Striped Peak — Olympic Peninsula
- Lea Fetterman
- Mar 13, 2023
- 2 min read
Day Hiked: March 12, 2023
My dad did a great job of finding this hidden gem on the north side of the Olympics, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Striped Peak trailhead starts within a campground as well, so if you want to make a weekend out of it, bring your tent or camper!
We arrived at the trailhead around 10:30am and there were only two other cars in the parking lot. We hiked the trail counter-clockwise because going up the steep switchbacks was much easier on the knees and we wanted to get the big climb out of the way first. When you get near the top, you will come across a bunker from WWII. Bring a headlamp to go inside and check it out, it is a deep one!
The weather worked out well for us, beginning with partly cloudy skies so that when we reached the top of Striped Peak, we could see all the views. We had lunch on top and the rain started just as we were finishing up. During our hike down, the rain started to pick up with a little wind, and fog rolled in over the strait so we could not see as far. This was okay because the latter half of the trail is mostly in the woods. The rain turned everything a lush green, and large cedars and hemlocks line the northern trail. Pack the right gear and the rain is not so bad! Also, going gently downhill with rain gear on made it so we did not sweat so much, therefore keeping us slightly dryer inside our rain gear (though not completely)!
While most of the trail is in excellent condition and signage is very clear, there were just a few spots with fallen trees or slippery mud. We were passed by one horse, which we noticed punched through the newly-fixed trail so that there were hoof holes every couple yards. My mom used poles and said they really helped on the slippery downhill sections. We had no issues getting down the Spur Trail to the beach, the steps are well built. There is a beautiful waterfall. I picked some trash up off the beach, so if you see any more washed up, please take it with you!
My Gaia App says we hiked 6.58mi, but my Apple Health App says 7.5. Not sure who is right. With food breaks and enjoying the beach, we were out for 4 hours and 45 minutes, elevation gain of 1,437ft (again according to Gaia). I loved this hike because it was a nice change from the East Olympics, where I hike most often. It is close to Port Angeles if you need anything, especially if you decide to stay in the campground. From the campground, there is also lots of beach to explore, so head out and enjoy a few days in this lovely place.
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