Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,532.00 ft (466.95 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.20 mi (5.15 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A visit to the Hamma Hamma Valley in the southeastern corner of the Olympic National Forest isn't complete without reaching one of its adjacent ridges. One such option, a hike up the Jefferson Ridge Trail, reveals spectacular views in all directions. From the Jefferson Ridge Trail, views reach the valley below, Lena Lake and Brothers Wilderness to the north, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and as far as Seattle and Mount Rainier to the east.

The trail itself is ranked as difficult, but in truth the most difficult part about the Jefferson Ridge Trail is reaching the trailhead. The forest road used to access the trailhead is extremely steep, rocky and uneven. Travel up the road should only be attempted in a high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle. Some visitors even park along the road before reaching the trailhead, opting to walk the remaining distance.

Even considering the arduous approach, time spent on the Jefferson Ridge Trail is well worth it. The trail bends through a vibrant forest of second growth Douglas fir and rhododendrons, and you'll get many open viewpoints before you reach the summit. Because of its high elevation, it is likely that snow will remain on the upper reaches of the trail through June, even if the sun is shining and temperatures are warm. Make sure to carry layers accordingly. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Washington Discovery Pass

Pros

Panoramic vistas with little elevation gain.

Cons

Access via a steep and rugged four-wheel drive road. Trail includes a section of clearcut forest.

Trailhead Elevation

2,300.00 ft (701.04 m)

Features

Big vistas

Location

Nearby Adventures

Olympic Mountains, Washington
Olympic National Forest - Hood Canal
Olympic National Forest - Hood Canal

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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