Lower Gray Wolf River

March 5, 2016

Last week we hiked along the Dungeness River. This past weekend we hiked the lower section of the Gray Wolf River, which feeds into the Dungeness. Together they flow through the Buckhorn Wilderness area of the Olympic Range, into Dungeness Bay and on out into the Straight of Juan de Fuca. I hiked this trail last year - in fact, it was on this trail that the decision to return to Mount St Helens was made. I have looked forward to re-hiking this trail, partly because of the beauty of the river, and partly to give my current level of conditioning a check.

This isn't a difficult trail, although it is far more than an easy stroll through the forest. It starts out with an 800' descent to the riverbank, followed by an 800' climb up and over a beautifully forested ridge, and back down to the river. The up and over is accomplished in one mile, so is a definite work-out. The reward awaiting you on the other side is some of the prettiest riverside trail you're likely to hike. There is an established campsite that invites you to sit, linger, and enjoy the sound of the river as it sings its soothing lullaby. And sit we did. We each found ourselves a section of log and pulled out our lunches. After eating we explored the river's edge, took some photos and, in my case, fell in. Even now I can envision the expression on my father's face as he would have shook his head in wonderment at what a lack of grace his petite little girl possessed. It was a good opportunity to check the water resistance of my boots and effectiveness of my gaiters. I'm happy to announce that my feet stayed dry ... and that I do not walk on water.

We hit the trail again after our lunch break. Just up the trail a bit the water takes on the most beautiful color of light blue-green. The sun had finally broken through the clouds and bathed the forest in a shower of color - the greens and yellows of a dormant forest against the blue-green of the river was stunning. I really must return to hike this trail during the summer some time, as I can only begin to imagine how beautiful it must be.

The trail steeply climbs again for a short distance. At one time it took you to a high footbridge that crossed the river, but it was destroyed in a flood back in 1990, so the trail ends here. It's amazing to stand there, looking down at the river as it rushes through the narrow channel, and not be able to see any evidence where the bridge once stood, as nature has fully taken over. Holly and I made the trek up to that site, then turned around and joined back up with the rest of our group who chose not to make the additional climb.


Our return trip seemed to take forever, because this trail has the distinction of being uphill both ways. If our legs muscles weren't tired before, they were now. Everyone did great, even the member of our group who was experiencing some significant knee trouble. Once back at the trailhead, we shot our group photo, loaded into our vehicles and headed home, calling it a day.


I didn't use my trekking poles on this trail because I really wanted to see the difference in my performance over last year's hike. Looking back, my knees and quads faired better, but I am still having trouble with my hip flexors. A trip to the massage therapist is on my list.

Hike #9 of 52.

Distance hiked: 8.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 800'

Max Elevation achieved: 1500'