Eldon Store is a small convenience store and gas station located on Highway 101, near the town of Eldon, in Mason County, Washington¹. The store is a popular stop for travelers and locals alike, as it offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and supplies, as well as friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. The store is also a great starting point for exploring the hiking trails near Eldon, which offer scenic views, diverse wildlife, and historic landmarks. Whether you are looking for a short and easy hike, or a long and challenging one, there is a trail that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some of the best hiking trails near Eldon Store:
## Lena Lake Trail
The Lena Lake Trail is one of the most popular and accessible trails near Eldon, as it leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. The trail is about 7 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1300 feet, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels². The trail starts at the Lena Lake Trailhead, which is about 14 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101². The trail follows the Lena Creek, crossing several bridges and passing through old-growth forests and mossy boulders. The trail ends at the Lena Lake, which is a stunning sight, especially on a clear day. The lake is a great place to relax, picnic, fish, or swim, and there are several campsites available for overnight stays². The Lena Lake Trail is open year-round, but it may be snowy or icy in winter, so be prepared for the weather conditions.
## Hamma Hamma Falls Trail
The Hamma Hamma Falls Trail is a short and easy trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall on the Hamma Hamma River. The trail is about 1 mile round trip, with an elevation gain of 100 feet, making it ideal for families with children or beginners³. The trail starts at the Hamma Hamma Falls Trailhead, which is about 10 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101³. The trail follows the river, passing through a dense forest of cedar, hemlock, and fir. The trail ends at the Hamma Hamma Falls, which is a 40-foot cascade that plunges into a deep pool. The falls are impressive, especially after a heavy rain or snowmelt. The Hamma Hamma Falls Trail is open year-round, but it may be muddy or slippery in wet weather, so be careful on the trail.
## Putvin Trail
The Putvin Trail is a challenging and rewarding trail that ascends to a high ridge overlooking the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. The trail is about 10 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 3500 feet, making it best suited for experienced and fit hikers⁴. The trail starts at the Putvin Trailhead, which is about 12 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101⁴. The trail climbs steeply through a forest of maple, alder, and fern, crossing several creeks and switchbacks. The trail reaches a junction with the Lake of the Angels Trail, which leads to a scenic alpine lake, but it is not recommended for casual hikers, as it is very steep and rugged⁴. The Putvin Trail continues to the ridge, where it offers stunning views of the Hood Canal, the Olympic Mountains, and the Hamma Hamma Valley. The Putvin Trail is open from late spring to early fall, but it may be closed or inaccessible due to snow, ice, or fallen trees, so check the trail conditions before you go.
## Mount Skokomish Trail
The Mount Skokomish Trail is a long and strenuous trail that climbs to the summit of Mount Skokomish, one of the highest peaks in the Olympic National Forest. The trail is about 14 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 5000 feet, making it only for the most adventurous and prepared hikers⁵. The trail starts at the Mount Skokomish Trailhead, which is about 15 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101⁵. The trail follows the Hamma Hamma River, passing through a forest of fir, cedar, and hemlock, and crossing several bridges and streams. The trail then enters the Mount Skokomish Wilderness, where it becomes steeper and rockier, and passes through meadows, talus slopes, and snowfields. The trail reaches the summit of Mount Skokomish, which is a rocky and exposed peak that offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, the Hood Canal, and the Puget Sound. The Mount Skokomish Trail is open from late spring to early fall, but it may be covered by snow, ice, or clouds, so be prepared for the weather and the terrain.
## Mildred Lakes Trail
The Mildred Lakes Trail is a moderate and scenic trail that leads to three alpine lakes in the Mount Skokomish Wilderness. The trail is about 12 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 2500 feet, making it suitable for hikers with some experience⁴. The trail starts at the Mildred Lakes Trailhead, which is about 16 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101⁴. The trail follows the Hamma Hamma River, passing through a forest of fir, hemlock, and cedar, and crossing several streams and bridges. The trail then climbs steeply to the first lake, which is the largest and most popular of the three. The trail continues to the second and third lakes, which are smaller and more secluded, and offer views of the surrounding peaks and ridges. The Mildred Lakes Trail is open from late spring to early fall, but it may be closed or inaccessible due to snow, ice, or fallen trees, so check the trail conditions before you go.
## Lower Elk Lake Trail
The Lower Elk Lake Trail is a short and easy trail that leads to a serene lake in the Olympic National Forest. The trail is about 2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 200 feet, making it ideal for families with children or beginners². The trail starts at the Lower Elk Lake Trailhead, which is about 8 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101². The trail follows the Elk Creek, passing through a forest of alder, maple, and fern, and crossing a wooden bridge. The trail ends at the Lower Elk Lake, which is a peaceful and picturesque spot, where you can relax, picnic, fish, or swim. There are also several campsites available for overnight stays². The Lower Elk Lake Trail is open year-round, but it may be muddy or slippery in wet weather, so be careful on the trail.
## Mount Washington Trail
The Mount Washington Trail is a challenging and rewarding trail that climbs to the summit of Mount Washington, one of the prominent peaks in the Olympic National Forest. The trail is about 8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 3200 feet, making it best suited for experienced and fit hikers. The trail starts at the Mount Washington Trailhead, which is about 18 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101. The trail ascends steeply through a forest of fir, hemlock, and cedar, and then enters a meadow, where it offers views of the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. The trail then reaches a saddle, where it joins the Mount Ellinor Trail, and then continues to the summit of Mount Washington, which is a rocky and exposed peak that offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound, and the Cascade Range. The Mount Washington Trail is open from late spring to early fall, but it may be covered by snow, ice, or clouds, so be prepared for the weather and the terrain.
## Rocky Brook Falls Trail
The Rocky Brook Falls Trail is a very short and easy trail that leads to a spectacular waterfall on the Rocky Brook. The trail is only 0.3 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 32 feet, making it ideal for families with children or beginners². The trail starts at the Rocky Brook Falls Trailhead, which is about 14 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101². The trail follows the Rocky Brook, passing through a forest of cedar, hemlock, and fir. The trail ends at the Rocky Brook Falls, which is a 40-foot cascade that plunges into a deep pool. The falls are impressive, especially after a heavy rain or snowmelt. The Rocky Brook Falls Trail is open year-round, but it may be muddy or slippery in wet weather, so be careful on the trail.
## Dosewallips Road Trail
The Dosewallips Road Trail is a long and moderate trail that follows the old Dosewallips Road, which was washed out by a landslide in 2002. The trail is about 10.5 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 1200 feet, making it suitable for hikers with some experience⁶. The trail starts at the Dosewallips Road Trailhead, which is about 8 miles south of Eldon Store on Highway 101⁶. The trail follows the Dosewallips River, passing through a forest of maple, alder, and fern, and crossing several streams and bridges. The trail offers views of the river, the mountains, and the wildlife, such as elk, deer, and eagles. The trail ends at the Dosewallips Campground, which is a popular destination for backpackers and campers⁶. The Dosewallips Road Trail is open year-round, but it may be closed or inaccessible due to snow, ice, or fallen trees, so check the trail conditions before you go.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/4/2024
(1) Rocky Brook Falls Trail. https://olympicpeninsula.org/drive-the-loop/waterfalls/.
(2) Take This Easy Trail To Rocky Brook Falls In Washington. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/washington/rocky-brook-falls-wa/.
(3) . https://bing.com/search?q=rocky+brook+falls+and+dosewallups+rd+trail.
(4) Rocky Brook Falls — Washington Trails Association. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rocky-brook-falls.
(5) Rocky Brook Falls, Washington - 559 Reviews, Map | AllTrails. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/rocky-brook-falls.
(6) Rocky Brook Falls - Northwest Waterfall Survey. https://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall/Rocky-Brook-Falls-3212.
