Elwha River Trail to Lake Margaret

This is a long out-and-back wilderness route from Whiskey Bend to Lake Margaret. Published park mileage gives 27.7 miles one way to the lake, or 55.4 miles if you return the same way. The mapped corridor in this record measures about 25.9 miles one way, so the published distance and route line do not agree; confirm the full route on a current official map before planning. Expect roughly 28 moving hours across several days, not a day hike.

The trail moves from lowland forest through the river valley into montane forest. It passes the camps at Mary's Falls, Canyon, Elkhorn, Hayes River, Camp Wilder and Chicago. The Elwha is the park's largest watershed, and historic homestead cabins are a distinctive part of the valley's story. The route is a serious backcountry commitment even though the park classifies its overall difficulty as moderate.

You must ford the Elwha at Chicago Camp on the route toward Lake Margaret and Low Divide. The crossing can be hazardous, especially when water is high. Treat water from the Elwha and tributaries. Overnight hikers need a wilderness permit year-round and approved bear canisters; fires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Pit toilets are listed at Mary's Falls, Elkhorn, Hayes River, Camp Wilder and Chicago; none is listed at Canyon Camp.

Snow may linger beyond Chicago Camp into July. Vehicle access ends at Madison Falls because of the Elwha road washout. Reaching Whiskey Bend requires an additional approach on foot or by bicycle along the roads and bypass; that approach is additional to the trail mileage below. Dogs are not allowed on this wilderness route.