The Gray Wolf River is fed by Deception Glacier and joins the Dungeness River before spilling into the Strait of Juan De Fuca on the NE corner of the Olympic Peninsula. The Lower Gray Wolf River Trail runs through lush bottomlands on mild-moderate grades highlighted by old growth forests and excellent fishing. The Lower Gray Wolf Trailhead is located east of Port Angeles, WA and just south of Sequim, WA.

The Gray Wolf River's striking hue is derived from heavy minerals in glacial till brought down from the mountains

The Lower Gray Wolf River Trail scales several steep hills between level river access points and established campsites

Pacific Rhododendron, a member of the heather family, prefers moist, acidic soil with a measure of protection from colder winds

Moss and lichen hold onto polished river rocks adjacent to an established campsite

The Buckhorn Wilderness is topped by multiple snowcapped peaks including Mt. Fricaba (7,134'), Buckhorn Mountain (6,988'), Iron Mountain (6,950') and Tyler Peak (6,350')

Pacific coastal temperate rainforests extend 2500 miles from Prince William Sound in south central Alaska to northern California

Coastal temperate rainforests are defined in part by having over 100 days of rain, and being located within 93 miles of the coast

Indian Paintbrush belongs to a genus of 200 species of partially or fully parasitic plants that derive nourishment from the roots of other plants

An American Toad (Bufo americanus) hops across the Lower Gray Wolf Trail

Short segments run over narrow, potentially unstable ledges just over the river

Red Columbine (a member of the Buttercup Family), is part of the genus Aquilegia; aquilegia is a latin word for eagle, and a reference to the resemblance of its petals to talons

Clay soils contain a lot of moisture and can cause Douglas fir roots to rot

A steep climb near the terminus leads to a high point with aerial views over a voluminous bend in the river

A giant granite boulder guides water flow in river