Lake Constance Beta
Location:
Olympic peninsula
olympic national park
Elevation:
Gain: 3300 ft
Highest point: 4800 ft
Milage:
4.4 miles, out and back
+ 5 miles from parking lot to trailhead
Permits:
wilderness permit, self issued at trailhead
national park pass for parking
Directions:
Head to Brinnon on Highway 101
Turn at milepost 306 onto Dosewallips Road
Drive 8.5 miles to the parking lot, this road is mostly paved and turns to dirt for approximately the last two miles.
The trail is divided into five distinct sections:
one: The First 5 miles
The road used to go all the way to the trailhead, however, years ago it was washed out and now you have to hike five additional miles from the parking lot to the trailhead. The first three miles are gentle, flat walk and the last two miles are gradually incline to the trailhead. This is a solid warm up for the four miles up to Lake Constance. This section follows along the old road so it is easy to follow and easy to walk, signs posted along the way share information about milage. A suggestion would be to bring a bike for this section.
two: from the trailhead
There is a sign to mark the trailhead of the Lake Constance Route. The sign reiterated the trail is unmaintained and steeply included for the next four miles. From the trailhead, the first section of the trail traveled through an area of forest still recovering from a fire years ago. More importantly, this part of the trail includes a lot of deadfall, be careful in your footing and follow the occasional trail markers. This section also introduces you to the river that you will follow all the way up the mountain to Lake Constance.
*We lost the trail almost instantly when we began navigating through this section. One way to be sure you are on trail is that you should be following the river!
three: The middle miles
When the forest becomes lush and green, you have entered into the next section of the trail. In this old growth forest the trail is soft and easy to follow, though it remains steep and there is still some tough areas of deadfall to climb over. Here a collection of red metal markers begin, nailed into trees and reinforcing the way. These metal markers will continue for several miles.
Two significant landmarks mark this section in addition to the old growth forest: the trail follows closely beside the river which you will see and/or hear, and you will pass by a collection of huge boulders. The largest boulder is named Half Acre Rock and marks the half way point of this trail. As you pass the boulders you will also pass by a couple of beautiful campsites positioned on the river’s edge.
four: leaving the forest
The trail leaves behind the beautiful forest but continues to contour the river. The flora changes and Salmonberry bushes grow over the trail, but there is limited deadfall. The trail becomes steeper and two distinct areas require climbing, be thoughtful and careful of your footing here. This section will become more precarious if wet and at all times will be challenging for someone with limited experience or a fear of heights.
five: The final incline
The trail heads back into the forest, though now that you are approaching an elevation over 4000 feet, the trees are much smaller. Here the trail can be hard to follow with game trails leading off in different directions, but there are still markers showing the way. The red metal markers end, but colorful ties attached to branches will help you navigate. Sometimes the trail is so steep you will use branches and roots to aid your advance, be cautious but not discouraged. Soon the trail will level out and lead you to your reward, Lake Constance.
The Lake
With deep turquoise water, Lake Constance
Campsites:
Most accounts say that all the camp sites are located on the far shore of the lake, reached by following the trail along the eastern edge of the lake. You will cross the bottom of the scree field flowing from the base of Mt.Constance and will know you are in the right area when you pass a huge composting toilet, a true throne.
However, we camped somewhere along the eastern shore of the lake. The spot was very small and close to cliffs that rose out of the lake. It was clear other people had camped here before us, and because it was dark when we arrived at the lake we went with the first descent spot we found.
A few Thoughts On Gear:
I hiked this route in a pair of trail runners, and my dad hiked in a pair of boots. Regardless of your preference, your footwear should have solid, trustworthy grip to help you climb up and down the steep incline of this trail.
I hiked in shorts and short sleeves because it was warm, but I did acquire a fair number of scratches on the way up. Scratches don’t bother me, but its a detail to consider.
Hiking poles would be a good idea for the descent, for the sake of your knees, and especially if you have any knee troubles. They are also a good safety tool in the event of injury, and this trail is primed for twisted ankles.
take the plunge:
If you have made it all the way to Lake Constance, you should most definitely reward your efforts with an icy swim. The lake is so beautiful it is hard to pick a spot for a swim, and if you are lucky a few little trout might come say hello. It is as cold as you imagine, but I have never once regretting jumping in a cold, clear body of water, especially not one surrounded by epic peaks.
The Trail Continues:
On the far side of the lake, a trail contours through the scree field at the base on Mt.Constance. This trail eventually leads up Mt.Constance and is the route to the summit. However, even if you are not venturing up this technical peak, I recommend journeying up the trail for the view of Lake Constance. A little farther up the trail and you will find yourself in a valley completely surround by rocky peaks. If you are camping at the lake then traveling up this section of trail is the perfect morning hike.
I have never been so sore after a hike:
This hike is demanding. Just as all the online accounts suggest, the incline is steep and the lack of maintenance requires tiring climbing and clambering over deadfall. As always, the descent is even more taxing. On the way down the incline forces your knees and surrounding muscles to act as breaks for four straight miles, and careful footing is required especially in areas where the path is very dry or wet.
I have never been so sore after a hike. I was sore for three days, reiterating the idea that this trail is a rite of passage!