Obstruction Point to Deer Park

This is the park’s highest designated trail: a 7.4-mile one-way traverse along Grand Ridge between Obstruction Point and Deer Park. It’s a classic high-country walk with sweeping views, long stretches above treeline, and that airy, on-the-edge feeling you only get on a true ridge hike. Expect big sightlines to jagged Olympic peaks, deep valleys, and—on crystal days—the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

Underfoot, it’s maintained dirt singletrack that weaves through open alpine meadows and pockets of subalpine forest, with some rocky, narrow, and wind-exposed sections. The ridge has undulating ups and downs (the route ranges roughly from 6,100 to 5,400 feet), so don’t be fooled by the net elevation—your legs will know you were on a ridge. In midsummer, wildflowers color the meadows; keep an eye out for mountain goats, marmots, deer, and birds of prey. The landscape tells a glacial story—carved ridges and exposed rock giving you a front-row seat to the park’s geologic drama.

Logistics matter here. This is a true point-to-point; unless you plan to turn around, arrange a shuttle or car drop. Both trailheads sit at the end of long, narrow gravel roads; trailers are not recommended. Snow can linger near Obstruction Point even when the sun is shining, and conditions can change fast—wind, fog, and sudden chill are all on the menu.

Water is the big gotcha: there are few to no reliable sources along the ridge. Carry everything you’ll need. Trekking poles help on the steeper, loose bits. You may encounter stock; pets aren’t allowed. No permit is needed for day hiking, but overnights require a wilderness permit (and standard backcountry rules apply).

Best time to hike: Early July through October is the dependable window. Start early for calmer winds and better light; afternoons can be gusty and hazy. Weekdays see fewer people than the Hurricane Ridge area, but this traverse stays relatively uncrowded most of the time. Photographers: the low-angle light of morning or late day flatters the ridge and distant peaks.

Who will love it: hikers who want sustained alpine time and big, uninterrupted views without the Hurricane Ridge crowds. Not up for the full traverse? Sampling the ridge as an out-and-back from either end still delivers the goods.