Pyramid Peak Trail, Lake Crescent - Pyramid Peak Trailhead, Olympic National Park, Washington
Pyramid Peak Trail - 6.2 miles
Lake Crescent - Pyramid Peak Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.2 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 765' - 3,010' (3,010' max elevation at Pyramid Peak) |
| Elevation Change: | +2,245' net elevation change (+ 2,390' total roundtrip elevation change) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Pyramid Peak Trail - 6.2 Miles Round-Trip
Pyramid Mountain (3,010') is located 3.1 miles from Pyramid Peak Trailhead on the north shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. Pyramid Mountain is distinguished by its namesake shape and prominence over the lake, which can be seen from many points along the 12 mile shore.
A lookout cabin was built on Pyramid Mountain in 1942 to spot enemy aircraft coming in from the Pacific Ocean during WWII. It's now on the National Register of Historic Places (listed 7.13.07):
The Pyramid Peak Trailhead is located within the North Shore Picnic Area on Camp David Jr. Road, about 25 miles from Port Angeles. The Pyramid Peak Trail crosses the Olympic Discovery Trail and heads northeast on a steady climb over Lake Crescent. Views are initially obstructed by a dense mix of cedar, Douglas fir, red alder and Pacific madrone.
It gains nearly 1000' on the first 1.5 miles up to June Creek (1.5 miles : 1,615'), just past which a major landslide recently occurred (1.6 mile mark).
NOTE: Contact the Park for current conditions across the landslide (360.565.3100). This point may not be passable due to general instability, weather, or during reconstruction. Most sources will mark this point as impassable - and for safety reasons, it should be avoided.
The trail continues east past the landslide to switchbacks up and over to the north side of the ridge (2.0 miles: 2,100'). The trail enters a cool cedar-fir forest with views that extend across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and Mount Baker.
It rises steadily in a quiet old growth forest (2.5 miles : 2,640) to the summit of Pyramid Mountain (3.1 miles: 3,010'). The summit is comprised of rugged outcrops, which may restrict movement but still offer terrific views over the Lake Crescent basin.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N48 03.949 W123 51.589 — 0.0 miles: Pyramid Peak Trailhead - 765'
- N48 04.013 W123 50.925 — 0.5 miles: Heading east on Pyramid Peak Trail
- N48 04.182 W123 50.387 — 1.0 miles: Continue east with intermittent lake views
- N48 04.379 W123 49.955 — 1.5 miles: Cross June Creek - 1,615'
- N48 04.356 W123 49.867 — 1.6 miles: Cross dangerous slide area - 1,650'
- N48 04.440 W123 49.377 — 2.0 miles: Begin switchbacks - cross ridge
- N48 04.483 W123 49.314 — 2.25 miles: Views of Strait of Juan de Fuca
- N48 04.545 W123 48.902 — 2.5 miles: Final ascent to Pyramid Peak through old growth forest
- N48 04.484 W123 48.517 — 3.1 miles: Pyramid Peak Summit - 3,010'
Worth Noting
- The Spruce Railroad Trail is also accessible from the Pyramid Peak Trailhead.
- The Pyramid Peak Trail crosses the Olympic Discovery Trail - a thru hike which leads from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Camping is permitted along the Pyramid Peak Trail (restrictions along the lake apply). There are, however, few if any good places to backcountry camp. There is an established backcountry campsite atop Pyramid Mountain, but no reliable water source.
Camping within Olympic National Park:
- Permits are required for all overnight stays in Olympic National Park. Contact the Wilderness Information Center (360.565.3100) for backcountry camping reservations, permits, and trail conditions. Visit the WIC: 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
- Quotas and Reservations are in effect May 1 - September 30 for the Sol Duc - Seven Lakes Basin area. 50% of sites can be reserved in advance. The other 50% is available first come, first served from the WIC during business hours up to 24 hours in advance.
- Permits for quota areas must be picked up at the WIC, or a staffed ranger station during business hours.
- There's a $5 registration fee per group, plus $2 per person per night (children under 15 excluded). If you don't have access to a WIC, or plan to arrive early or late, call the WIC to arrange advance pickup.
- Reservations may be made no more than 30 days in advance.
- Camping is permitted only in designated sites. Deviation from your permit itinerary is not allowed, except in emergencies.
- Campsites are not individually assigned, and available to permit holders on a first come, first served basis. Groups of 7-12 people must camp in designated group sites within quota areas.
- Campfires are not permitted above 3,500', and where specified.
- Food Storage and Bear Canisters: All food and scented items must be secured 24 hours a day. Park- approved bear canisters are required in the Sol Duc - Seven Lakes Basin.
Fishing Information
Fishing is permitted on Lake Crescent. There is no Washington State Fishing License required to fish in Olympic National Park - however, a Washington State Catch Card is required. The lake has unique populations of Rainbow Trout (Beardslee) and Coastal Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki f. crescentii) trout, and also contains Kokanee.
Rules and Regulations
- Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pets cannot be left in vehicles unattended for any period of time.
- Strict and seasonal specific boating, scuba diving and fishing regulations apply on Lake Crescent.
- There is no camping along the shore or near the waters of Lake Crescent.
Directions to Trailhead
From Port Angeles: Drive 23.5 miles from the west end of Port Angeles to the western tip of Lake Crescent. Turn right onto Camp David Jr. Road / North Shore Road (mile marker 221). Take Camp David Jr / North Shore Road for 3.3 miles to the North Shore Picnic Area. Park there and walk across the road to the Pyramid Peak Trailhead. This is a small trailhead which can be easily missed if not paying close attention.
Contact Information
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
General Park Visitor Information: 360.565.3130
Wilderness and Backcountry Permit Office (WIC): 360.565.3100
Park Road & Weather Hotline: 360.565.3131
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center: 360.374.6925
Forks Information Station: 360.374.7566 or 360.374.5877
Quinault Wilderness Information Office: 360.288.0232
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