Mount Ellinor
1 week ago
Fog can shroud summit views
8 this month · 147 reports
Notch Pass
Olympic Peninsula
updated 1 month ago
The trail is described as somewhat brushy and less maintained for the first mile as of August 5. Beyond that, it transitions to the expected mossy patches, old growth, and lush understory with gradual inclines and long switchbacks. The road is suitable for all vehicles, though there are some deep potholes to watch out for on the 10 Road. Snow-free conditions were noted on August 5. Bugs were not considered too bad at that time.
Generated from 16 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Notch Pass
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
As of August 5, the first mile of the trail was described as somewhat brushy and less maintained. Beyond this initial section, the trail condition improves to the standard for the region.
The road to Notch Pass was reported as suitable for all vehicles as of August 5. However, there were noted to be some pretty deep potholes to watch out for on the 10 Road.
Snow-free conditions were reported on August 5. Given this date, it is unlikely there is significant lingering snow.
As of August 5, bugs were not considered too bad. No recent reports have provided updated information on bug conditions.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
This hike was a perfect rehab route for me after a few weeks out. And, it was near silent and the air was good.This hike definitely lacks in big views outside the canopy. I parked at the lower trailhe...
Older4 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
This is a GREAT "workout" trail. From Notch 1 TH you climb steadily to the pass, cross a little used FS road, then take Notch 2 down-ish to the FS NF-27 road, then down Notch 3 from NF-27 to the Lower...
Older5 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Beautiful early season out-and-back hike over Notch Pass to Big Quilcene and Bark Shanty. Gorgeous green everywhere, and the trail is a pleasure to walk. Nice moderate uphill to the pass. I’d highly r...
Older5 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Beautiful day to hike and first time hiking on the peninsula... so gorgeous.The road to the trailhead was passable but there were some big water filled potholes after the final turn off. It could be d...
Older7 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Road is partially paved and partial gravel, but in good condition. Some potholes, but easily avoided. Parking lot is a decent size. There were 2 cars when we arrived and 3 different cars when we left....
Older7 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Started at the east trailhead. Road to the trailhead was rough in places with some very wide, water-filled potholes, but no problem navigating with a mid-size SUV. Interestingly enough, there were a...
Older8 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Notch Pass is a lovely trail that WTA worked on yesterday (1/26/26). Our crew focused on rebenching the tread and clearing organics from the trail surface to improve drainage. A previous work party ha...
Older13 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Hiked Notch Pass today and everything in good shape, except for the bridge that is featured on the cover. It has collapsed due to rotting through. Right now you can make your way over it but it's sitt...
Older17 months ago
Olympic Peninsula
We could not get to the trailhead due to the road being recently graveled with very big rocks (like a base layer). We were in a low riding vehicle and afraid of getting a flat tire - it would have bee...
Older17 months ago
Olympic Peninsula
This is one of my favorite hikes in the early Spring as it is GREAT EXERCISE (up and down and down and up and down), snow-free when other trails nearby are not, and few people on it. We hiked this tra...