Nature & Interpretive Trails

Nature trails at Olympic National Forest are short trails, usually less than one mile in length, that have signs interpreting unique resources, features and history of the Forest. Many of these trails have easy to moderate grades that make them highly accessible. 

Brown Creek Nature Trail - A .8 mile loop around a beaver pond and is a great wildlife viewing area. The trailhead is located near the hand pump in Brown Creek Campground located in the South Fork Skokomish area. Interpretive signs discuss the wetland ecology and its associated wildlife.

The trail has an easy grade along the first half with steeper, less accessible, grades along the back-half. Some individuals may need assistance due to the steeper grades and gaps along the back half of this trail. This trail has a compacted surface.

• A Recreation Pass is not required at the trailhead. 

Hamma Hamma Living Legacy Nature Trail - This trail begins at Hamma Hamma Campground and makes a 1.2 mile loop up the hill, past a historic guard station built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Signs with historic photos depict the early CCC history of the area. The first quarter mile, to a nice view point and bench along the Hamma Hamma River, is an easy grade for accessible access. The trail has a compacted surface.

• A Recreation Pass is not required at the trailhead. 

Interrorem Nature Trail - A 0.25 mile loop trail that meanders through a lush forest with ferns, mosses and towering conifers. Signs interpret the historic Interrorem Cabin. Entire trail is easy grade for accessible access. Trail has compacted gravel surface.

• A valid Recreation Pass is required at the trailhead.

 Seal Rock Interpretive Site at Seal Rock Campground features two accessible trails. A Recreation Pass is not required at this site.

• Tideland Ecology Nature Trail - This trail offers several interpretive signs with text and graphics that explain the interesting saltwater ecology of the Hood Canal. This short nature walk begins at the day-use parking lot in the campground and terminates at the rocky shoreline of Dabob Bay where visitors can explore the saltwater beach. Lots of facinating sea life to see when the tide is out. Trail is paved with some boardwalk.
• Native American Nature Trail - Interpretive signs explain how Native Americans utilized the unique resources in the area, including cedar, shellfish and wild berries. Trail leaves from day-use parking lot at the campground.  The entire trail is paved with moderate grades for accessibility.

Pioneer's Path Nature Trail - A .6-mile loop through the lush forest in the Klahowya Campground. The campground is located 9 miles west of Lake Crescent on Highway 101. Interpretive signs explain how the pioneers carved out an existance along the Sol Duc River. Trail has a compacted gravel surface. Entire trail has easy grades for accessibility.

• A Recreation Pass is not required at the trailhead. 

Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail and Loop Trail - This trail offer great opportunities to explore the Olympic temperate rain forest. The short 1/2-mile Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail features signs that teach about this complex ecosystem. The longer 4-mile loop trail is a great way to see more of the lush forest and Quinault Lake. This is a great trail to watch for wildlife. The first eighth of a mile of this trail from the Quinault Rain Forest trailhead has moderate grades for accessible access. Trail has a compacted gravel surface. 

• A Recreation Pass is required at the trailhead.

Working Forest Nature Trail - This is a short loop adjacent to the Coho Campground and features interpretive signs depicting the Forest Ecosystem. From the Nature Trail, the Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail, a 12-mile loop along the lake, provides opportunities for a longer hike with views of the lake. Drive around the Coho Campground loop to the trailhead. Limited parking available. Trail is steep at beginning and difficult for accessible access. Some individuals may need assistance on this trail due to the steeper grades. Trail has a compacted surface.

• A Recreation Pass is not required at the trailhead. Day use fee is required for the boat launch. Do not park in a camp spur as they have a camping fee.