Dodger Point Way Trail

View from Dodger Point

NPS Jim Patterson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map

Notices:

• For the most up to date information about how to obtain a Wilderness Permit, visit our Wilderness Reservations page.

• Due to a road wash out, there is no vehicle access past the Madison Falls Trailhead parking. Access to the trailheads beyond is only accessible via hiking or biking the road and adds an additional 7 miles to your trip to get to the Whiskey Bend trailhead.

• River Crossing required to access the trail from Elwha River Trail at Remann's Cabin. This river crossing is difficult at best and impossible to cross during fall, winter, spring, and early summer due to high water.
• This trail is difficult to navigate due to being unmaintained and overgrown, and can have long muddy sections.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Primitive
General elevation trend: Steep
Unique features: River, high country
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation change: 1,451 feet to 5,700 feet
Best Season: Typically August through September, but the Elwha River Crossing can be impassable depending on weather/preciptation & snowmelt.

 

Camping
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters are required at Dodger Point due to the lack of good trees for hanging food. Food, garbage, and scented items must be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk, or stored in bear canisters.
Campsites: Always camp on bare ground, not on vegetation, in the high country and at least 200 feet from water sources.
Toilet Facilities: None. Bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper. Urinate on rocks or the trail to prevent deer and mountain goats from pulling up fragile plants to get at the salt in urine.
Water Source: Elwha River, springs near Dodger Point. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Stock: Allowed, but not recommended. See Stock Use.

 

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace during your stay to protect vegetation and other park resources. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prhibited 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.

 

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. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• 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. Whiteouts are sudden. Read the weather forecasts, but remember to read the weather in front of your eyes.