Where is Mount Walker?

Where is Mount Walker?

Usa, north-america

Length

8.2 km

Elevation

844 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Mount Walker! This peak punches up to 2,769 feet in Washington's Jefferson County, nestled on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula inside the Olympic National Forest. Forget smooth pavement; you're tackling a 5.1-mile unpaved route (Mount Walker Road, also known as Forest Service Road 2730) built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

It's a steep one, folks! We're talking gradients hitting 25% in places! You'll climb a whopping 2,273 feet, so get ready for that average 8.45% grade. The road's narrow with a few pull-offs, and forget bringing your RV or trailer – they're not allowed. Keep in mind the road typically closes during the winter months, aiming to reopen around May 1. Up top, you'll find killer views from where a fire lookout once stood before it was dismantled in 1967. The trailhead is found five miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 (Olympic Highway).

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
8.2 km
Max Elevation
844 m
Difficulty
hard

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