West Lake Mills Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Since the removal of the Glines Canyon Dam, Lake Mills has drained and has been replaced once more by the Elwha River. This trail travels along what was once the lakeside, with views of the rocky lakebed. The trail begins near the parking area for the dam removal interpretive walk and lingers above the river for a short while before slowly turning down towards the lakebed. Some occasional views of the river are present here.

About a third of a mile along, the trail passes over a stream via a pair of logs. They can get slippery at times, but shouldn't be too difficult for most to cross. The trail continues to slowly approach the river as it heads through the regrowth. Parts of the trail can sometimes get muddy or washed out. Eventually, the trail slows its decline as it reaches the lakebed. It heads on a little longer until the trail suddenly stops, with an overlook of Boulder Creek, elevation 660 feet.

Alder, madrona, fir. Osprey.