Lake Aldwell Overlook Trail

With the Elwha Dam gone and the landscape re-sculpted to approximate historic contours, the gravel access road to Elwha Dam has opened to non-motorized travel. Hikers can walk along this road to its end where it becomes a trail at the site of former Lake Aldwell.

Another option is the 0.1 mile trail leaving from the parking area near the trailer park, which goes to two overlooks, the second one with a viewfinder for better up-close viewing of the valley. 

If you're hiking the road section, note that the first section of trail is flat enough to be ADA accessible, but then becomes rougher. It is interesting to see old and new vegetation (from pre-and post- dam), giant stumps logged over 100 years ago once again revealed, and the river re-establishing its course in the area.

In addition to an overlook on the dam and Lake Aldwell, hikers can enjoy a view of the Elwha flowing on its way to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.