Mount Walker Viewpoint & Lookout Sites

WillhiteWeb.com

Mount Walker is well known for having a road to the summit. This is such a rare thing in the Olympics, it should be celebrated. For most, the drive up Highway 101 is limited to scenic beaches on Hood Canal. Mount Walker gives drivers a vantage point high above sea level and a glimpse into what the Olympics really are, an amazing mountain range. From the two summit vantage points are excellent views of Hood Canal, the Seattle skyline, Mt. Constance, Mt. Jupiter and east to Mt. Baker. For hikers, Mount Walker makes for a great winter trip since it is low elevation but has a good 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The road is gated in winter, walk the road or take the hiking trail.

Distance: Drive-up or 2.5 miles
Summit Elevation: 2,085 feet
Elevation Gain: Drive-up or 2,000 feet
Access: Good dirt roads

Access:

Drive 5 miles south of Quilcene on US Highway 101. Turn east onto Mt. Walker Viewpoint Road (built by the CCC). In summer, drive up. In winter or if you just want to hike it, park at the gate and follow directions below.

Route:

Step over the winter gate and go a short distance until you see the sign for the trailhead on the right. The trail takes you through an old Douglas-fir forest. The hike is 2 miles to the first viewpoint and a half mile further for the south viewpoint.

Lookout spot

Hood Canal - Looking South

Mount Elinor & Mt. Washington

Hood Canal & Toandos Peninsula

Lookout History:

In 1931, a gable roof L-4 cab ground house was constructed.

In 1935, panorama photos were taken including images from the south point that was being used as a patrol point from the northern point lookout.

In 1939, a one-car garage constructed.

In 1942, Mount Walker served as an Aircraft Warning Service Station during WWII, using existing facilities owned by Olympic National Forest but also added a 12 x 18 garage.

In 1956 the lookout was still being used based on a news article on May 18.

In 1967 the lookout was destroyed.

Olympic Lookouts