Long Ridge Trail to Dodger Point

Long Ridge Trail runs 10.5 miles one way from Humes Ranch to Dodger Point; return the same way for a 21-mile round trip. It follows maintained tread from the Elwha lowlands, crosses the river at Dodger Point Bridge, then climbs to subalpine meadows and a 5,753-foot lookout. The official elevation range is about 900 to 5,753 feet. Allow 12 to 15 hours for the return trip. The trail is described as moderate, but completing the whole route in a day is a strenuous commitment; an overnight split requires a wilderness permit.

Humes Ranch is not a drive-up trailhead. From Whiskey Bend, follow the Elwha River Trail to the ranch before joining Long Ridge. The approach adds meaningful walking before the listed 10.5-mile segment, so include it in your day plan. At Dodger Point Bridge, the trail crosses the Elwha at the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Elwha. Fill water here: it may be the last flowing source until the tarns below Dodger Point.

From the river, Long Ridge climbs the eastern slope on long, sweeping switchbacks through second-growth forest. Openings look into the Grand Canyon of the Elwha; turn around as you gain height, because the valley views keep changing. Fires between 1897 and 1941 shaped much of this forest. At the ridge saddle, the trail crosses to the western slope above Long Creek.

The trail traverses below the Bailey Range, including views toward Mount Carrie and Stephen Peak, then passes through subalpine forest into meadows marked with mountain hemlock and small snowmelt tarns. Hurricane Hill sits to the north; Mount Olympus can appear partly hidden behind the Bailey Range. These open meadows are the route’s clearest change of pace after the long forest climb, and the tarns are the next likely water after the Elwha crossing.

Near Dodger Point, pass small camps below the summit, then take the left branch at the low saddle for the final half-mile to the lookout. Built in 1933, it was named for its first lookout, “Dodger” Bender. The clearest panorama is just below the lookout, across the Hayes River Valley toward Mount Anderson and the surrounding Olympic peaks. For a photo, keep some rocky meadow or trail in the foreground so the valley has a sense of scale.

Water is sparse along much of the ridge; treat every source. There are no toilets on the trail. Snow can cover higher sections in winter and into early summer, and may hide the tread, so map-and-compass skills can be necessary. Dogs are not allowed on this wilderness route. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit and bear canister; camping and campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet.