Gladys Lake

For Washington residents with a passion for true wilderness and a rewarding hiking challenge, Gladys Lake offers an exceptional backcountry camping experience within the magnificent Olympic National Park. This pristine destination is not a drive-up campground with extensive amenities; instead, it promises a rugged and immersive natural escape. Located in the beautiful Grand Valley area, Gladys Lake provides a profound sense of solitude, stunning alpine views, and the unique opportunity to swim in its clear waters, all earned after a memorable trek through diverse landscapes.

Gladys Lake Campground is a quintessential example of backcountry camping in the Pacific Northwest. It appeals to seasoned hikers and adventurers who are prepared for self-sufficiency and embrace the Leave No Trace principles. While it offers a limited number of designated campsites, providing a more intimate connection with nature, campers must be entirely self-reliant for water, sanitation, and food storage. The rewards, however, are immense: the silence of the wilderness, incredible stargazing opportunities, and the sheer beauty of an untouched alpine lake. It’s an ideal destination for those in Washington State who are looking to push their boundaries, find genuine tranquility, and forge unforgettable memories deep within one of America's most treasured national parks.

Gladys Lake Campground is situated deep within Olympic National Park, accessible from the Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA area. More specifically, it is one of three lakes – Grand, Moose, and Gladys – nestled within the park's stunning Grand Valley. For Washington locals, reaching Gladys Lake is an adventure in itself, typically involving a significant hike from trailheads accessible off the Obstruction Point Road or through the Grand Valley trail system.

Accessing the Grand Valley area, and subsequently Gladys Lake, generally begins near Port Angeles. While the main roads to the park entrance and initial trailheads are well-maintained, the Obstruction Point Road, which provides access to some routes leading to Grand Valley, can be challenging and is often subject to seasonal closures due to snow. This requires campers to carefully plan their trip, checking road and trail conditions with the National Park Service, especially outside of peak summer months. The hike to Gladys Lake is considered moderate to strenuous, offering hikers a journey through varied terrains including forests and subalpine meadows. This commitment to hiking to the campsite ensures a more secluded and pristine experience, rewarding the effort with unparalleled natural beauty and a true sense of being immersed in the Olympic wilderness.

• Designated Tent Sites: Specific, established campsites are available around the lake, requiring campers to set up only in these areas to minimize environmental impact.
• Bear Wires/Food Caches: Bear wires are often available near designated sites at Gladys Lake, crucial for safely securing food and scented items from bears and other wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are also required in some areas of Olympic National Park.
• Pit Toilets: Very basic pit toilets (outhouses) may be available, but campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated or potable water. All drinking water must be filtered, purified, or boiled from natural sources like the lake itself or nearby streams.
• No Campfires: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Gladys Lake, as it is typically above the 3,500-foot elevation limit where fires are generally not allowed in Olympic National Park to protect sensitive alpine vegetation. Campers must bring a cooking stove.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: All garbage, including food scraps, must be packed out of the wilderness by campers, leaving no trace behind.
• Wilderness Permit Required: An overnight wilderness permit is mandatory for all overnight stays in this area of Olympic National Park. These must be obtained in advance via Recreation.gov.
• No Cell Service: Expect extremely limited to no cell phone service in this remote backcountry area, promoting a true digital detox.
• No RVs or Trailers: This is a hike-in, tent-only campground.

• Pristine Alpine Lake: The jewel of the campground, Gladys Lake offers clear, refreshing waters ideal for swimming and serene reflection amidst stunning mountain backdrops.
• Panoramic Views: Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Eaglenest Range, including Mount Will, offering spectacular scenic vistas.
• Secluded Backcountry Experience: Provides profound solitude and a genuine wilderness immersion, far from crowded frontcountry sites.
• Unique Wildlife: Opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including Stone's sheep, mountain goats, moose, woodland caribou, and a variety of bird species.
• Network of Trails: Connects to other trails within the Grand Valley system, allowing for extended day hikes to Grand Lake, Moose Lake, or up to Lillian Ridge for further exploration.
• Challenging Yet Rewarding Hike: The effort required to reach the lake adds to the sense of accomplishment and appreciation for its pristine condition.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Experience the transition from boreal forests to alpine meadows, with a rich variety of flora, especially wildflowers in summer.
• Stargazing: Away from any light pollution, the night sky over Gladys Lake offers an incredible canvas for stargazing.
• Photography Opportunities: The untouched landscape provides endless inspiration for nature photographers.
• Sense of True Escape: Ideal for those looking to truly unplug, disconnect, and embrace the silence of nature.

As Gladys Lake is a backcountry campground within Olympic National Park, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. All access and overnight stays require a wilderness permit, which must be obtained through the official National Park Service system. For information regarding wilderness permits, current trail conditions, regulations, and any specific inquiries about the Grand Valley area, prospective campers should contact the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. The general contact number for Olympic National Park is (360) 565-3131, which can direct you to the WIC or provide relevant information. The address associated with the park's main entry point for this area is Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA. Wilderness permits for overnight stays at Gladys Lake and other backcountry areas in Olympic National Park are typically reserved via Recreation.gov. It is crucial to secure your permit in advance, especially during the summer season, and to check for any alerts regarding trail closures, snow levels, or bear activity before your trip.

Gladys Lake Campground offers an unparalleled backcountry experience that resonates deeply with the adventurous spirit of Washington residents. Its location within the pristine Olympic National Park provides an immediate gateway to one of the state's most cherished natural treasures. For those willing to embark on a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike, Gladys Lake delivers the ultimate escape into true wilderness, far removed from the clamor of everyday life. This isn't just camping; it's an immersive journey that challenges and rejuvenates.

The appeal for locals lies in the authenticity of the experience: the absence of conventional amenities fosters self-reliance, encouraging a deeper connection with nature and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the alpine lake, and the profound quietude are the rewards for the effort. It's a chance to truly disconnect, observe wildlife in their natural habitat, and stargaze under an unobstructed sky. For Washingtonians who cherish their state's wild spaces and are eager to explore its most untouched corners, Gladys Lake represents a bucket-list destination. It provides not just a campsite, but a profound adventure that builds lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary wilderness right in their backyard, waiting to be explored by those who seek its untamed beauty.

Gladys Lake

Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA