Kloshe Nanitch Lookout, Kloshe Nanitch Lower Trailhead, Olympic National Park, Washington
Kloshe Nanitch Lookout - 6.0 miles
Kloshe Nanitch Lower Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.0 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 800' - 3185' (3,185' max elevation at Lookout) |
| Elevation Change: | +2385' net elevation change (+2525 total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Kloshe Nanitch Lookout - 6.0 Miles Round-Trip
The Kloshe Nanitch Trail is located between the towns of Port Angeles and Forks Washington on the north end of the Olympic Peninsula. Because the trail rests just outside of Olympic National Park, it is open to equestrians, bikers, hikers and pets - making this a popular dayhiking destination.
Those not wishing to make the 2500' ascent to Kloshe Nanitch can enjoy a stroll along the Sol Duc River which runs parallel to the trail near its start.
From the trailhead at the end of West Snider Road, the flat, paved trail heads east and rides above the powerful Sol Duc River for .2 miles before splitting north at the well marked sign for Kloshe Nanitch. There are a few river access points along the way for those wishing to see the river up close.
The trail now begins to ascend on switchbacks in a north by northeast fashion. The landscape remains unchanged as the trail rises through a very dense Douglas fir forest (1.0 miles : 1,570').
The understory is thicketed with vine maple, fern, moss and liverwort as the trail slices across several scenic drainages which lead down to the Sol Duc River.
After gaining 1700' in the first 2 miles, the trail bears east as the grade becomes more manageable and brief breaks in the forest canopy allow for decent views of Mt Olympus and Sol Duc Valley.
The trail begins to rise above the fir forest and reaches the spur trail to the Kloshe Nanitch Lookout (2.7 miles 2,995').
A brief walk through a beautiful Silver fir forest leads to the Kloshe Nanitch Viewpoint (3.0 miles : 3,185'). Views from the lookout area are excellent including Lake Crescent, Mt Olympus and the Sol Duc Valley.
Those with extra time can cross the fire road (west) and hike the short trail to Snider Peak, visible from the Kloshe Nanitch Viewpoint.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N48 04.125 W124 06.432 — 0.0 miles: Lower Kloshe Nanitch Trailhead
- N48 04.160 W124 06.162 — 0.2 miles: Split for Kloshe Nanitch
- N48 04.235 W124 06.048 — 0.5 miles: Bridge crossing
- N48 04.420 W124 05.817 — 1.0 miles: Ascending via steep switchbacks
- N48 04.543 W124 05.607 — 1.5 miles: Continue steep ascent in cloaked fir forest
- N48 04.734 W124 05.302 — 2.0 miles: Trail bends east across south face
- N48 04.821 W124 04.669 — 2.7 miles: Split for Kloshe Nanitch Lookout
- N48 04.839 W124 04.754 — 3.0 miles: Kloshe Nanitch Lookout - Upper Trailhead
Worth Noting
- The Kloshe Nanitch Lookout Tower was removed in 2012 due to structural integrity issues. A new, safe viewing platform is to be constructed in 2013 to stand where the lookout once resided.
- A short trail leads from Kloshe Nanitch to Snider Peak to the west.
- Mount Muller is accessible from the Upper Kloshe Nanitch Trailhead (site of the lookout / viewpoint). One can hike to Mount Muller from the lower trailhead on a long 12+ mile dayhike - or drive and park at the Upper Kloshe Nanitch Trailhead and hike a 6+ mile dayhike to the Muller summit.
- The Kloshe Nanitch Trail is narrow and slick with precipitous drop offs during most of the hike. Hike with extreme caution.
- While bikes are allowed, trail conditions are not ideal for stable mountain biking.
- A pit toilet is located at the Kloshe Nanitch Viewpoint (aka Upper Kloshe Nanitch Trailhead).
Camping and Backpacking Information
Camping is permitted in the Kloshe Nanitch area. Please contact the Forks Ranger Station (contact information below) for current fees.
Fishing Information
Fishing is available on the Sol Duc River.
Olympic National Forest abides by all Washington State Fishing regulations.
Rules and Regulations
- A valid recreation pass is required to be displayed at the Kloshe Nanitch Trailhead.
- Please abide by all National Forest regulations as the Kloshe Nanitch Trail rests in the Olympic National Forest, not the National Park.
- Dogs are allowed and while no leash is required, dogs must be kept under voice control.
- Motorized verhicles are prohibited.
Directions to Trailhead
From Port Angeles, drive 35 miles west on Highway 101 to West Snider Road (near mile marker 211). Turn right (north) onto West Snider Road and drive about one mile to the dead end. The unmarked trailhead and small parking area are located here.
Contact Information
Olympic National Forest - Supervisor's Office
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