Petes Creek Trail #858

Pete's Creek Trail #858 is a 6-kilometre point-to-point trail in Olympic National Forest, Washington, United States, gaining approximately 550 metres of elevation through one of North America's most spectacular temperate rainforests. Rated difficult, it penetrates Colonel Bob Wilderness past towering Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir and western red cedar beneath a forest canopy fed by more than 150 inches of annual rainfall.

About the Petes Creek Trail #858

Pete's Creek Trail #858 threads deep into the Colonel Bob Wilderness on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, a federally designated wild area managed by the U.S. Forest Service — Olympic National Forest. The route climbs relentlessly from its trailhead near the Humptulips River valley, gaining around 550 metres over 6 kilometres of trail that wind through one of the wettest ecosystems on the North American continent.

The wilderness here receives more than 150 inches (3,800 mm) of precipitation annually, and every centimetre of it shows. Mosses carpet every boulder and fallen log; ferns crowd the understorey; and the canopy above — built from Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar — is so dense that even on clear summer days the forest floor remains damp and shadowed. This is Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest at its most immersive, a stark contrast to the rocky alpine terrain of better-known Olympic Peninsula trails.

The trail follows Pete's Creek upstream before ascending the western flank of Gibson Peak. A large open slope roughly three kilometres in grants the first real views: the patchwork greens of the Humptulips Valley stretch below, framed by old-growth forest ridgelines in every direction. The trail terminates at its junction with Colonel Bob Trail #851, where hikers willing to add a further 2.9 kilometres can push on to the 1,374-metre (4,510 ft) summit of Colonel Bob, with panoramas taking in the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor, Lake Quinault and Mount Olympus.

As a point-to-point route, Pete's Creek Trail #858 works best as a day hike out-and-back or as the approach leg of an overnight to Moonshine Flats, a flat subalpine bench dotted with columbine and Indian paintbrush wildflowers in midsummer. According to the Washington Trails Association, the trail received maintenance in both 2022 and 2025, keeping the path in good condition through its steepest sections. No other route in this corner of the Olympic National Forest delivers the same depth of old-growth immersion within a 6-kilometre window.

Route Overview & Stages

Pete's Creek Trail #858 runs west to east, climbing steadily from the valley floor to the Colonel Bob Trail junction. There is no flat section — even the gentle opening kilometre begins gaining ground almost immediately. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steeper upper sections and for balance at the creek crossing around the 1.6 km mark.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Colonel Bob Wilderness Boundary — crossed within the first 500 metres of the trail; a signed marker indicates entry into one of Olympic National Forest's most remote designated wilderness areas, where chainsaw use is prohibited and the forest remains essentially roadless and unlogged.
• Pete's Creek Ford — at approximately 1.6 km, the trail crosses Pete's Creek itself. The ford is manageable in summer but runs high and fast during spring snowmelt; stepping stones are typically exposed by July. The sound of the creek defines the entire lower section of the hike.
• Old-Growth Sitka Spruce Grove — the lower 2 km hosts some of the most impressive Sitka spruce specimens on the trail, with trunk diameters exceeding 2 metres in places. Sitka spruce is specific to the Pacific Coast's fog-drenched forests and rarely grows at altitude, making these lower-trail giants particularly significant.
• Gibson Peak Western Flank — the steepest and most sustained section of the trail, where the path switchbacks up the western shoulder of Gibson Peak at grades exceeding 15% in places. Douglas-fir and Pacific silver fir increasingly dominate the canopy as elevation rises and the lowland rainforest grades into montane forest.
• Humptulips Valley Viewpoint — a large open slope at roughly 3 km offers the hike's first clear sightlines. The Humptulips River valley spreads below in a mosaic of old-growth greens, with the ridgelines of the broader Olympic Peninsula visible in clear weather.
• Colonel Bob Trail #851 Junction — the formal endpoint of Pete's Creek Trail #858, at approximately 550 metres of cumulative elevation gain. A signed junction directs hikers toward Moonshine Flats and the Colonel Bob summit 2.9 km further along Trail #851.
• Moonshine Flats — just beyond the junction at around 1,065 metres, this flat subalpine bench hosts dispersed campsites scattered among columbine, Indian paintbrush and Pacific silver fir. In late July the wildflower bloom here ranks among the finest on the Olympic Peninsula.
• Colonel Bob Summit Panorama — hikers who add the Colonel Bob Trail extension are rewarded with a 360-degree panorama at 1,374 m taking in the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor, Lake Quinault, the Quinault River, and on the clearest days, the full white bulk of Mount Olympus to the north-east.

Best Time to Hike the Petes Creek Trail #858

Pete's Creek Trail #858 can be hiked year-round, but conditions vary enormously by season. The Olympic Peninsula's extraordinary rainfall — concentrated heavily from October through April — makes off-season visits muddy, cold and potentially hazardous at the creek crossing.

July is the single best month to hike Pete's Creek Trail. By early July, the creek ford drops to a safe crossing depth, the wildflower season peaks at Moonshine Flats, and daytime temperatures at trailhead elevation hover between 18–24°C. Snow above 900 metres typically clears by late June, leaving the upper trail fully accessible.

June is viable but expect a wetter ford and possible snow patches above the Gibson Peak flank. Bring gaiters and prepare for mud on the lower trail. August and September offer the driest conditions and clearest summit views, though August can bring regional wildfire smoke that cuts visibility across Washington State. October sees the first heavy rains return and autumn colour enters the understorey maples; trail conditions deteriorate sharply by mid-month as the lower path becomes a mud channel.

As of 2026, Forest Road 2204 — the final 11-mile unpaved approach — typically opens by late May following winter maintenance. Always check road status with the Olympic National Forest Quinault District office before making the drive; fallen trees and washouts can close FR 2204 without advance notice and the road has no mobile coverage to warn drivers en route.

For calorie planning on longer hikes into Moonshine Flats, see our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day — the 550 m of sustained climbing on Pete's Creek makes fuelling more critical than most hikers expect.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The trail has no staffed huts. Overnight hikers rely on dispersed camping at Moonshine Flats or the nearest lodges in the Quinault Valley, roughly 30 minutes' drive from the trailhead.

• Moonshine Flats (dispersed backcountry camping) — located just beyond the Colonel Bob Trail junction at approximately 1,065 m. No fee and no reservation required, but a valid Northwest Forest Pass must be displayed at the trailhead. Bear canisters or a hang system are recommended; no piped water. Campfires are prohibited inside Colonel Bob Wilderness year-round.
• Lake Quinault Lodge — a historic lakeside lodge in Amanda Park, approximately 30 km south-west of the trailhead, operated under National Park Service concession. Rooms start around $180–$240 USD (approximately €165–€220) per night. Book well ahead for July and August weekends — the lodge fills weeks in advance.
• Rain Forest Resort Village — a cluster of cabins on the south shore of Lake Quinault in Amanda Park, with typical rates of $120–$160 USD (~€110–€147) per night. A more affordable base than the lodge with similar convenience to the trailhead.
• Quinault Rain Forest Campground — a National Park Service campground approximately 22 km from the trailhead, with first-come, first-served sites at around $20 USD (~€18) per night. Best suited to hikers with an early start the following morning.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead has no public transport connection. A private vehicle or hire car is essential for reaching Pete's Creek Trail #858.

• From Seattle (recommended approach): Drive south-west on WA-16 W and then north on US-101, approximately 275 km and 2 hours 45 minutes in normal traffic. From Hoquiam, head north on US-101 for 25 miles, turn right onto Donkey Creek Road (Forest Road 22) and drive 8 miles, then turn left onto FR 2204 for the final 11 miles to the trailhead. The last 11 miles are unpaved gravel; a high-clearance vehicle is advisable but not strictly required in summer conditions.
• From Portland, Oregon: Allow approximately 4 hours via I-5 N and US-101 N through Aberdeen and Hoquiam.
• Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 315 km from the trailhead — around 3 hours' drive with hire car. All major operators have desks at SeaTac.
• Nearest town with full services: Hoquiam (fuel, grocery, pharmacy, lodging), approximately 65 km south of the trailhead on US-101. Aberdeen immediately adjoins Hoquiam and has additional options.
• Parking: A small car park with a toilet is available at the trailhead. No overnight parking fee beyond the required Northwest Forest Pass display.

Permits & Fees

• Northwest Forest Pass: Required for all vehicles parked at the trailhead. Day pass: $5 USD (~€4.60). Annual pass: $30 USD (~€27.50). Available online at Recreation.gov, from local ranger stations, and from sporting goods stores in Hoquiam and Aberdeen.
• Wilderness permit: Not required for Colonel Bob Wilderness day hiking or overnight camping as of 2026. No entry quota or timed entry system is in place.
• Campfire restrictions: Open fires are permanently prohibited within Colonel Bob Wilderness. A camp stove is required for cooking at Moonshine Flats or any backcountry site.
• Dogs: Permitted throughout on a leash. No additional permit is required for dogs on this trail.

Gear & Packing List

Pete's Creek Trail #858 combines sustained elevation gain with near-guaranteed moisture. Even on a clear July day the forest floor stays wet, the creek ford adds cold water to your boots at 1.6 km, and temperature at the upper trail can be 6–8°C cooler than at the trailhead. Pack accordingly.

• Rain gear: A waterproof hardshell jacket and trousers are non-negotiable on the Olympic Peninsula regardless of the forecast. Soft-shells wet out quickly in the constant drip of the rainforest canopy.
• Footwear: Waterproof trail boots with ankle support for the steep Gibson Peak section and the creek ford. Waterproof trail runners work for fit hikers but will wet out at the crossing — factor in the walk back.
• Backpack — day hike: A vest or 12–20 litre pack is sufficient for a day hike with food, water, extra layers and rain gear. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 sits close to the body on steep ascents, while the Salomon ADV Skin 20 adds capacity for longer days or the Colonel Bob extension.
• Backpack — overnight: For an overnight at Moonshine Flats, a 40–55 litre pack suits the distance and the need to carry a bear canister. The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 40L keeps base weight minimal without sacrificing structure on steep terrain. For hikers who prefer a conventional load-lifter suspension, the Osprey Aether 65 handles heavier overnight loads with considerable comfort.
• Trekking poles: Strongly recommended for the Gibson Peak flank and for stability at the creek ford. The descent on wet roots and loose soil is significantly easier with poles.
• Water treatment: Water is abundant at Pete's Creek and seasonal streams, but must be treated. Giardia is present in Olympic Peninsula waterways — carry a filter or chemical treatment.
• Bear canister or hang kit: Required for camping at Moonshine Flats. No food storage boxes exist at dispersed backcountry sites on this trail.
• Navigation: Cell coverage is absent from roughly 1 km into the trail. Download an offline map (Green Trails #198 Grisdale covers this area) or carry a paper copy.

For a thorough comparison of lightweight carry options for routes like this, the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 guide tests seven sub-1 kg packs on real terrain — worth reading before committing to an overnight load on the 550 m climb.

Similar Trails You Might Like

Pete's Creek Trail #858 appeals to hikers who want a genuine wilderness challenge — steep, forest-heavy and rewarding — rather than crowded viewpoint routes. If that character suits your next adventure, these United States trails deliver comparable intensity and backcountry atmosphere:

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — a classic steep point-to-point descent into the Grand Canyon, with dramatic open exposure and elevation change that rivals Pete's Creek in the opposite direction.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — the longer Grand Canyon counterpart, winding through multiple ecological zones from canyon floor to North Rim; a serious multi-day undertaking with strong logistical planning requirements.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — a shorter but technically interesting canyon route in Zion National Park, ideal for hikers who want dramatic scenery in a more compact day-hike format after completing Pete's Creek.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — a Yosemite classic with significant elevation gain and arguably the finest summit views in the Sierra Nevada, comparable in total effort to the Pete's Creek plus Colonel Bob combination.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — a scenic Yosemite route connecting multiple iconic viewpoints, well suited to hikers stepping up from Pete's Creek to a longer and more exposed alpine trail.

For international inspiration, our Theth to Valbona hike guide for 2026 covers one of Europe's most dramatic point-to-point crossings — a useful benchmark for planning multi-day routes of similar wilderness ambition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Pete's Creek Trail #858?
July is the best single month. The Pete's Creek ford drops to a safe crossing level, wildflowers peak at Moonshine Flats, and temperatures at trailhead elevation typically reach 18–24°C. The general hiking season runs from late June through September. Avoid the trail from November through April unless prepared for deep mud, high water at the creek crossing and potential snow above 600 metres.

How difficult is Pete's Creek Trail #858?
The trail is rated difficult. It gains approximately 550 metres of elevation over 6 kilometres, with the steepest section on the Gibson Peak western flank where the grade exceeds 15% for over a kilometre. There are no technical scrambling sections, but the relentless uphill gradient, slippery roots and a creek ford make it unsuitable for young children or inexperienced hikers. Trekking poles significantly help on the descent.

How long does it take to complete Pete's Creek Trail #858?
Most fit hikers complete the 6 km one-way trail in 2.5 to 3.5 hours on the ascent, and 2 to 2.5 hours descending — giving a round-trip time of 4.5 to 6 hours. Add 1.5 to 2 hours if extending to the Colonel Bob summit via the #851 junction. Allow extra time for the creek crossing and for pausing at the Humptulips Valley viewpoint.

Is there accommodation on or near the trail?
The only on-trail accommodation is dispersed camping at Moonshine Flats, a flat subalpine bench just beyond the Colonel Bob Trail junction at approximately 1,065 metres. No fee applies beyond the required Northwest Forest Pass. There are no staffed huts or shelters. The nearest indoor lodging is Lake Quinault Lodge and Rain Forest Resort Village in Amanda Park, roughly 30 kilometres south-west of the trailhead.

Do I need a permit for Pete's Creek Trail #858?
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead — $5 USD per day or $30 USD annually (~€4.60 / €27.50). No wilderness entry permit or overnight camping permit is required for Colonel Bob Wilderness as of 2026. Campfires are permanently prohibited inside the wilderness; bring a camp stove. Dogs are allowed on leash with no additional permit needed.