Grays Harbor Hills to Mountains
Overview
#1
Lake Sylvia State Park & Montesano City Forest
These two conjoined parks are the perfect introduction to the coastal forest ecosystem if you're journeying from Puget Sound. Take a stroll from the parking lot into the tree farm where you'll see lush forest mixed with open vistas. The rolling hills extending north and east are among Washington's most productive timberlands!
For a medium-length hike, walk from the day use parking lot down the Forestry Trail, turn right at Hamby Hill, then at the ridgeline walk A-1600 to Sylvia Ridge which wends its way back down the Lake Sylvia.
Stop in for a bite at Lemon Hill Cafe in Montesano
#2
Lake Wynoochee
From this lake in the southern Olympic Mountains you'll find easy walks, hidden waterfalls, and tall trees! Because the lake is relatively small it's also relatively calm, making it a good option for beginner paddlers. While snow can linger on the nearby peaks well into June, the lake itself is a pleasant place for spring days outdoors. Lake Wynoochee is part of the Olympic National Forest.
What did the tree say to the lumberjack?
I'm falling for you.
.avif)
#3
Campbell Tree Grove
Buried in the Olympic National Forest northwest of Lake Wynoochee, the Campbell Tree Grove is a beautiful drive from Highway 101. Once you cross the Humptulips gorge the forest gets thicker, leading to the Tree Grove which is full of old-growth firs. You can camp or hike along the river or just soak in the scenery. If you'd like a good vista (and want to sweat a bit), hike the nearby Pete's Creek trail up to the top of the Colonel Bob Wilderness.
You'll find firs, hemlocks, and cedar trees at the Tree Grove, but listen closely and you'll hear owls, woodpeckers, and jays as well!
#4
Humptulips River
From the Campbell Tree Grove it's possible to walk miles down the Humptulips, an important spawning habitat for returning salmon and steelhead. On a warm summer's day, the middle section of the river (accessed from the town of Humptulips) is also a great place to stretch out on the riverbank and soak in the sun! Please keep in mind that many sections of the Humptulips are public, but some are private and don't allow community access.
#5
Go Further
If you're looking to explore this area but not looking to camp, your best bet for lodging is along the coast or at Lake Quinault. Check out Seabrook and Lake Quinault Lodge for your stay. When you're there, you can explore further Coastal and Lake Quinault itineraries.
Continue Your Discovery
Touch whale bones, examine shipwreck artifacts and connect with the coast's living history.
Join Our
Community
When students are proud to grow up here, they'll be proud to live here as adults. Adults that are proud to live here are proud to be members of the CIC community.
