Olympic National Park

Obstruction Peak to Deer Park

Parks › Washington › Olympic › Points of Interest
CONTENTS

This trail leads along Grand Ridge, which connects Obstruction Point and Deer Park. The ridge consists of three summits: Elk Mountain, Maiden Peak and Green Mountain. It is seven and a half miles one way and can be hiked as a long day hike out and back or as a one way shuttled hike from Obstruction Point to Deer Park or vice versa. The elevation gain is minimal if hiking from west to east, from east to west you'll gain 1,835 feet.

Begin this hike from Obstruction Peak and walk eastward to Elk Mountain. This track may be listed as the Grand Ridge Trail or Elk Mountain Trail, depending on the source. From the trailhead the route ascends slightly following the ridge northward. After a short distance the trail turns to the east and ascends approximately 330 feet in the next mile and a half.

At this point a trail meets our route from the south. This trail leads back to the Badger Valley Trail. Continue eastward, left, following the ridge line. In the distance you'll see Maiden Peak, the next summit along the ridge. From Elk Mountain the trail descends a few hundred feet, levels for a short distance then climbs slightly to Maiden Peak at 6,435 feet.

East of Maiden Peak the track passes another small summit then begins to descend toward Green Mountain. In the next mile and a half the trail descends 650 feet to the 5,575-foot summit of Green Mountain. From this summit the trail descends one and a half miles to Deer Park.

This trail remains above tree line for its entire distance. The highest points on the summit provide excellent views to the north and south. Be sure to bring a topo map of the area on this hike so that you can point out distant peaks and landmarks.

Directions

Directions from Obstruction Point Access: From downtown Port Angeles find Hurricane Ridge Road behind the Pioneer Memorial Museum and drive southward along the highway 5 miles to the park entrance. Within the park the road climbs 3.5 miles southeastward to Lookout Rock. From this overlook Hurricane Ridge Road turns westward and leads 8 miles along Klahhane Ridge to a junction with Obstruction Point Road. Turn left and travel 7.5 miles southeastward to Obstruction Point. The trail leads eastward from this point.

Directions from Deer Park Access: From downtown Port Angeles drive 5 miles east on Highway 101 to Deer Park Road. Turn right (south) and begin climbing into the northeastern Olympic foothills. The pavement ends after 5.5 miles, a short distance before the road enters the National Park. South of the National Park boundary the road becomes steep and narrow. Sixteen miles from Highway 101 is the access road for Deer Park Campground. Follow this access road and park in the day-use parking area. The trail begins east of the campground.