Rellim Ridge Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trail surface stays damp under the canopy well into summer, creating slick conditions on the steeper pitches. Watch your footing on exposed root networks and muddy switchbacks.
Cell service is nonexistent along the ridge. Let someone know your plan and carry a paper map — the trail intersections with old logging roads can be confusing in fog.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the western trailhead off Howland Hill Road for a more gradual initial approach — the eastern access climbs harder from the jump and can demoralize you before the ridge even starts.
Trekking poles are worth their weight here, especially on the descent when the packed-dirt trail turns greasy after any rain. The sustained grade is more punishing on knees going down than going up.
The best vista point sits roughly two-thirds of the way along the ridge — look for a slight clearing on the south side where a fallen giant opened a window to the harbor. Most hikers blow past it, so slow down and scan left.
