Pros & cons
PROS
- Unmatched solitude in primeval rainforest
- A true wilderness challenge with canyon views in the Tshletshy drainage
CONS
- Mandatory Queets River ford that can be dangerous or impassable
- No maintained tread—constant blowdowns and thick brush
Park at the Queets Campground area near the Queets River Trail/Sams River Loop trailhead.
Unmaintained route with a hazardous Queets River ford, extreme bushwhacking, steep unstable slopes, and no signage; attempt only with expert navigation skills and in safe river conditions.
What to expect
This is not a maintained trail—it’s a true route through some of Olympic’s densest temperate rainforest. From near the Queets Campground, you’ll ford the Queets River and immediately leave anything resembling a normal tread. Expect thick brush, moss-draped blowdowns, and frequent detours as you claw your way toward the Tshletshy Creek drainage. It’s slow, committing travel with real solitude and serious consequences if you’re unprepared.
Plan on roughly 8 miles one way (out-and-back totals about 16 miles), with around 4,000 feet of steep gain on slick mud, roots, and unstable slopes. There’s no signage and the path is often lost under windfall and vegetation. Bring excellent navigation skills and the mindset for constant problem-solving.
Scenery
If you’re up for it, the payoff is immersion in old-growth rainforest—towering Sitka spruce, hemlock, and Douglas-fir, with moss, ferns, and the teal ribbon of the Queets below. Higher up, the terrain steepens toward saddles and ridges before dropping into the rugged, canyon-like Tshletshy Creek drainage. Wildlife is very much at home here; Roosevelt elk and black bears are commonly reported in the Queets valley.
Difficulty and safety
This route is extremely challenging and hazardous. The early Queets River ford can be dangerous or impassable in high water—if levels are up or rain is recent, turn back. Past the ford, expect relentless route-finding, massive blowdowns, and brush. Many parties move slowly and choose to camp; day-hiking the full out-and-back is unrealistic for most.
Best time to hike
Late spring through early fall offers the best odds: lower river levels and more predictable weather. Even in early summer, lingering snow over a low saddle has been encountered in some years. Aim for a stable forecast and start early. Weekdays offer even more solitude, though this is never a crowded place.
Tips
- This is an expert-only objective. Go with a partner, carry a detailed topo map and reliable GPS (download offline maps), and know how to use them.
- Give yourself extra time. Progress is slow; don’t fixate on mileage.
- For most visitors who want rainforest without the hazards, the Queets River Trail is the safer, saner alternative.
- Overnight trips require a wilderness permit. No pets.
Elevation
8 mi · 12 hrWhere it starts
47.6244, -124.0145Wildlife on this trail
Near Tshletshy Route
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayQueets River TrailRemote rainforest epic with a serious river ford gatekeeperChallenging · 16.2 mi · 48 hr
0 mi awaySams River LoopShort, serene rainforest loop with elk, meadows, and river glimpsesEasy · 3 mi · 1 hr
0 mi awayQueets River ShelterRemote backcountry shelter deep in the Queets rainforest
11.5 mi awayQuinault Big CedarFallen giant cedar amid lush Quinault rainforest, a humbling stopTrailhead · Pullout
11.5 mi awayJuly Creek Picnic AreaQuiet lakeside picnic spot with Quinault views and a quick loopTrailhead · Restroom
12 mi awayKestner HomesteadPioneer farm and relics on an easy loop through rainforestTrailhead · Parking
12.2 mi awayMaple Glade Rain Forest TrailMoss-draped maple loop with boardwalks beside a quiet creekEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
12.2 mi awayMaple Glade Nature TrailA half-mile loop through Quinault’s moss-draped maple rainforestEasy · 0.5 mi · 45 min
