Nice Year Around Trail

This hike is actually a combination of trails that makes a loop along the east side of the Elwha River.  The loop includes the following trails; Rica Canyon, Michael's Ranch, Humes Ranch and a portion of Dodger Point trails.  As you start on the main trail, you will see a scenic outlook sign after approximately 1/2 mile of hiking.  This gives you a great view of the Elwha.  If you want to maximize the view, wait until late in the day for a better chance of watching Elk in the river flats.  Continue hiking for another 1/2 mile past the scenic outlook to the junction of the Rica Canyon trail.  Turn right here and descend into the green flats near the river.  Follow the trail to the right towards Krause Bottom.  At 2.3 miles from the trailhead, bear right to a grassy meadow marking the pasture land of the Humes Ranch.  The original Grant and Will Humes homestead cabin is at the south end of the meadow.

The Humes Ranch meadow is a good place to stop and take a break before hiking on to the Dodger Point trail 3.5 miles from the trailhead.  If you wish, you can take a short side trip from Dodger Point down to the suspension bridge across the Elwha river.  Return to the trail junction and follow the trail back towards the trailhead.  After hiking slightly more than a mile, you will pass by Michael's Ranch and cabin on your left. Continue back on the trail to the Rica Canyon trail to close the loop.

The Whiskey Bend Loop trail is open year around.  The best seasons to hike it are spring and late fall.

Sign showing trail options at the Whiskey Bend trailhead.
	Typical trail conditions.
	Original Humes Ranch cabin.
View of the Elwha river from the trail.