18. MILDRED LAKES at OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST
It’s one of the hardest and meanest trails in the Olympic Mountains. The trail to the Mildred Lakes was never officially built and includes steep sections up rocks, roots, and ledges.
And while the actual elevation difference between the trailhead and the lakes is a mere 1,900 feet; the real elevation gain is more than 3200’ due to copious ups and downs. There’s one section of trail that climbs more than 1,000 feet in about a half mile. It’s a nasty clamber up roots, rocks and loose gravel. But don’t curse the roots—for they’ll be your handholds.
Is all of this trouble and toil worth it? The Mildreds are among the largest backcountry lakes the Olympics. Their setting is quite sublime in a rugged basin surrounded by serrated peaks. And because many hikers just aren’t cut out for this grueling journey, you can expect an uncrowded journey. The trail leaves the roar of the cascading Hamma Hamma River behind and enters the 13,000-acre Mount Skokomish Wilderness.
Starting out fairly easy, the path winds through an old cut, passes a large avalanche chute, and then enters gorgeous old growth forest. The way then gets tougher steeply climbing a 3200’ ridge with good views of nearby Mount Pershing looming above.
The trail then descends into a cool forested glen graced by rushing Huckleberry Creek which needs to be crossed on a questionable log or forded.
The way then ascends a steep ridge and comes to a tight ravine. After clambering over rock, root, and ledge—and gaining 1000’ in elevation in a little more than a half mile—the insanity ends on a 4100’ ridge. Wander along open ledges, enjoying views of Mount Cruiser and the Sawtooth Range.
The trail then drops 250’ and trudges through marshy mosquito breeding grounds before reaching the first of the Mildred Lakes. Set in primeval forest, enjoy a backdrop of rugged summits.
To reach the other lakes, cross lower Mildred’s inlet stream and follow a rough path through heather meadows for 0.3 mile to a junction. Here a path leads right to middle Mildred Lake. Admire its rocky islands.
Upper Mildred, one of the largest backcountry lakes in the Olympics is reached by continuing on the more defined path for a couple hundred yards forward. Located in a bowl between Mount Lincoln and Mount Cruiser, the setting is as rugged as the terrain you just hiked across.