Upper Graywolf River Trail

The Upper Graywolf River Trail is a remote point-to-point backcountry route from Three Forks to Gray Wolf Pass, climbing from a forested river valley into high subalpine country. The mapped segment is about 9.1 miles one way and gains roughly 4,000 feet; allow 8 to 10 hours for this stretch alone. It is a hard, full-day hike, not a short riverside walk, and the route continues past the pass rather than looping back to the road.

A published 11.5-mile figure does not identify its endpoints. This entry follows the Three Forks-to-pass segment: the mapped line is 8.96 miles, and its two described upper-route sections add to about 9.1 miles. The lower approach from the road is separate and adds more walking.

Start at Three Forks, where the Gray Wolf River and Cameron Creek routes meet, then follow the Gray Wolf upstream. The valley passes several wilderness camps, including Gray Wolf Camp, Camp Ellis, and Falls Camp. The tread is maintained, but the route gets steeper as it leaves the river corridor and climbs into the Upper Gray Wolf valley.

The upper climb runs through forest toward subalpine meadow. After the turn into the pass approach, the final 3.8 miles climb steadily to Gray Wolf Pass. The pass is a high rocky saddle; the walk rewards people who want a long wilderness climb more than anyone looking for a quick viewpoint.

The saved line begins at Three Forks, several miles beyond the road access. Forest Service directions use the Slab Camp/Deer Ridge trailhead on NF-2870, then the Slab Camp trail and a Gray Wolf River crossing to reach the upper route. Plan that approach separately and arrange your finish: Gray Wolf Pass is a through-route junction, not a parking area. A longer route continues down toward the Dosewallips drainage.

Snow can cover the high reaches in any season and hide the tread; carry a map and compass and know how to navigate without a visible trail. Gray Wolf River and nearby streams are the water sources, so treat water before drinking. There is no food service. Graywolf Camp is the only campsite on this corridor listed with a toilet; elsewhere, pack out toilet paper and follow wilderness waste rules.

Overnight stays in Olympic National Park require a wilderness permit, and all food, garbage, and scented items must be secured in an approved animal-resistant container. Campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Pets are not allowed on this park trail.

The forest gives way to open subalpine terrain as the trail reaches the pass near 6,200 feet. For a photo, keep the rocky saddle and a little foreground tread in the frame so the snowy ridgeline has scale. The view is the payoff; the climb is the price.