Grand Lake

For Washington residents seeking a truly immersive and rewarding backcountry experience, Grand Lake campground stands as an iconic destination within the majestic Olympic National Park. Unlike easily accessible drive-up sites, Grand Lake offers a pristine wilderness camping opportunity, reachable only by a significant hike. This makes it an ideal choice for seasoned backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who are prepared for a challenging trek and who deeply value the solitude and untouched beauty of the high country.

Nestled in a subalpine lake basin within the Grand Valley, this campground provides a stunning backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. Imagine the satisfaction of earning your campsite through effort, then being rewarded with breathtaking vistas, the tranquility of a clear mountain lake, and the crisp, clean air of high elevation. Grand Lake is more than just a place to pitch your tent; it's a gateway to an expansive network of trails, offering panoramic views, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. While it requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, the unforgettable experience of camping in such a magnificent, untamed setting makes Grand Lake a pinnacle destination for those looking to truly connect with the wild heart of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Its remote nature means fewer crowds, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the natural environment and a genuine escape from the everyday.

Grand Lake campground is located within Olympic National Park, with its general address being Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA. It is crucial to understand that Grand Lake is a backcountry site and is not accessible by vehicle. The primary access point for hiking into Grand Lake is via the Obstruction Point Road, which typically opens seasonally from mid-July through September, depending on snow and weather conditions.

To reach the Obstruction Point trailhead, visitors must first drive to Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles. From the Hurricane Ridge visitor center area, Obstruction Point Road is an additional 8-mile, narrow, winding gravel road with steep sections and drop-offs. While not strictly requiring a 4x4, cautious driving is essential. A valid Olympic National Park entrance pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter the park and access the trailhead. From the Obstruction Point trailhead, the hike to Grand Lake is approximately 3.7 miles, often descending steeply into the valley. The trail is generally well-maintained, but hikers should be prepared for potential small creek crossings where feet might get wet. Given the high elevation (Grand Lake is around 4,700 feet, while the trailhead is at 6,100 feet), it's important to be aware that early in the season (early summer), steep snow slopes may still be present, potentially requiring an ice axe and self-arrest skills. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in this remote area, so detailed maps, a compass or GPS, and thorough preparation are indispensable. The journey to Grand Lake is part of the adventure, offering stunning mountain vistas and challenging terrain that prepares you for the serene beauty awaiting at the lake.

As a wilderness campground in Olympic National Park, Grand Lake offers very limited services, focusing on a primitive and Leave No Trace camping experience. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient.

• Designated Campsites: Grand Lake has established, designated campsites. It's imperative to camp only in these marked sites to protect the sensitive subalpine vegetation.
• Toilet Facilities: A solar composting toilet is available at Grand Lake (and nearby Moose Lake). This is a significant amenity for a backcountry site, promoting proper waste disposal. In other areas, campers must bury human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails.
• Water Source: Grand Lake and Grand Creek serve as water sources. All water obtained from these natural sources must be treated (boiled, filtered, or chemically treated) before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses like Giardia.
• Food Storage: Bear wires are available at Grand Lake for hanging food and scented items to protect them from bears and other wildlife. Bear canisters are recommended in some nearby areas that may lack suitable trees for hanging. Proper food storage is mandatory 24 hours a day.
• No Campfires: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Grand Lake (and generally above 3,500 feet in Olympic National Park) to protect sensitive vegetation. Only camp stoves are permitted for cooking.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated potable water available; all water from natural sources must be treated.
• No Trash Services: Campers must pack out all trash, including all food scraps. Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced.
• Wilderness Permits: Camping at Grand Lake requires a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park. These permits are quota-based, especially between July 1 and September 30, and early reservations are highly recommended through the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center or Recreation.gov.
• Pets and Bicycles: Pets and bicycles are generally not permitted on wilderness trails within Olympic National Park, including those leading to Grand Lake.

• Stunning Subalpine Lake: Grand Lake is a picturesque subalpine lake nestled in a dramatic basin, offering crystal-clear waters and a serene natural setting. It's known for its beauty and the potential for fishing (check current park regulations).
• Incredible Mountain Vistas: The hike into Grand Lake, particularly from Obstruction Point, provides panoramic, awe-inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding valleys.
• Wildflower Displays: During its best season (early to mid-July through September), the subalpine meadows along the trails and around the lake burst with vibrant wildflowers, creating a spectacular display.
• Abundant Wildlife: The Grand Valley area is rich in wildlife, including deer, marmots, and various bird species. Campers should be aware of the presence of bears and practice proper food storage.
• Solitude and Tranquility: Due to its hike-in accessibility and permit requirements, Grand Lake offers a quieter and more isolated camping experience compared to frontcountry campgrounds.
• Access to Further Exploration: Grand Lake serves as a key point for multi-day backpacking trips, with trails continuing to Moose Lake, Gladys Lake, and across Grand Ridge.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hike: The trail to Grand Lake involves a significant descent and ascent, making it a moderately difficult but highly rewarding hike for experienced adventurers.
• Fishing Opportunities: Fish are present in Grand Lake (often referred to as having fish). However, anglers must consult current Olympic National Park fishing regulations, which are often catch-and-release for certain species and require specific gear (e.g., artificial lure with barbless single point hook). A Washington State fishing license is not required in park waters, but a punch card may be needed for certain species.

Address: Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (within Olympic National Park)

Phone: For Olympic National Park wilderness information and permit reservations, contact the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) or check Recreation.gov. The general park information line is (360) 565-3131.

For Washington locals, Grand Lake campground represents a quintessential Olympic National Park backcountry experience, perfectly suited for those who embrace the challenge and rewards of wilderness immersion. Its location near Port Angeles offers a relatively accessible starting point for a truly remote adventure, allowing residents to tap into the wild heart of their own state. This is not a casual car-camping trip; it's an intentional journey into a pristine subalpine environment, ideal for seasoned backpackers and those looking to deepen their connection with nature.

The significant hike from Obstruction Point, with its steep descents and ascents, filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who reach Grand Lake are genuinely committed to the experience. This translates to fewer crowds and a greater sense of solitude, a highly valued commodity for Washingtonians seeking a true escape. The stunning vistas of the Olympic Mountains, the vibrant wildflowers in summer, and the opportunities for fishing in a tranquil lake (while adhering to park regulations) all contribute to an unforgettable outdoor adventure right in their backyard.

While the primitive nature of the campground—requiring treated water, bear-proof food storage, and a strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles—demands self-sufficiency, it aligns with the values of many responsible outdoor enthusiasts in Washington. The need for wilderness permits also helps manage visitor impact, ensuring the long-term preservation of this delicate ecosystem. For those in Washington who yearn for the challenge of a backcountry trek and the profound peace of a high-alpine wilderness camp, Grand Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park on a deeply personal level.

Grand Lake

Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA