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Wagonwheel Lake Trail

Difficult Difficult
 3.7 (7)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Olympic Peninsula
  4. Olympic National Park
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“Steep, steep, and more steep. This trail rewards you with a nice lake in the Olympic Wilderness ”

Doug Scott
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

4.9

KM

Point to Point

4,663' 1,421 m

High

841' 256 m

Low

3,822' 1,165 m

Up

13' 4 m

Down

24%

Avg Grade (13°)

52%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake

Description

The Wagonwheel Lake Trail is brutal, and one of the steepest trails in the Olympic National Park. That being said, the trail is quite enjoyable and shows visitors just how rugged the terrain in this park can be. Starting from the Staircase Campground, hikers will climb nearly 2,000 feet to Wagonwheel Lake.

While the lake itself isnt amazing, it is home to bobcats, as well as deer and an occasional elk. Make your way up here, sweat a ton, and enjoy knowing you rocked an extremely difficult trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Olympic National Park

Shared By:

Doug Scott
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#61

in Olympic National Park

#14813

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#61

in Olympic National Park

#721

in Washington

#14,813

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,423 Since Sep 25, 2015
Difficult Difficult
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13%
13%
75%
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Photos

1.2 miles up Wagonwheel Lake Trail. One of the only view spots on the trek up.
May 30, 2018 near Hoodsport, WA
Ridge near old slide area.
May 30, 2018 near Hoodsport, WA
Rhodies in bloom and a glimpse of Lightening Peak.
May 30, 2018 near Hoodsport, WA
Filtering water from Wagonwheel Lake.
May 30, 2018 near Hoodsport, WA
Most of the trail is a version of this.
May 30, 2018 near Hoodsport, WA

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

Sep 16, 2023
Hope Shaw
Not for beginners. 2mi
Jun 14, 2020
Breann Hogie
This trail will lead you around Wagon Wheel Lake, to a couple of false summits and green meadows before you reach Cub Peak. 3.1mi
Jun 13, 2020
Breann Hogie
3.1mi
May 24, 2020
Sarah Scheuer
May 27, 2019
Timothy Lambert
May 28, 2018
Kristi B
Correcting to include published info from ONP: "2.9 miles with an elevation gain of 3,365 feet. strenuous hike up forested slopes, with occasional… 2.9mi
Dec 23, 2017
Shane Schwarze
Amazing Views but extremely challenging once you get to the top in deep snow.
Jul 15, 2017
Chris Meier
The trail is easily 7-7.5 miles RT. Took about 7 hours due to how steep it is. Honestly, the lake at the top isn't worth. 7mi

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