Jim Patterson

Trail Through Ancient Forest

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

Notices

• Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year round. Call for permits (360) 565-3100.

Description

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest, montane forest
Trail tread types: lower level of maintenance
General elevation trend: Mild to steep 
Unique features: River, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Mild to difficult
Distance: 16.1 miles from park boundary to O'Neil Pass, 6.2 from trailhead to park boundary
Elevation change: 1550 ft. at park boundary to 4950 ft. at O'Neil Pass
Best Season: Below 2000 ft. can be snow free year round High Elevations: early July through October.

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: Bear wires are located at 10-mile Camp, Upper Duckabush and Marmot Lake. Bear canisters are required at Lake LaCrosse and in the subalpine high country where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 ft. out from the nearest tree trunk.
Campsites: 10-mile Camp, Upper Duckabush, Marmot Lake.
Toilet Facilities:  10-mile Camp, Upper Duckabush and Marmot Lake; elsewhere bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Duckabush River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
Stock: Allowed to jct with Home Sweet Home Trail, check stock regulations. See Stock Use.

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. 
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Ice ax and self-arrest skills are necessary to cross mountain passes when they are snow covered.
• Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
• Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.