Bogachiel River Trail - Olympic National Park

If you enjoy hiking Olympic river valleys, the Bogachiel is one of the classics. The low elevation and easy access from county roads give access to the trailhead normally year-round. This river valley trail even breaks out at times to give views of the river. But be warned, there are many creek crossings along the trail that can be difficult to cross during high water. If anything, expect to get your boots wet.

Take Highway 101 just south of Forks to the entrance of Bogachiel State Park. Across the Highway is Undi Road. Take Undi Road until you see a sign for the Undi Bypass. Undi was washed out by the river so a bypass was built to go up, over and back down to get past the washout. The bypass is gravel but very good forest road. Once back at Undi Road, follow it until the end at the Bogachiel River Trailhead. The last mile is full of potholes but passable for cars.

The hike starts by dropping down to the valley and crossing Morgenroth Creek to a trail split. Left is the Ira Spring Wetland Trail, right is the main trail. Both merge back up later. Both trails are easy going with just a few ups and downs. Within the first mile, the main trail is washed out by the Bogachiel in a spot but you can just follow the upper bank until you find the trail tread again. There is some possible camping along the river before the National Park if you do not want to mess with camping permits. At Kahkwa Creek, the Ira Spring Wetland Trail merges back in and shortly after the creek crossing, at 2 miles; the National Park Boundary is reached. A few miles later, a really nice hidden campsite exists at the Indian Creek crossing. At 6 miles is the Snider Jackson Trail (Rugged Ridge Trail) turnoff. Shortly past this point is the location of the old Bogachiel Ranger Station. This is a good turn-round spot if you wanted to keep your hike at 12 miles. But you can easily continue on for more trail miles.