Hiking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park in Olympic National Park
A hidden gem of a hike in Olympic National Park is the hike from Deer Park to Maiden Peak. This gorgeous 7.2-mile round-trip hike along the Obstruction Point Trail to Maiden Peak has a moderately challenging elevation gain of 2,100 feet. This trail has absolutely breathtaking 360-degree vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks, and rolling meadows filled with stunningly colorful wildflowers, and is teaming with tons of wildlife. This lesser-known hike is insanely gorgeous and is a hike that I could happily hike over and over again and has quickly become one of my favorites in Olympic National Park.
Quick Facts.
Miles: 7.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
High Point: 6,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Seasons: Hikable usually June - October
Dogs: No dogs are allowed on this trail
Horses / Stock: No Horses or Stock are allowed on this trail.
Toilets: There is a vault pit toilet at the trailhead
Average Time to Hike: 3.5 - 5 hours
Hike Type: Day Hike or pass through to other overnight backpacking locations.
Parkig Permit: Olympic National Park Day Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Cell Phone Coverage: Some in spots
Maximum Party Size: 12 People
Trailhead: Deer Park
Trail: Obstruction Point Trail
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours 30 minutes
Getting To The Deer Park Trailhead
Just a heads up this road is not for the faint of heart! This is one rough bumpy road to the Deer Park trailhead. This is a narrow one-car-at-a-time road filled with switchbacks with lots of blind corners with limited pullover locations. It is slow going and may not be a road for those with fears of heights. Getting to the trailhead is a bit stressful compared to other trails. But the views are totally worth it for those who wish to embark on an adventure. Do not drive on this road after rain or any stormy weather.
This road often closes in September or October and does not reopen till June or when the snow has melted. Click Here to See The Current Road Conditions
To get to the trail, you will venture along Route 101 towards the west from Sequim. Your journey to Maiden Peak from Deer Park starts by veering right onto the Deer Park Loop exit. Once under the highway, a right turn onto Deer Park Road leads you through 9 miles of smooth pavement until you reach the entrance of Olympic National Park. The subsequent 8-mile stretch transforms into a dirt road, guiding you to a pivotal junction where you'll take a right, following the sign for the Ranger Station. Just before this station, the Obstruction Point Trailhead comes into view, with a small parking area adjacent to the trailhead and a privy facility. Keep in mind that the Deer Park Ranger Station is typically unmanned. For backpacking registration, a visit to the National Park Service Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles is required.
Parking Passes Needed to Hike to Maiden Peak from Deer Park
To embark on the captivating hike to Maiden Peak from Deer Park within Olympic National Park, adventurers must get either an Olympic National Park Day Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass. Getting these passes ahead of time can ensure that you can set off on your journey without fear of getting a parking ticket.
The Standard Entrance Pass is basically the day pass for Olympic National Park but is valid for up to 7 consecutive days in the park. This is a great option if you are visiting Olympic National Park for one day or several days in a row. You can purchase the Standard Entrance Pass either at the park entrance or get it online from the National Park Service Website. Prices range from $15-$30.
Private Vehicle (includes all people in the vehicle)
$30.00
Motorcycle
$25.00
Per Person (walk-up, bicycle, horseback)
$15.00
by clicking here you can get the Standard Entrance pass for your trip to Maiden Peak
Olympic National Park Annual Pass
If you intend to visit Olympic National Park multiple times within a year, purchasing the Olympic National Park Annual Pass can provide excellent value. Priced at $55, this pass grants entry into the park anytime they are open and is good for one year from the month of purchase. You can conveniently acquire these passes at the Olympic National Park visitor centers, entrance stations, or even online through the National Park Service Website. Opting for the annual pass is a wise choice, ensuring flexibility and savings as you explore the wonders of Olympic National Park on multiple occasions.
Parking At Deer Park
The parking at Deer Park in front of the Obstruction Point Trail to Maiden Peak has space for several cars but fills up quickly on weekends. There are often cars parked on the side of the road. If you do not want the hassle of parallel parking on a hill on the side of the cliff I advise that you arrive here early on the weekends. Quick side note - the photo above was taken after my hike so several cars had already left. There were a lot more in the morning.
The Trail to Maiden Peak from Deer Park
The 7.2-mile round-trip hike to Maiden Peak starts at Deer Park and follows the "Obstruction Point Trail". This lesser-known hidden gem of a hike begins at an elevation of 5300 feet. The trail starts out by initially descending downhill to an elevation of 4900 feet during the first half mile. This also means when coming back the final half mile is all uphill again. There are beautiful green alpine trees lining the trail on either side.
After the first half mile of downhill hiking, you will start to climb through the forested expanse of Green Mountain to an elevation of 5622 feet. Along this journey through these stunning subalpine trees, you will start to see some intermittent openings where you can get a teaser of some of the scenic vistas that are to come. Assuming that it is not foggy out.
As you continue climbing Green Mountain you will see an area that had been burned in a fire with several dead trees. But the majority of the trail is traversing through a vibrant forest filled with lots of gorgeous wildflowers. You will begin also seeing small patches of meadow.
Eventually, you emerge from the depths of greenery from the forest and the landscape transforms into a sweeping meadow filled with grass and more stunning wildflowers. Here I started seeing several marmots, pika, grouse, and deer. Emerging from the trees you also get your first view of the first Maiden Peak which sits at an elevation of 6319 feet. In addition to the stunning meadows and view of the first Maiden Peak, you also get stunning views in all directions. You can see the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Vancouver Island, and many other Canadian Peaks when looking to the North/Northeast. Looking back over all the trees on Green Mountain you can actually see the Deer Park Road on Blue Mountain.
The trail curves to the left or south side of the first Maiden Peak. The trail climbs and gets a whole lot more rocky and you start to get views in the valleys below of Grand Lake, Grand Valley, and a huge sweeping panorama view of the Olympic Mountains. Some of the more prominent peaks that you can see are Deception Peak, Mount Cameron, Elk Mountain, and The Needles. Looking east you can also see Glacier Peak sticking out among the cascades.
After rounding the first sub-peak of Maiden Peak you can now clearly see the true summit of Maiden Peak also known as Second Maiden Peak which sits at an elevation of 6434 feet.
Second Maiden Peak is the tallest out of the three Maiden Peaks sitting at an elevation of 6434 feet. This makes for a great lunch spot. Many people stop and turn around here. But you can always continue and hit the 3rd Maiden Peak. There is no official trail to summit Second Maiden Peak but if you look closely there is a faint boot path to scramble to the top. Use your best judgment and try to stick to this faint boot path to not give further damage to fragile wildflowers and meadow grass. Sitting at the top of Second Maiden Peak you get stunning 360-degree views in every direction. For those who decide to head back after lunch at Second Maiden Peak the total round-trip hike measures 7.1 miles and involves an elevation change of approximately 1800 feet.
The top summit of Maiden Peak is marked by two USGS survey markers. One of the markers looks way older than the other.
The third Maiden Peak sits at an elevation of 6380. This third Maiden has stunning views of Elk Mountain and gives hikers a closer look into Grand Valley. This makes a great spot for day hikers to turn back and head back to their cars but the Obstruction Point Trail does continue all the way to the Obstruction Point Road for those who wish to hike car to car.
Are Dogs Allowed On The Trail to Maiden Peak from Deer Park?
Regrettably, furry companions must remain at home for this adventure, as dogs are not permitted in Olympic National Park and Maiden Peak from Deer Park Trail. To ensure the preservation of the trail's natural environment, the protection of wildlife, and the safety of all hikers, it's important to adhere to this regulation and explore this particular trail without canine companions.
Are There Toilets At Deer Park?
Yes, there is a pit toilet at the Deer Park parking lot. There is also another pit toilet not far away located at the Deer Park Campground.
Can You Bring An Bicycle On The Obstruction Point Trail From, Deer Park To Maiden Peak?
Regrettably, the Obstruction Point Trail from Deer Park to Maiden Peak does not permit the use of bicycles.
Maiden Peak Weather Conditions
Weather can change quickly and in Washington State where it can be critical to check the weather conditions before doing a high-elevation hike. The upper portion of the trail once you get above Green Mountain reaching the meadows then the cliffside path around Maiden Peaks is extremely exposed. Depending on conditions you could be at the risk of severe winds whipping through the mountainside, rain, snow, and excessive sun and risk of getting sunburned.
To see the latest weather conditions and prepare for hiking Maiden Peak Click Here: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.9345&lon=-123.3196
Wildlife At Maiden Peak
As you venture to Maiden Peak in Olympic National Park, in addition to the breathtaking landscapes there is a diverse amount of wildlife that call this pristine wilderness home.
There are tons of playful marmots, chipmunks, and pika scurrying around the stunning alpine meadows, and gorgeous black-tailed deer wandering through the trees and on the grassy ridgelines. There is a wide variety of birds such as grouse, hawks, and eagles soaring in the air.
Although less likely, there is always the chance of spotting black bears and cougars.
Remember, as you observe wildlife keep a respectful distance. This is important to both your safety and the animal's well-being. Carrying binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens can help you capture these moments without disturbing the wildlife.
Favorite Before Hike Eats When Hiking Maiden Peak
Longhouse Market & Deli is my favorite stop along the way to the Deer Park trailhead for breakfast. They have hot ready-to-go breakfast sandwiches and wraps out and ready to grab in the mornings or you could order a different sandwich other than their premade selection. My favorite is their bacon egg and cheese breakfast wrap. This is a great stop to grab breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, and coffee along the way without wasting too much time. A great quick in-and-out one-stop-shop before heading to the trail. I also often get a sandwich to bring with me on the trail here for my lunch.
Longhouse Market & Deli
Website: https://7cedars.com/longhouse-market.html
271020 HIGHWAY 101
SEQUIM, WA 98382
360.681.7777
Favorite After-Hike Eats When Hiking Maiden Peak
Next Door Gastropub in Port Angeles has become my favorite after-hike-eat when trekking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park.
After a rewarding hike to Maiden Peak from Deer Park, nothing beats indulging in a satisfying meal, and for me, that post-adventure feast is found at Next Door Gastropub in Port Angeles. This charming establishment has a wide selection of delicious pub fare and a large rotating beer tap list which makes this my new after-hike pit stop to refuel on calories after a day on the trails.
Address: 113 W 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: (360) 504-2613
Website: https://nextdoorgastropub.com/
Co-ordinates: 47.9497, -123.2648
Driving Directions to the Deer Park Trailhead
From Sequim, head west on Route 101. Take the Deer Park Loop exit, loop under the highway, and turn right onto Deer Park Road. Drive 9 miles on pavement to the National Park entrance. Transitioning to 8 miles of dirt road, follow the fork marked Ranger Station to reach the Obstruction Point Trailhead just before the station. Nearby, find a small parking lot and privy. Backpacking registration is at the unstaffed Deer Park Ranger Station, or you can visit the National Park Service Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.
Gearing up for an adventure in Olympic National Park? Check out this article BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK on KÜHL’s Born In The Mountains® Blog for some awesome tips. From must-know essentials to insider hiking hacks, it's got you covered, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the trails.
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