Queets Campground

Of the three major river valleys that flow out of the glacial peaks of the Olympic Mountains westward into the Pacific Ocean (the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault rivers), the Queets is certainly the most secluded and wild. Much of this has to do with the fact that the Queets River Road has been completely washed out at mile post 8 for quite some time, and it isn't like to be restored. Because of this, the access into the Queets River Valley is obscure at best. This means you must follow the driving directions closely, but it also makes for one of the most unique and tranquil experiences in the Olympic National Park.

Once you make it down to the river's banks, Queets Campground is there year-round for travelers needing to camp and rest before or after their next adventure. With only 12 sites and a vault toilet, amenities are limited. The campground does provide direct access to the Queets River, however, and it is ideally located next to the record-setting massive Queets Spruce and the 3-mile Sams River Loop Trail.

For serious hikers, by the late summer the Queets River is low enough to ford to gain access onto the Queets River Trail, where it's a 2-mile hike to the world's largest Douglas fir and 5.3 miles one-way to Spruce Bottom Camp.

Note: The Queets Valley is notorious for black bear sightings, particularly in spring, so be sure to stay alert, cook your food away from where you sleep, and store your food well out of reach at night. There is also no potable water at the campground, so be sure to pack plenty in or bring a purification system with you.