Mount Ellinor
6 days ago
Snowfields to cross, icy patches
5 this month · 157 reports
Tunnel Creek
Olympic Peninsula
updated 3 weeks ago
Tunnel Creek trail is currently in good condition, with the exception of some intermittent snow noted as of October 10. The fall foliage is reportedly vibrant, and numerous reports mention an abundance of mushrooms as of October 1 and September 20. The forest displays interesting fire-scarred trees from a past lightning strike, which has in turn created a surprisingly open understory in some areas, allowing for views up the steep slopes. Hikers have encountered minor obstacles like downed trees and rocky sections, but these pose few problems. Creek access points for watering pets are noted as dry as of September 6.
Generated from 39 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Tunnel Creek
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
The road is described as rough but passable, with some reports noting significant potholes and rough sections that may challenge lower-clearance vehicles. As of October 10, it was still considered passable, though a previous report from August 12 called it the worst the reviewer had seen.
The trail is generally in good condition, with most reports indicating minor obstacles. As of October 10, there were intermittent snow patches that were not difficult to cross. Previous reports from August 11 and July 25 mentioned downed trees across the trail, some requiring a crawl-under or limbing, and July 24 noted three downed trees at the top of the trail, one being a difficult crawl-under.
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. As of September 20, the trailhead parking was already full by 6:20 am, with many cars parked improperly along the road. A report from July 24 also mentioned the small trailhead being full by 9:30 am on a Friday morning, with vehicles parked down the road.
Recent reports mention pikas and grouse being seen on the PCT section as of September 20. A report from August 7 noted a dozen ravens soaring and several Vaux's Swifts performing acrobatics near Point 5345. Nobody has reported on other wildlife sightings, such as bears or mountain goats, in the last three months.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The sign at the trailhead warning of weakened fire-damaged trees brought to mind a blackened, bleak landscape. The Tunnel Creek trail starts out in lush old-growth forest, following the creek as it gr...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
We hiked Tunnel Creek Trailhead to Stevens Pass. Total 10.7 miles with 3,000 feet elevation gain. First couple miles were steady uphill and very rocky. We had rain and snow. Beautiful fall foliage. Sa...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
First time doing this trail in several years. It's always worth every hard step! There was some confusion on the drive in. The signage is old and damaged leading me and my friend to question whethe...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Road/TrailheadThe road is not bad. A few bumps and potholes and the dip after the bridge is a bit rough, but the reports saying this road is awful have been exaggerating. I was expecting a lot of stor...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
We started at the Tunnel Creek trailhead and ended at Stevens Pass. Perfect Fall conditions. The trail is in great shape. Total distance is 12 miles but it feels shorter. Highly recommended!
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
It felt great to get back up Valhalla for the first time in a long while; views were a bit hazy over the Sound today, though of course Constance and the Olympic interior are the true stars of the show...
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Trail in good condition. Very few people made for a nice peaceful day.
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
My opinion? The road is pretty awful, the worst I’ve seen and I hike this trail every year. We made it to the trailhead in my Honda CRV, but I won’t be driving up there again until, or if, the road i...
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Just a quick report, mostly to say that once you are over the particularly bad spot on the access road it does get better. You'll know the spot. A couple of sedans parked before that spot and they wa...
Older3 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Underrated hike - if you get up to Point 5345, highly recommended. Front seat view of Mt. Constance, fun to be so close, from a similar vantage, to such a Seattle view icon. I believe Point 5345 is ...