Camp Ellis

For Washington locals with a passion for true wilderness immersion and backcountry adventures, Camp Ellis offers an unparalleled experience within the breathtaking Olympic National Park. Unlike many developed campgrounds, Camp Ellis is a primitive trail camp, designed for those who embrace self-sufficiency and seek to connect deeply with the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, this camp serves as a strategic point for backpackers and hikers exploring the rugged interior of the Olympic Mountains, particularly along the Upper Graywolf River Trail.

Camp Ellis is not a drive-up, amenity-rich destination; it's a testament to the wild heart of Washington, where the sounds of the forest and the challenge of the trail define your stay. It's a place where meticulous planning, adherence to Leave No Trace principles, and a respect for nature are paramount. For Washingtonians who crave solitude, stunning vistas, and the satisfaction of earning their campsite through effort, Camp Ellis represents the epitome of a backcountry escape. This article will provide an in-depth look at Camp Ellis, detailing its location, the services (or lack thereof) it offers, its unique features, and why it's the perfect fit for locals ready to embrace the wilderness experience.

Camp Ellis is located near Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA, deep within the Olympic National Park. More specifically, it is a backcountry trail camp accessible via the Upper Graywolf River Trail. This means it is not directly reachable by vehicle; instead, it requires a significant hike or backpack into the wilderness. The starting point for accessing Camp Ellis is typically from a trailhead off Obstruction Point Road or another access point into the Graywolf River drainage, both originating from the Port Angeles area.

For Washington locals, particularly those in the Puget Sound region, Port Angeles serves as a primary gateway to Olympic National Park. From cities like Seattle, the journey involves a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island, followed by a drive across the Olympic Peninsula, or a longer drive south to Olympia and then west. Once in Port Angeles, the drive to the specific trailheads can take additional time on winding mountain roads. While the remote nature of Camp Ellis means it's not a casual day trip destination, its location within one of Washington's most iconic national parks makes it a highly desirable objective for experienced hikers and backpackers seeking an immersive wilderness experience. The journey to Camp Ellis is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself, rewarding visitors with a profound sense of accomplishment and unparalleled natural beauty.

As a primitive wilderness trail camp within Olympic National Park, Camp Ellis offers very limited services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors must be prepared to be fully self-reliant.

• Designated Campsites: Camp Ellis features a few small, designated campsites. These are typically primitive clearings or flattened areas where tents can be pitched. While there are specific sites, they are generally not developed with amenities like picnic tables or fire rings.
• No Toilets Available: Crucially, there are no toilet facilities at Camp Ellis. Backcountry campers are required to bury human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Packing out all toilet paper is also required.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated or potable water available at Camp Ellis. Water sources are limited to the Gray Wolf River and nearby streams. All water from natural sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Food Storage Method: Bear canisters are mandatory for food storage in the subalpine high country, including areas near Camp Ellis, where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk. This is a critical safety and wildlife protection measure.
• Permit Required: A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays at Camp Ellis. These permits are typically obtained through the Olympic National Park wilderness permit system, and reservations may be necessary, especially during peak seasons.
• No Reservations Accepted (typically): Historically, many primitive trail camps operate on a first-come, first-served basis for permits, though some larger backcountry areas may have a reservation system. It's essential to check the official Olympic National Park website for the most current permit and reservation policies for Camp Ellis.
• No Campfires Allowed: Due to the high-risk fire environment and the primitive nature of the camp, open fires are generally not permitted at Camp Ellis. Campers should plan for cold meals or use a portable stove for cooking.
• Leave No Trace: Visitors are expected to strictly adhere to all Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash, minimizing impact on vegetation, and respecting wildlife.

Camp Ellis, as a backcountry trail camp, offers a distinct set of features and highlights that appeal to experienced wilderness enthusiasts and those seeking a profound connection with nature in Olympic National Park.

• Access to Upper Graywolf River Trail: The most significant highlight is its direct access to the Upper Graywolf River Trail. This trail offers stunning and challenging routes through diverse landscapes, including old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. It's a gateway to deep wilderness exploration within Olympic National Park.
• Proximity to Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Graywolf area borders the extensive Alpine Lakes Wilderness, providing even more opportunities for extended backcountry trips and exploration of pristine alpine environments.
• Exceptional Scenery: The region surrounding Camp Ellis is renowned for its dramatic mountain vistas, pristine river valleys, and lush forest ecosystems. Hikers can expect breathtaking views, towering trees, and a sense of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
• True Wilderness Experience: Far removed from roads and developed facilities, Camp Ellis offers a genuine wilderness experience. It's a place for solitude, self-reliance, and deep immersion in nature, where encounters with wildlife (like deer, elk, and potentially bears) are part of the adventure.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Graywolf River valley is part of a rich ecosystem. Visitors may have opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat, making it a rewarding experience for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Stargazing Opportunities: With minimal light pollution, Camp Ellis provides an incredible setting for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way and countless stars are vividly visible, offering a spectacular celestial display.
• Challenge and Accomplishment: For experienced backpackers, reaching Camp Ellis and navigating the surrounding trails provides a significant sense of challenge and accomplishment, making the reward of the remote setting even sweeter. The elevation change in the area (2050 feet to 6200 feet for Upper Graywolf River Trail) promises demanding but rewarding climbs.

As a primitive backcountry trail camp within Olympic National Park, Camp Ellis does not have a direct public phone number like a typical developed campground. Instead, contact and information are managed through the National Park Service (NPS) offices responsible for Olympic National Park's wilderness areas.

Address: Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (General park address, not a specific Camp Ellis mailing address)

The primary contact for wilderness permits and information regarding backcountry camps like Camp Ellis is the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center.

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center Phone: (360) 565-3130 (This number is often associated with inquiries about wilderness permits, conditions, and regulations for backcountry camping within the park.)

For obtaining wilderness permits, checking current conditions, bear canister requirements, water availability, and fire restrictions, the best resource is the official National Park Service website for Olympic National Park.

Website: NPS.gov/olym (Navigate to the "Plan Your Visit" section, then "Backpacking & Hiking" or "Permits & Reservations" for specific wilderness camping details).

It is absolutely essential for anyone planning a trip to Camp Ellis to consult these official NPS resources well in advance of their trip. Conditions in the backcountry, including trail accessibility and safety regulations, can change rapidly, and permits are mandatory for overnight stays.

Camp Ellis is exceptionally suitable for Washington locals who are experienced backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts seeking a profound and challenging outdoor adventure. For residents of the Evergreen State, who are accustomed to and appreciative of rugged natural landscapes, Camp Ellis offers an authentic immersion into the heart of Olympic National Park's backcountry. It’s a place where the journey is as significant as the destination, rewarding hikers with unparalleled solitude, pristine natural beauty, and a deep connection to the wild.

Unlike crowded drive-up campgrounds, Camp Ellis provides the ultimate escape from urban life, fostering self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles—values often held dear by environmentally conscious Washingtonians. The mandatory permit system and bear canister requirements, while necessitating careful planning, ensure the preservation of this fragile ecosystem and the safety of both visitors and wildlife. For locals who dream of waking up to the sounds of a pristine river, exploring miles of unadulterated trails, and experiencing the raw, untamed spirit of the Olympic Mountains, Camp Ellis offers an unforgettable and highly suitable adventure that truly embodies the wild side of Washington.

Camp Ellis

Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA