Trail Run Project Logo

A rugged trail that takes runners into the true backcountry of the park.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

20.3

Miles

32.7

KM

74%

Runnable

5,296' 1,614 m

High

3,134' 955 m

Low

6,267' 1,910 m

Up

5,914' 1,802 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

59%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The Skyline Trail is usually snow covered through late July or early August.

All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in bear canisters due to lack of good trees for hanging food. If you are planning on camping along the way, a wilderness permit is required. More information on obtaining a permit can be found on the park's website.

Description

This trail will be rugged, as it's rarely travelled, and will get you out into the true wild of Olympic National Park. Access to this trail is a bit tricky, as you'll need to begin either from the Three Lakes Campsite (reached by the Big Creek Trail) or the Low Divide Ranger Station (accessed by the Elwha River Trail). Both starting points will give runners a similar feel.

The trail itself is quite strenuous, due to its length and the terrain that it crosses. You'll be ascending and descending high ridgelines, and you can expect to gain and lose significant elevation as you travel. Taking the trail from the southern end to the north provides just a hare more climbing than descending.

All of the strenuous travel is well worth your while, however. The deep, remote feel of the Olympics is unparalleled, and it's unlikely that you'll see many other visitors on your way. Take your time to appreciate the expansive views offered from the highest points of the trail. As with many trails in the Olympics, the dense forest will obstruct sight lines in most of the lower places, but you'll make your way out of the trees in a few places, especially around Kimta Lake. Take advantage of these breaks to take photos, or just appreciate the wilderness around you.

The best season for running the trail is late July through early October.

Contacts

Shared By:

Doug Scott

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12014

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#576

in Washington

#12,014

Overall
8 Views Last Month
3,550 Since Jun 9, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

Three Lakes.
Feb 19, 2016 near Seabeck, WA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Stewarded By

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.