Dosewallips State Park - Maple Valley Loop
Olympic PeninsulaBest Apr–Oct
A gentle forest loop through bigleaf maples and old cedars on the shores of Hood Canal.
About This Trail
This loop winds through the lower reaches of Dosewallips State Park, following a creek into a valley thick with bigleaf maples and western redcedar. The canopy overhead is dense enough to keep you dry in a light rain and cool on a warm day. Ferns carpet the forest floor, and in autumn the maples put on one of the better fall color shows on the Olympic Peninsula.
The route climbs gradually through switchbacks to a ridgeline with a bench, then descends back toward the campground. WTA crews have done solid maintenance work here, building turnpikes and culverts to handle water crossings. The trail is well marked throughout, and there are rest benches at the midpoint and ridgeline.
This is a good pick for families, dog walkers, and anyone who wants a quiet forest walk without a long drive from the Hood Canal corridor. The park itself has campground facilities if you want to make a weekend of it. Discover Pass required at the trailhead.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Getting There
Day-use parking at the state park campground. Discover Pass required. Plenty of space on weekdays; can fill on summer weekends when the campground is full.
From Quilcene, drive south on Highway 101 for 12.5 miles to the Dosewallips State Park turnoff. Turn right and follow the main road to the campground or day-use parking. The loop starts from the campground area and is well signed.
No timing pressure here. Anytime during daylight works fine. The forest canopy makes this a good midday option even in summer.
Similar Hikes
