Hikeoftheweek.com

Quick Facts

Location: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal District

Land Agency: National Forest Service

Roundtrip: 2.0 miles

Green Trails Map: Mount Tebo, WA No. 199

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene (360) 765-2200; www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic

Access: From Shelton, head north on US 101 for 7 miles turning left onto the Skokomish Valley Road. Follow for 5.5 miles bearing right onto FR 23. Continue for 8.5 miles to a signed junction. Bear left continuing on FR 23 for 8 miles to a pullout on the left with a sign high on a large fir reading “Spider Lake.”

While this trailhead may lack amenities, the trail is top notch. Start on a wide track dropping steeply 100 feet to a point just above Spider Lake’s shoreline. From here, begin a leisurely loop around the small lake which sits snugly in a narrow valley on the Skokomish-Satsop River Divide. And while this placid body of water has an appeal in its own right, it’s the surrounding forest that is the main attraction. An exceptional grove of ancient giants graces Spider’s tranquil shores. And in this part of the Olympic National Forest which has been intensively logged over the decades, this makes this remaining tract of primeval trees all the more important.

Turn right (although either direction will work) ambling above the green waters of the lake and beneath the emerald canopy of ancient behemoths. Fishing spots and viewpoints are encountered along the way. Soon the trail climbs a bit across a steep side slope. Cross a high log bridge—then drop back down to lake level passing a big beaver hut. After traversing a marshy area you’ll come to an unmarked junction. Take the trail left, crossing the outlet stream (the trail right goes to an alternative trailhead, unmarked and often muddy).

Return along the western shoreline on a route that nearly hugs the lake’s water level. Gaze up at the surrounding ridges. The intensively-logged surroundings offer quite a contrast to the virgin groves you’ve been hiking through. Fortunately, the web of life has remained intact at little Spider Lake.

For more information on trails around Spider Lake, check out my Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula Book.