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    Olympic Switchback Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    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.
    2-3h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    4.3 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.
    442 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Olympic Switchback Trail does exactly what it claims to: switchback and make you feel like you’re competing in the Olympics. This short but very steep hike is all switchbacks to a viewpoint next to Mount Angeles. It’s a grind, but a brief one. Poles are helpful and we recommend waiting for a dry day to hike this trail.

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    Route Description for Olympic Switchback Trail

    Olympic Switchback Trail is true to its name. It switchbacks, it switchbacks more, and it doesn’t stop switchbacking. While only 4.3 km in length, it packs 442 m of elevation gain into the ascent. It might be a little bit of a grind, but the views are pleasant enough to make it worth doing.

    Begin from the trailhead and, you guessed it, immediately launch into switchbacks. They start out a bit wider before narrowing, and they don’t end. Take care not to take the spur trails off the corners of the turns.

    This trail terminates at the T-junction of Heather Park Trail and Switchback Trail. You can continue to adventure if you wish, or you can turn around and punish your knees the entire way back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Olympic Switchback Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Olympic Switchback Trail is on Hurricane Ridge Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      March-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Olympic Switchback Trail Elevation Graph

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    Olympic Switchback Trail Reviews

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