What trails should I hike in the Dosewallips area?

Dosewallips River Trail
Beginning with a steep climb and crossing dozens of streams and brooks as it meanders through fir, hemlock, and cedar, this trail divides into two at 1.4 miles and travelers may choose either the Main Fork or West Fork. Both have their rewards. Hike from mid-May to mid-October. 

• Distance: 12.7 miles from the ranger station to Dose Meadows (Main Fork) 
• Average Time: 2-day backpacking trip 
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet 
• Difficulty: moderate to strenuous 
• Trail type: out-and-back 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, take 101 east to mile marker 306, just north of Brinnon. Turn west on Dosewallips Road and drive 15.5 miles to the trailhead.

Steam Donkey Loop
Located within Dosewallips State Park, this 3.5-mile loop makes its way through tall trees, providing an occasional glimpse of the river. Look for logging relics along the way, a great nod to days-gone-by. Wildlife is easy to spot in spring and winter, and fall hikers may be able to pick chantrelles along the way. Other small trails start in the same spot near the ranger station, including the Terrace Loop and Maple Valley 1.5-mile trails. 

• Distance: 3.5 miles 
• Average Time: 1-2 hours 
• Elevation Gain: minimal 
• Difficulty: easy; suitable for children 
• Trail type: loop 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, travel 101 east for approximately 60 miles to the town of Brinnon. You’ll see signs for the State Park.

Duckabush River Trail
The Duckabush River flows through the Brothers Wilderness and into Olympic National Park. Following it on this trail leads you through subalpine meadows, eventually climbing to O’Neil Pass on the Great Divide. You’ll traverse the Big Hump and Little Hump, glacier steps left over from the Ice Age, visit Marmot Lake, and catch some breathtaking glimpses of the Duckabush River Valley. Lots of up and down. 

• Distance: 21.1 miles 
• Average Time: usually 3-4 nights 
• Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet 
• Difficulty: moderately strenuous 
• Trail type: out-and-back 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, drive east on Highway 101 for about 60 miles to mile marker 310. Turn right on Duckabush Road (Forest Road 2510) and continue 6 miles to the trailhead.

Lake Constance Trail
Looking for a real challenge? This short but ridiculously steep trail ascends nearly 3,000 feet in just 2 miles and is a hit with extreme hikers. It almost qualifies as a climb, so climbing experience is helpful. Look for the rock formation known as “The Guillotine” about half-way up, after which the trail becomes most difficult. The reward at the top – 11-acre Lake Constance – is worth the trip if you can handle the trek. 

• Distance: 2 miles 
• Average time: 60-90 minutes each way
• Elevation Gain: 3, 250 feet 
• Difficulty: most strenuous 
• Trail type: out-and-back 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, travel on Highway 101 East to the northern tip of Brinnon and turn right on Dosewallips Road (Forest Road 2610). Follow the road 16 miles to the trailhead, which is beside the cascade of Constance Creek.