Humes Ranch

Deep within the revitalized Elwha River Valley of Olympic National Park lies Humes Ranch, a destination that offers more than just a place to set up camp; it's a journey back in time and an immersion into the serene wilderness of Washington State. For locals seeking a backcountry experience that combines historical intrigue with natural beauty, Humes Ranch presents a compelling opportunity to truly disconnect and explore. This isn't a drive-up campground with extensive amenities, but rather a wilderness area accessible by trail, requiring preparation and a love for the rugged outdoors.

Humes Ranch holds a unique place in the history of the Olympic Peninsula. What began as a homestead established around 1900 by William Humes, and later tended by his brother Grant, the site still features a historic cabin that has been carefully restored by the National Park Service. This cabin, once a vibrant hub of pioneer life and even a base for filming Walt Disney's "The Olympic Elk," now stands as a silent testament to the past. Visitors have fondly recalled a time when it was "abandoned but still in good condition," with "original furniture and plates, pots and pans" making it "like time had stopped." While it has since been converted into a "bunkhouse" (implying a more utilitarian structure today), its historical significance remains palpable.

The journey to Humes Ranch is an integral part of the experience. Located along the Elwha River Trail, accessing the site typically involves a hike, often beginning from areas like Madison Falls parking lot due to road washouts on Whiskey Bend Road. This trek through the Elwha River Valley offers glimpses of a landscape undergoing ecological restoration after the removal of the Elwha Dams, allowing for unique observations of a river returning to its natural state. The trail itself provides a moderate hike, leading through forested areas to the historic ranch site.

Beyond the historical elements, Humes Ranch provides a genuine wilderness camping experience. It’s a place where you can spend the night surrounded by the sounds of nature, perhaps even encountering local wildlife. One memorable account even recounts a "possible nighttime Sasquatch encounter" and the finding of a "footprint the next day near site," adding a touch of intriguing local lore to the experience (though visitors should rely on factual information from the NPS regarding wildlife safety). The emphasis here is on self-reliance and respecting the natural environment, with essential facilities being minimal, as is typical for backcountry sites.

For Washington locals who appreciate both history and the raw beauty of the wilderness, Humes Ranch offers a blend that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place to create new memories while reflecting on the past, all within the stunning confines of Olympic National Park.

Humes Ranch is situated within Olympic National Park, specifically in the Elwha River Valley, near Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA. It is not a drive-up campground, but rather a backcountry camping area accessible via hiking trails.

The primary access point for the Humes Ranch area is typically the Elwha River Trail. Due to historical road washouts, vehicle access up Olympic Hot Springs Road (which leads to the former Whiskey Bend Trailhead) is currently limited. Hikers often start from the Madison Falls parking area, which adds an additional 6.5 miles of hiking to reach the traditional Whiskey Bend Trailhead before continuing to Humes Ranch. From the Whiskey Bend Trailhead, Humes Ranch is located approximately 3 miles along the Geyser Valley trail, or 0.3 miles past Michael's Cabin if taking a more direct descent. The entire journey to Humes Ranch can be a moderate hike, allowing ample time to explore the Elwha River Valley.

Port Angeles serves as the main gateway city to this part of Olympic National Park, providing essential services, supplies, and information before embarking on a backcountry trip. Visitors can drive to the designated parking areas before beginning their hike. The trail itself to Humes Ranch is generally considered moderate with some elevation changes, making it accessible to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

The location within the Elwha River Valley offers a unique opportunity to witness the effects of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. The river and its tributaries are in a state of ecological recovery, providing an evolving natural landscape for visitors to observe. This historical and environmental context adds a significant layer to the accessibility and experience of Humes Ranch.

As a backcountry camping area within Olympic National Park, Humes Ranch provides very limited services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsites: Humes Ranch offers established campsites, typically located below the Humes Cabin in grassy meadows and forested areas. These are primitive sites where campers can pitch tents. Camping is also allowed near Krause Bottom.
• Water Source: The Elwha River and various side streams serve as water sources. It is crucial to always boil, filter, or chemically treat drinking water obtained from these natural sources to prevent waterborne illnesses like Giardia.
• Community Bear Wires: To protect food and scented items from bears and other wildlife, community bear wires are available near the large meadow below the Humes Cabin for proper food storage.
• Historic Humes Cabin: While not a service in the traditional sense, the presence of the restored historic Humes Cabin adds a unique feature. Although it has been described as a "bunkhouse" and its interior state may vary from its historical depiction, it remains a point of interest.
• Toilet Facilities: There are no constructed toilet facilities at Humes Ranch. Visitors are required to practice Leave No Trace principles, which means burying human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet (70 steps) from water sources, trails, and campsites. All toilet paper must be packed out.
• Permits Required: Overnight camping at Humes Ranch requires a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park. These permits help manage visitor impact and ensure a sustainable wilderness experience.
• Campfires: Campfires are generally permitted in preexisting fire rings, using only dead and downed wood. However, always check current fire restrictions and regulations with Olympic National Park before your trip.

• Historic Homestead Site: The most prominent feature is the historic Humes Ranch cabin, built around 1900. It offers a tangible connection to the early pioneer history of the Olympic Peninsula and was once used for filming "The Olympic Elk."
• Elwha River Valley Ecosystem: Located in the heart of the Elwha River Valley, visitors can witness the ongoing ecological restoration following the removal of the Elwha Dams, observing a unique natural recovery process.
• Backcountry Solitude: Due to its trailhead access requiring a hike, Humes Ranch offers a more secluded and less crowded camping experience compared to frontcountry campgrounds, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
• Community Bear Wires: The provision of bear wires aids in proper food storage, a critical safety feature in bear country, ensuring a safer backcountry experience.
• Fishing Opportunities: The Elwha River, now freely flowing, offers potential for fishing (check current regulations as fishing may be closed in certain areas for restoration).
• Scenic Hiking: The trails leading to Humes Ranch traverse beautiful old-growth forests and follow the Elwha River, providing a picturesque hiking experience.
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: The Elwha Valley is home to various wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, deer, and various bird species, offering opportunities for observation.
• Overnight Camping: Provides designated spots for overnight wilderness camping, allowing for multi-day backpacking trips in the Elwha Valley.

Address: Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA (within Olympic National Park)

As Humes Ranch is a backcountry camping area, there is no direct phone number for the specific site. For information regarding wilderness permits, trail conditions, and regulations, you should contact Olympic National Park directly.

General Olympic National Park Information:

• Olympic National Park Headquarters: (360) 565-3130 (for general inquiries)
• Wilderness Information Center: For the most up-to-date information on backcountry permits, trail closures, and specific conditions for Humes Ranch and the Elwha Valley, it is highly recommended to consult the official Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center or their website (nps.gov/olym).

For Washington locals who are seasoned adventurers and appreciate the unique blend of history and raw wilderness that the Pacific Northwest offers, Humes Ranch in Olympic National Park is an exceptionally suitable destination. It provides an authentic backcountry experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of exploration and self-reliance inherent in many Washingtonians.

Locals often seek out destinations that offer a true escape from urban life, and Humes Ranch, accessible only by a scenic hike through the Elwha River Valley, delivers just that. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the recovering ecosystem of the Elwha, a significant environmental story unfolding right in their own state. This offers a powerful and educational experience beyond typical recreation.

The historical aspect of Humes Ranch, with its preserved cabin and echoes of early homesteading life, provides a fascinating layer for those interested in local heritage. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and truly feel a connection to Washington's past, a unique feature not found in every wilderness area.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of the campsites, coupled with the requirement for wilderness permits and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, appeals to responsible outdoor enthusiasts. It ensures a quieter, less crowded environment, allowing for genuine solitude and a deeper appreciation of nature's untouched beauty. For those who understand and respect the demands of backcountry camping, Humes Ranch offers the perfect blend of challenge, history, and profound natural immersion. It's an ideal choice for Washingtonians looking for a truly memorable wilderness adventure that feels both remote and historically rich.

Humes Ranch

Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA