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    Obstruction Point

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    12.1 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    325 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.5
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Obstruction Point Hike in Olympic National Park, Washington

    A stunning alpine hike that is - surprisingly - not often done. You can choose to do this as a linear hike, with a car-shuttle. That takes a lot of time so we prefer to do either a long return dayhike or else turn around after 8.0 km as a more reasonable dayhike.

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    Route Description for Obstruction Point

    From Obstruction Point take the path leading to the left as you contour under Obstruction Peak. The trail will veer north as you enter the top edge of a humongous valley. As you continue heading north, you will reach an unsigned junction where you will continue straight.

    As you contour around the valley the trail on the opposite end will be clearly visible. You will steadily gain elevation. Hiking directly underneath so many peaks can make you feel like a fish out of water. It’s almost as if you are in an alien landscape of black lichen-covered rocks and small, weathered shrubs.

    Finally, after undulating up and down for approximately 20-30 minutes you will pass under Elk Mountain, and then you will reach another junction where you will again continue straight. The trail will now start to veer more to the northeast.

    After reaching a pass, you will complete one more small climb before contouring around the south side of Maiden Peak. Looking to the south you will see a humongous ridge of snow-covered, unnamed peaks across the valley. From the east side of Maiden Peak you will start descending again and - in due time - enter the tree line, for the first time this hike!

    For the next 3.2 km you will continue descending all the way past Green Mountain until you reach the Deer Park Trailhead, where you will find your parked car that you shuttled in before starting. Otherwise, you can retrace your steps back to your car.

    Check out more amazing hikes in the Olympic National Park, like the Hoh River Trail or the Ozette Triangle.

    Insider Hints for Obstruction Point

    • This hike can be completed as an arduous out and back. If done this way it would be graded a 5.
    • For those you want an easier hike, you can hike the first couple of miles, which capture the alien aesthetic beautifully, and then turn around when you’ve had enough.

    Getting to the Obstruction Point Trailhead

    If you want to shuttle, it will take about 2 hours between vehicle drops. Ouch! The two trailheads are Deer Park Trailhead: from the US-101 turn right onto Deer Park Rd; take this for 25.7 km to trailhead. Obstruction Point Trailhead: From Port Angelesfollow Race Street south. Veer right along Hurricane Ridge Rd for 28.2 km until just before the parking area. Take a very sharp left onto Obstruction Point Rd for 12.2 km till its end.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      July through September

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes, halfway along the trail, permits required.

    • Toilets

      Yes, at trailhead and trail end.

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      One Way

    Obstruction Point Elevation Graph

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    Obstruction Point Reviews

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