Appleton Pass Trail

Campsite at Oyster Lake

NPS Pablo McLoud

• Trail Conditions

• Wilderness Map

Notices:

• If you are heading over Appleton Pass into the Sol Duc area, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters.
• Always check for the latest road conditions.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest and subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Steep
Unique features: Views of valleys
Level of difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Trailhead to pass 7.7 miles (Elwha Side) 7.4 miles Sol Duc side
Elevation change: 1,700 feet (Elwha side) to 5,100 feet; 2,000 feet to 5,100 feet (Sol Duc side)
Best Season: Usually snow-free early July through October.

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: For the most up to date information on how to obtain a Wilderness Permit click here.
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters are required.
Campsites: Oyster Lake area has several sites. Elsewhere, do not camp on vegetation.
Toilet Facilities: None. Bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Boulder Creek and Oyster Lake. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
Stock: Allowed, day-use only. See Stock Use for regulations.

 

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace during your stay to protect the resource and vegetation. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prohibited at Appleton Pass/Oyster Lake and everywhere else above 3,500 feet.
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 rain gear with warm clothes.
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail during winter and spring. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Ice axe and self-arrest skills are necessary on this trail when it is 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 carefully during your trip.

 

Trail Conditions

 

Mount Appleton and Oyster Lake

NPS Pablo McLoud

 

Avalanche Lillies and Mount Appleton

NPS Pablo McLoud