wear waterproof boots) and use poles for the crossings and steep sections--must also be able to negotiate 18” steps. https://www.strava.com/activities/8489751942
Fri, Dec 20 Lower Dungeness River Trail - (Lower Section) [Mod to Diff] 6.5-12 / 1645'-2100' NW Forest/Golden
Starts at Lower parking lot of Lower Dungeness T.H. off F.S. Rd. 2860. Follows the Dungeness & then climbs steadily up from the river valley to the 3 O'Clock Ridge Trail, a good turn-around & half-way mark after crossing Skookum & Cougar Creeks. Or, can continue towards the historic River Camp Shelter crossing Bungalow Creek or even further on to the Upper Dungeness area crossing Mueller Creek. May get views of Mt. Worthington & Mt. Fricaba from "Pride Rock".
Wed, Dec 25 Discovery Bay Trail--Diamond Point [Easy] 2.8-3.5 / 291'-390' Discover ride-$5
Easy hike off of Diamond Point Road off of Miller Peninsula. Out-and-back. Takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. Or can do the Diamond Point Loop Trail, which is shorter. Get a viewpoint over Discovery Bay. Limited Parking LATE START 9:30am
Fri, Dec 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).
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.