Pine Lake
Olympic PeninsulaBest May–Sep
Old-growth forest and a placid lake at the end of a gentle Skokomish Valley walk.
About This Trail
Pine Lake sits deep in the Lower Skokomish Valley of the Olympic National Forest, reached by a gentle road-to-trail conversion that follows Pine Creek through stands of old-growth Douglas-fir and western hemlock. The grade is easy and steady, rising 700 feet over two-and-a-half miles, and the tread is in good shape despite its logging-road past.
The lake opens into a grassy shoreline with fallen logs for sitting, quiet enough that fish rise in the shallows and songbirds dominate the soundscape. This is a forest hike more than a view hike, best suited to hikers who want old trees, still water, and solitude rather than alpine scenery.
Access depends on Forest Road 2361, which closes from October through April. During closure, expect to add 3.8 miles each way on foot.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“When I went, NF-2361 was closed at the intersection with NF-23, so it added about 1.”
Last report: Apr 4, 2026
Scorecard
Seldom crowded thanks to distance from Seattle and the seasonal road closure.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazard
- Access road FR 2361 closed October through April, adding 3.8 miles each way on foot
Getting There
Trailhead at end of FR Spur 200 off FR 2361. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Recent Reports
Overall a nice hike. When I went, NF-2361 was closed at the intersection with NF-23, so it added about 1.
As of Sept 1st, the road is closed due to the Bear Gulch fire.
Road in has a few bumps once you get off of the main FR23, but not bad and no high clearance needed. Started about 1pm and the trail was about half in the sun, left the lake about 4pm and the areas in the shade and sun were reversed.
Similar Hikes
