O'Neil Pass

This route leads through subalpine mountain scenery for nearly nine miles from the head of the West Fork Dosewallips River to the head of the Duckabush River. It is accessible from the Quinault River Trail, West Fork Dosewallips Trail or the Duckabush Trail. No matter how you reach this trail it takes several miles as this track lies deep within the southeastern Olympics.

Begin this hike two miles west of Anderson Pass on the Enchanted Valley Trail. The track strikes southward into the White Creek Valley, climbing the northern base of White Mountain. It quickly turns westward contouring the mountain for a short distance before crossing White Creek. On the western side of the creek the trail turns sharply southward and parallels the creek as it climbs steeply for a quarter mile to an opening in the forest. From this opening Mt. Anderson and its large glaciers dominate the views northward.

The trail turns abruptly northwestward from this clearing and contours the mountain for a quarter mile at a relatively level grade. It then turns southward and climbs 500 feet in the next quarter mile. From this point the trail remains relatively level as it traverses the western slopes of Overlook Peak. The trail follows tree line as it leads across these slopes entering forest then meadow and crossing a few steep scree slopes.

Looking to the west (left) you'll notice the Burke Range on the opposite side of the Quinault River valley. Approximately two miles from O'Neil Pass the trail leaves the forest to traverse around a large basin. From this treeless basin are excellent views of O'Neil Peak, 5,560 feet, to the south. The trail turns westward again and skirts the southwestern ridge of Overlook Peak before beginning the final ascent to O'Neil Pass. The trail climbs nearly 400 feet in this last ascent and reaches O'Neil Pass lying between Overlook Peak, to the north, and Mt. Duckabush, to the south.

Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Avenue , Port Angeles, WA, 98362-6798, Phone: 360-452-4501