Oh deer, last ferry is at 10:30 pm!

The goal of choosing this route was to make it logistically easy (loop course), make it approachable (possible for most to complete as a day trip including drive time), make it accessible (my Buick can make it to the trailhead with no issue), and pick a meaningful location/trail (ONP is my favorite National Park!). This route is based on a backpacking trip I took with my partner in 2014 before I knew anything about trail running or the possibility of being able to cover 25+ miles in any less than 2.5 days. The route includes both mossy forest and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, as well as my favorite bathroom signage at Moose Lake. I hope this route has you fawning over the mountains of Olympic National Park!

Route

Start/Finish: The route can be started at any point on this loop, with the two most obvious spots being the Deer Park Trailhead or Obstruction Point Trailhead. The description below starts the route from the Deer Park Trailhead.

Details: Start at the Deer Park Trailhead and immediately drop 3,000+ feet of elevation on the Three Forks Trail knowing that you'll have the next 20+ miles to climb back to the start. After crossing Cameron Creek near the Three Forks Campground/Shelter turn right onto the Cameron Creek Trail. The Cameron Creek Trail wanders through a mossy forest, crossing over Cameron Creek in a few spots along the way as you gradually gain elevation with rolling hills and you prepare for the climb to Grand Pass. The Cameron Creek Trail intersects with the Grand Pass Trail and the climbing begins as you hoof your way back into the mountainous terrain (don’t forget to stag-er your breaks!). Once you reach Grand Pass, take in the views of the mountains/lakes and it's a "choose your own adventure" to get to Obstruction Point. From Grand Pass you have the option to take the Lillian Ridge Trail or continue on the Grand Pass Trail with the option to take the high route (staying on the Grand Pass Trail) or to connect to the Badger Valley Trail. Any route is in as long as you pass by Obstruction Point. My recommendation is to pass by Gladys and Moose Lakes so that you have a chance to use the most inviting pit toilet at Moose Lake along the way. From Obstruction Point make your way back to the Deer Park Trailhead and close the loop. Try not to get distracted by the views but make sure you look down at the lakes you just came from. This can be done by sticking with the herd to the Deer Ridge Trail or staying high and tagging a few of the peaks on the ridgeline along the way.  

Note: Closest Derry Queen to the trailhead is in Sequim (I recommend the cookie-doe blizzard).

Bonus Points/Challenges (to-doe list):

Take the ferry from the mainland to the peninsula and back in one day. Don't forget, the last ferry leaves at 10:30 pm!*

From Obstruction Point, take a detour (7.8 miles one way via Obstruction Point Road) to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center to fill out paperwork for your ONP junior ranger badge. Food at Hurricane Ridge is in if you choose to take the 15.6 mile detour!

Count the number of deer you see along the way for the trip report. Most deer spotted along the route for the year will win a special prize!

*Disclaimer: At the time of writing this description, the last ferry departing the peninsula left Bainbridge at 10:30 pm. Please remember to check the WSDOT website for the most up to date information.