OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – One of the trails that has survived fall and winter storms in the Olympic National Park is the Spruce Railroad Trail along Lake Crescent.
Storm damage has closed off some areas of Olympic National Park that are usually open during the colder months.
The four-mile Spruce Railroad Trail is one of the park’s gems that remains open to winter hikers.
The trail connects the North Shore and Lyre River trailheads along the abandoned Spruce Railway grade.
Spectacular views along the way include dense forest, snow-capped mountains and scenic Lake Crescent.
The trail is relatively flat, rising and falling about 260 feet.
The highest point is Devil’s Point at 700 feet.
The route is listed in collections for trail runners and is one of the only park trails where mountain bikes are allowed, although it can be muddy this time of year.
Conditions can change rapidly, so before hiking the trail, double-check its condition at the park’s Web site, www.nps.gov/olym, or by phoning the Storm King Ranger Station at 360-928-3380.
