Elk Creek Conservation Area
Trail Update
A small washout has occurred just past “The Sisters.” The trail is still open at this point, but please use caution and proceed at your own risk. If you have any questions or would like to report additional trail issues, please contact Courtney Bornsworth, Land Manager, at 360-417-1815 ext. 4
Elk Creek Conservation Area is located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the indigenous people who have lived on the North Olympic Peninsula since time immemorial, who continue to lead in environmental stewardship.. Read our full Land Acknowledgement here.
The Elk Creek Conservation Area was purchased in 2004 by the Wild Salmon Center, an international non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, understanding, and protecting the best wild salmon habitat on the Pacific Rim. After purchasing the 255-acre property from Rayonier Forest Resources Timber Company, the organization determined that North Olympic Land Trust would be best suited for the role of local owner and steward of the land, and subsequently donated the parcels to North Olympic Land Trust in 2009.
The riparian forest along the two miles of Elk Creek on the property has many of the characteristics of an old growth temperate rain forest, providing diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Elk Creek, a tributary to the Calawah River, supplies integral year-round habitat for wild coho, steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, and steelhead and fall chinook salmon. Surveys indicate 35% of coho in the Calawah River system depend on the portion of Elk Creek within the Conservation Area for spawning.
North Olympic Land Trust would like to give special thanks to Becky Dickson, Wild Salmon Center, Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, United States Forest Service, North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity for Salmon, Backcountry Horsemen Olympic Chapter, Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition and the many hard-working volunteers who have helped us in the continued preservation of this property, and its availability to the public for recreation and education.
General Info
Enjoy during daylight hours.
Dogs welcome on leash, please pack out waste.
This is a multi-use trail – pedestrians, bikes, horses, mobility devices for disability access, and e-bikes are welcome. Other unauthorized motor vehicles are not allowed. Please maintain safe speeds under 10 mph, share the trail, and yield to slower trail users.
Pack out all garbage you pack in.
Fishing is welcome in accordance with WDFW regulations.
No fires, hunting, target practice, or overnight camping.
Please use caution – enjoy at your own risk.
Trail Info
The trail is 2.6 miles out and back along a mix of gravel and natural surfaces, with a small section of 10% grade.
Amentities
Interpretive signs throughout hike, no restrooms or trash cans (please pack out waste!). A small educational pavilion with some benches stands near where the trail turns and meets the creek.
What to Expect When You Arrive
A parking area is tucked away on the west side of Calawah Way.
Getting There
Driving Directions
Take Highway 101 west from Port Angeles approximately 50 miles to the city of Forks. Turn left (east) on Calawah Way. After approximately two miles, there will be a small parking lot on the right. Foot access only beyond this point.
Transit Directions
Take the Clallam Transit Route 14 – Forks to the Forks Transit Center and Rest Stop. Request a ride through the Forks-Interlink service to the Elk Creek Conservation Area parking lot. Learn more about the Forks-Interlink service here.
