Smokey Hill Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The steep grade combined with exposed roots and loose soil creates real footing hazards, especially when wet — take your time on both the descent and the climb back up.
The Elwha River looks calm in spots but carries a deceptively strong current. Stay on the gravel bars and avoid wading beyond ankle depth, particularly during spring snowmelt when flows surge.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Treat this as a there-and-back with the hard part on the return — save some energy for the steep climb out, which hits harder than you'd expect for such a short trail.
Bring trekking poles if you have them. The descent is steep enough that wet conditions turn the root-laced trail into a slip-and-slide, and poles make the uphill return significantly easier.
Time your visit for late summer or early fall when the Elwha runs lower and exposes more gravel bars — you can walk along the riverbank and find quieter spots upstream away from where the trail deposits most visitors.
Photos
NPS
