Wynoochee Valley
I’ve driven past the exit for the Wynoochee Lake Recreation Area innumerable times on my way to work. Today I set out to explore the area in search of an early season hike. Judging from the sparse trip reports online, this is a lightly traveled southern route into the Olympics. Vehicle access is via USFS road 2700, which is gated for wildlife until May 1 and happened to be the day of my trip. I hoped that by the time I arrived, the gate would be open, but I found it locked. Somewhat disappointed, I began to assemble my gear in preparation for a hike up the road. As I was getting ready, a USFS worker arrived and opened the gate! Thankful for the good timing, I drove further up the road in search of the trailhead.
The spring melt was underway, evidenced by the many beautiful waterfalls visible from the road. Beyond the bridge, the road narrowed and began to climb, feeling more suitable for 4-wheel drive.
Waterfalls abound
Hike
I parked just before a stretch of road covered with several feet of snow. I was hoping to get close to the Wynoochee Pass trailhead and figured this was close enough. Starting down the road on foot, I was almost immediately post-holing in soft snow, so I put on my snowshoes.
Snow way I am driving through that!
After passing a small sign indicating the turn toward Wynoochee Pass, road conditions improved. I alternated between snowshoes and hiking boots for the next mile or so. Fresh bear tracks were visible through this section.
Road to Wynoochee Pass trailhead
Further up the road, a beautiful view of the South Fork Skokomish river valley opened up to the east, with Wonder Mountain and Capitol Peak making an appearance.
South fork of the Skokomish river valley
The road degraded considerably from here, marked with many small boulders and rockslides. Eventually I reached a section blocked by large rock slide. Beyond this, the road continued for a bit, ending in an old parking area with a primitive fire ring. At the back of the clearing, I found a small opening with a trail leading into the woods.
Rockfall blocking the old logging road
Shortly after passing into the trees, the terrain opened up again. The trail was blocked by a large slide of loose rock and sand. I quickly crossed this, feeling the material moving under my feet and sending debris downhill to my right. Soon I came to the Olympic National Park trailhead self-registration box. Technically the National Park is closed during the pandemic, but I figured I was socially isolated enough and would be safe to explore a little inside the park boundary.
National park ahead
Eventually I came to a prominent 50-foot waterfall along the Wynoochee River with a ford area just above the falls. The snow was stacked about 10 feet on either side of the crossing, making it non-trivial. After a little searching, I found a route and made it across the river successfully.
Water falling on the Wynoochee river
The trail was completely obscured by snow beyond this point and I consulted my GPS for a route. If I wanted to make it further up to the pass, I would have at least one more ford, likely as complicated as the last. Ultimately, I decided to stop for lunch and then head back because I was close to my turnaround time.
Another great day in the mountains
For much of the hike back, I was serenaded by mating calls of the ruffed grouse. On the drive home, I stopped several times for photo opportunities and made a quick visit to the Wynoochee Dam.
Road home
Water falling everywhere
Wynoochee dam
Starting elevation: 2,090 ft | Elevation gain: 1,099 ft | Distance: 7.02 mi
