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Enjoy panoramic views of the Sol Duc Valley and Lake Crescent along this wilderness experience.


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Map Key

12.2

Miles

19.7

KM

Loop

3,685' 1,123 m

High

1,001' 305 m

Low

3,962' 1,208 m

Up

3,946' 1,203 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

74%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A NW Forest Pass is required on each vehicle parked at trailhead. Day & Annual NW Passes are available at FS offices and vendors but not available at trailheads.

Overview

Hiking, riding, mountain biking and viewing scenery are all on offer here at Mt. Muller, in addition to the ever-changing colors of flowers. In addition, carry adequate drinking water and be prepared for bad weather.

Be mindful - the flower meadows are very fragile. Please stay on the trail. Tether stock in designated areas only or in the trees below the meadows. Practice LEAVE NO TRACE techniques during your trip.

Description

From a lush temperate forest valley, the trail climbs 2,200 feet in three miles to Snider Ridge Trail on very steep switchbacks. After reaching this ridge, the trail weaves four miles through Douglas-fir trees on the ridge's northern side, and rocky points and high meadows to the south. The trail meanders along the ridgetop between Jims Junction and Mosley gap. This section offers spectacular views of Mt. Olympus, Lake Crescent, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the Sol Duc Valley below.

Be sure to stop and take a breather at Panorama Point - the views to the south, especially of Lake Crescent and Mt. Olympus, are unrivaled.

From Mosley Gap the trail descends to the valley floor through boulder formations and overhanging moss. Along the way you bypass the Spruce Railroad Trail, which takes you to the northern shores of Lake Crescent. The loop trail finally returns to the trailhead through beautiful stands of maple, Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

Flora & Fauna

The Olympic Mountains range from sea level to the summit of Mount Olympus at 7,965 feet elevation. This mountain range consists of many ridges extending out like spokes from the hub of a wheel. Most of the mountainous terrain on the Olympic Peninsula is within the Forest's or Park's Wildernesses. Wildlife, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, cascading rivers, flowering meadows, and crystal clear lakes make this mountain range a very special place to visit. Backpacking, hiking, mountain climbing, hunting, and fishing are common activities in the Olympic National Forest's mountain ranges.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Tilman Giese

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 8 votes

#2723

Overall
  4.4 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#148

in Washington

#2,723

Overall
3 Views Last Month
2,774 Since Feb 19, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
17%
83%
0%

Photos

Lilies blooming in early July along the Mount Muller trail.
Apr 7, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Mistletoe Lane, near the end of the clockwise Mount Muller loop.
Apr 7, 2015 near Forks, WA
Sweet view from Mt. Muller's panorama point!
Feb 25, 2015 near Port An…, WA
Littleton Creek, near the Mount Muller trailhead.
Apr 7, 2015 near Forks, WA
View into Olympic National Park.
Feb 18, 2024 near Forks, WA
Aurora Ridge from Mt. Muller Trail.
Feb 18, 2024 near Forks, WA

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