Seattle Hiking Community

Grand Ridge | Olympic National Park

Sat, Jul 4 · 6:00 AM PDT

Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Avenue Southeast, Bellevue, WA, US

A Walk in the Sky

Grand Ridge is the highest continuous trail in the Olympic Mountains. On a clear day this is among the most beautiful places in Washington; the wide-open, stunning 360 degree views include the interior of the Olympics, Mount Olympus, alpine Lakes, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Canada, and the Cascades.

Forged by ice and lifted into a realm of tundra and stone, the ridge opens into a wind‑swept corridor watched over by the great keeper of the range's oldest stories - Mount Olympus - massive, glaciated, and mythic.
We will hike from Deer Park to Obstruction Point, then descend into Badger Valley and loop back up to the Ridge trail.

No mountaineering skills required — this is simply a long, scenic walk through the high country. If you've been craving a hike that feels like a journey — wild, gorgeous, and unforgettable — the Grand Ridge awaits.

Hike Data
Length: 15 miles round‑trip
Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Highest Point: 6,625 feet
Difficulty: Moderate | Hard
Route Type: Out & Back
WTA

Meetup Location
Wilburton Park and Ride
720 114th Ave SE,
Bellevue, WA 98004
GPS: 47.60309, -122.18533

Trailhead Location
Deer Park Trailhead
Port Angeles, WA 98362
GPS: 47.94981, -123.26486

Schedule
0630 — Park and Ride.
0830 – Stop at Longhouse Market & Deli
1000 — Trailhead. Hike Begins.
1800 — Trailhead. Hike ends.
2100 - Park and Ride.
Estimated Hiking Time: 7 - 8 hours
Moderate Pace.

Logistics
We will first meet at the Park & Ride location above for carpooling. You may also meet the group directly at the trailhead per the schedule above. We will drive to the Trailhead via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the morning and likely take the Kingston - Edmonds Ferry on the way back in the evening. America the Beautiful pass or a National Park Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead. The last 9 miles involve a gravel, narrow, windy mountain road - though any vehicle can make it with careful driving.

Everyone will initially be placed on the Waitlist and moved to the Going List as drivers become available for the riders. Riders should pay around $45 (Cash or Venmo) to their driver for transportation including Fuel, Ferry, Entrance Fee, etc. Pay your driver when you enter their vehicle.

Disclaimer
By choosing to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness travel and accept full responsibility for your safety, your decisions, and your preparedness. The event host is not a guide.

RSVP Etiquette
All participants must be registered here, and confirmed on the going list to be able to attend this event. Please RSVP only if you are fully committed to attending.

Click here to message the event host with any questions.

Frog Mountain - Scenic Views of Cascade Peaks!

Sun, Jul 5 · 9:00 AM PDT

Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, US

This weekend we'll hike out to the top of Frog Mountain and back, and our trail begins near HWY-2 in the Stevens Pass area. We'll see summer wildflowers and huckleberries, and near the top the forest will open up to show us beautiful views of peaks near and far: Glacier, Sloan, Kyes, and Rainier, among others.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at the Wilburton P&R. Carpooling from there is encouraged but you are also welcome to meet us at Frog Mountain Trailhead.

Hike Info
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Length: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2200 feet
Highest Elevation: ~4900 feet
Location: Down HWY-2 toward Stevens Pass
Road: Mostly highway, some well-maintained forest road

Parking Permit
None needed.

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around a dozen as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $45 if one passenger, $25 for two passengers, and $20 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
9:00 am: Meet at the Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast).
9:10 am: Drive to trailhead
~ 11:00 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 6-7 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 6:00 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 8:00 pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)

Links
AllTrails
WTA

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.