QUEETS RIVER
WHERE: From Portland follow I 5 north until you see signs for the Olympic peninsulas coastal side. Follow past Hoquiam until highway 101 heads north to Queets river road just before Clearwater. Follow the road to its terminus at the trailhead.
THE TRAIL: No crowds here since you have to fjord a river just to begin hiking and then do it again later to make sure you are positive. This trail can be taken 16 miles up river past the largest Douglas Fir on earth. This trail follows a lush multi-canopied forest through relatively even ground. The trail ends at Pelton Creek if you take the route of the lushest flora. You may also opt to take the Tshletshy Creek trail when the main trail forks off at Spruce Bottom Campground. Very beautiful rainforest here but check ahead for the river flow since it can be very dangerous crossing. It was thigh deep and rushing pretty fast when I went in early August. This is one of the safest times of the year to cross and it was still a bit scary. When fording the river be sure to unbuckle all of your pack straps so it can be taken off easily if you get into trouble. If you go during rainy season remember an unexpected storm can keep you stranded for a few days so be prepared to stay a while.