Bogachiel River

Level of Difficulty

Distance: 12 miles round trip, Elevation gain: 400 feet, 

This trail is moderately difficult due to meandering gravel beds of the Bogachiel River and its impact on the trail.  The trail descends into the river valley and winds alongside the river offering breathtaking views of this lowland ecosystem. 

Finding the Trailhead

Driving distance from the home: 23 miles, 41 minutes

Lands: Olympic National Park

Google Maps Turn right from the driveway and return to Highway 101. Turn right and go through Forks and head south about 7.2 miles to Undie Road.  Turn left and follow this road to the trailhead parking lot. 

Hiking the Trail

The Bogachiel River isn't your average waterway. Carving its path through the heart of Olympic National Park in Washington State, it's a wild ribbon of emerald green water snaking through a lush, lowland rainforest ecosystem. 

The Bogachiel River Trail is a haven for hikers seeking a serene escape. Unlike its glacial-fed counterparts, the Bogachiel lacks the dramatic waterfalls and powerful flow. Instead, it offers a tranquil journey through a lowland rainforest ecosystem. The well-maintained trail, often muddy due to the area's frequent rain, winds alongside the river, offering glimpses of its emerald waters and the towering trees blanketing the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant wildflowers pushing through the undergrowth and listen for the calls of unseen birds flitting through the branches.

A Journey Through Time: Witnessing a Different Kind of Beauty

The Bogachiel River isn't just about scenic beauty; it's a journey through time. Giant, moss-covered trees lining the trail stand as sentinels, some reaching hundreds of years old. Imagine the feeling of walking beneath this verdant canopy, a reminder of the ancient and enduring nature of the rainforest ecosystem. As you explore, you might encounter fallen logs and nurse trees, evidence of the constant cycle of decay and renewal that sustains the forest.

A Wildlife Haven: Spotting Elusive Creatures

The Bogachiel River corridor provides a vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. While sightings aren't guaranteed, keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk grazing in meadows bordering the trail. Keen ears might pick up the rustle of a small mammal scurrying through the undergrowth, or the drumming of a woodpecker high in the trees. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead.

Beyond the Riverbank: Exploring Further Adventures

The Bogachiel River serves as a gateway for further exploration within the Olympic National Park. For a more challenging hike, connect with the Snider-Jackson Trail, leading you deeper into the rainforest and offering breathtaking views from higher elevations. The nearby Flapjack Lake provides a scenic spot for a picnic or a refreshing dip (weather permitting).

Restrictions and Tips

The trail takes you into Olympic National Park but the trailhead is not in the park. The same ONP rules apply, no pet, weapons and vehicles. Be sure secure your parked car from prowlers in the remote parking lot.