What is the current status of the aggressive ground wasp nest reported near mile 2.0?

The most recent report from [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-13.180855973707) noted the nest and indicated it was flagged with an alternative scramble available to bypass it. Hikers are advised to be aware of this hazard.

How difficult is the trail to follow, particularly after the first maintained mile?

After the first well-maintained mile, the trail becomes significantly harder to follow. Multiple reports from [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-14.102930198737), [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.120900291948), and August 15 highlight overgrown sections, inconsistent flagging, and steep, root-filled terrain that can easily lead hikers astray, recommending GPS for navigation.

What is the condition of the road leading to the Mildred Lakes trailhead?

The road condition has varied in recent reports. As of [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-13.180855973707), it was described as rough but passable. However, earlier reports from [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-20.184353568983) and July 18 stated the road was suitable for all vehicles, suggesting it may be passable for most cars.

Are there any significant water crossings on the trail?

The trail does involve a stream crossing that can be navigated by log or wading, with the latter not being deep as of [September 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.120900291948). Some hikers have reported difficulty finding the correct crossing or log, especially without navigation aids, September 4.

Mildred Lakes

Olympic Peninsula

updated 4 weeks ago

The Mildred Lakes trail is mostly snow-free as of October 13, October 13, and September 4. The road to the trailhead is described as rough but passable by October 13 and August 15, though August 16 and July 18 noted it as suitable for all vehicles. The trail itself presents significant challenges after the first maintained mile, with reports detailing steep climbs, root ladders, overgrown sections, and difficult route-finding, especially in areas affected by a past burn, September 4, August 15. A notable hazard is a nest of aggressive ground wasps near mile 2.0, flagged with an alternate route available. Hikers are strongly advised to use GPS or navigation tools due to inconsistent flagging and potential for getting off-trail, September 4, August 15.

Generated from 19 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Mildred Lakes

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

The most recent report from October 13 noted the nest and indicated it was flagged with an alternative scramble available to bypass it. Hikers are advised to be aware of this hazard.