Pysht River Conservation Area
The Pysht 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 Pysht River Conservation Area is a 74-acre property along the Pysht River in western Clallam County. North Olympic Land Trust purchased and restored the property with help from the Makah Tribe, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity, and the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
In 2009, North Olympic Land Trust started implementing a multi-phase vision to conserve portions of the lower 10 miles of the Pysht River as intact habitat for native fish and wildlife. As part of this process, North Olympic Land Trust acquired two properties, which together we call the Pysht River Conservation Area. The Conservation Area, located 8.7 miles from the mouth of the Pysht River, protects 74 acres of land, including 2/3 mile of the Pysht River, 1,500 feet of Green Creek and four wetlands. The Pysht River is used by coho salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead, and is vital for the recovering productivity of chinook and chum salmon.
The Makah Tribe led restoration efforts by removing the dilapidated structures, eradicating non-native invasive vegetation, and re-planting over 7,000 native trees with the help of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Further restoration was completed in partnership with the Clallam Conservation District and Merrill & Ring, and another 4,700 native trees and shrubs were planted. Finally, dedicated volunteers constructed a public parking area and built a fence to restrict vehicle access to the newly-replanted pastures. Ongoing work includes removal of non-native invasive plant species.
Thank you to North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity and to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board for making this project possible.
General Info
Enjoy during daylight hours.
Dogs welcome on leash, please pack out waste.
This is a pedestrian-use only trail.
Pack out all garbage you pack in.
Fishing is welcome in accordance with WDFW regulations. Do not trespass onto neighboring properties.
No fires, hunting, target practice, or overnight camping.
Please use caution – enjoy at your own risk.
Trail Info
A short, easy, natural-surface trail to the Pysht River provides access to picknicking, birdwatching, and fishing.
Amentities
A picnic table is available near the wetland. No trash cans (please pack out waste!) and no restrooms on site.
What to Expect When You Arrive
There is a parking area on the south side of Hwy 112, and another smaller pullout parking area on the northside of Hwy 112.
Getting There
Driving Directions
From Port Angeles, drive approximately 3 miles west on Hwy 101, then turn right onto Hwy 112. Drive approximately 37 miles. The parking area is on the left at milepost 24.
Transit Directions
From Port Angeles, take the Clallam Transit Route 14 – Forks westbound. Get off at the Sappho stop and transfer to the Clallam Transit Route 16 – Neah Bay. Get off the stop at the intersection of Hwy 112 and Hwy 113. Walk approximately 3/4 of a mile eastbound on Hwy 112 and you will arrive at the Pysht River Conservation Area.