Option 3 Queets River (4-5days)

Option 3 Queets River (4-5days)
16 miles in 16 miles out (500 ft elevation change)
Great fishing, very remote few people and more green than you can shake a stick at

Queets Trail (End of Queets Road to Pelton Creek Shelter, 16 miles)
The Queets Trail is one of the least traveled trails in the park. It is a low elevation rain forest trail that is often wet and muddy. You must wade across the Queets River to access the trailhead. Fording the river can be dangerous and is not recommended during periods of high water. However, it offers excellent opportunities for viewing old growth forest and herds of elk as well as "catch and release" fishing. The trail begins on the north side of the Queets River and extends up the valley for approximately 16 miles. The large Douglas fir is 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The Spruce Bottom and Bob Creek shelters no longer exist. The trail dead-ends at the Pelton Creek emergency shelter.


0.0 Queets Trailhead (300 ft. elevation)
2.5 Douglas Fir (400 ft.)
5.0 Spruce Bottom (500 ft.)
11.0 Bob Creek (700 ft.)
16.0 Pelton Creek Shelter (800 ft.)

Management Concerns: No facilities exist on the Queets Trail. Pit toilets are located along the road at Salmon River, Queets Ranger Station, Queets Campground, and the trailhead. Bears, cougars, and elk are all seen in the Queets Valley. All three are potentially dangerous. View them from a distance. Possession of all weapons is illegal in the Queets Valley. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry. The Queets River can rise rapidly, stranding hikers on the north side of the river. Water is available from the Queets River and numerous tributary streams which cross the trail. All water should be treated, filtered, or boiled as a precaution against giardiasis.