Colonel Bob Wilderness
Colonel Bob Wilderness is located east of Lake Quinault in the southwest corner of Olympic National Forest. This 11,961 acre wilderness contains steep, rugged topography. Elevations range from 300 feet in the Quinault Valley to 4,509 feet along the eastern boundary.
Most of the Wilderness lies above the 1,500 foot elevation level. The lower slopes are moderately to heavily forested with stands of western hemlock and Pacific silver fir, mixed with western redcedar, Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce.
The Colonel Bob Wilderness has temperate rain forest conditions with an annual precipitation that exceeds 150 inches. Lush ferns, shrubs, moss, wild flowers and lichens carpet the forest floor. At higher elevations, subalpine and alpine vegetation, green meadows, rock outcrops and rugged peaks dominate the wilderness landscape. The view of Lake Quinault is spectacular.
Please follow regulations and use Leave No Trace techniques to protect this unique area.
Key Access Points:
- Colonel Bob Trail #851
- Pete's Creek Trail #858
- Fletcher Canyon Trail #857
General Information
Recreation Opportunities
The Colonel Bob Wilderness presents excellent opportunities for hiking, nature study, hunting, mountain climbing, and camping. There are no lakes or major rivers in the Wilderness.
There are 12 miles of trail in the Colonel Bob Wilderness. The elevation gain from the Pete's Creek trailhead to the summit of Colonel Bob is about 3,300 feet, with a round trip distance of 8 1/4 miles. The elevation gain on the Colonel Bob trail is about 4,200 feet, with a round trip of about 14.5 miles. Trail access to the summit of Colonel Bob is steep and very strenuous. Both of these trails are difficult.
Wilderness visitors should always carry rain gear and adequate clothing, food, and backpacking equipment. Proper boots and clothing should be worn.
Please practice Leave No Trace principles.
Wilderness regulations apply:
- Fires are prohibited at Moonshone Flats. Stoves only.
- Stock are prohibited beyond Moonshine Flats on the Colonel Bob Trail #851.
- Groups consisting of more than 12 persons and/or 8 head of livestock is prohibited.
- Starting and/or maintaining open fires above 3,500 feet elevation is prohibited. Stoves only.
- Gathering wood above 3,500 feet elevation is prohibited.
- Tethering of livestock to trees and/or other vegetation is prohibited, except for incidental use not to exceed 30 minutes.
- The use of pelletized or certified weed-free feed is required in all National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. This helps prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
- Caching or leaving equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for a period in excess of 24 hours is prohibited.
Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check the Recreation Passes page for details.
Address: 353 South Shore Road Quinault, WA 98575
Phone: (360) 288-2525
Hours: Effective April 19th, 2026: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.oly_so_admin@usda.gov
Getting There
Elevation
300' to 4,509'
Directions
From Aberdeen, WA travel north on US Highway 101 for 45 miles to the junction with South Shore Road. Turn east on South Shore Road and drive 6 miles to Colonel Bob Trailhead on east side of the road.
Colonel Bob Wilderness is within the Quinault area.
