Getting Oriented
The Wynoochee Valley sits in the southwest corner of Olympic National Forest, in Grays Harbor County. The southern access leaves US-12 just west of Montesano via the Devonshire Road exit; the road runs north into the national forest as Forest Road 22 and ends at the Wynoochee Dam area. Olympic National Park's Quinault Rain Forest district lies one drainage west; the Hood Canal Ranger District lies east.
Trail Overview
Thirty-five miles of mostly paved valley road grading to gravel at the upper end. The first 20 miles climb gently through alternating timber harvest units and intact second-growth, with the West Fork Wynoochee and several side creeks visible from pullouts. Past the campground and dam, the road continues a few miles further as rougher gravel toward Wynoochee Falls and the Wynoochee Pass Trailhead. There are no technical sections, but the upper road washes out periodically and the Forest Service closes affected stretches without much warning.
Points of Interest
- Wynoochee Lake / Wynoochee Dam. Tacoma Power reservoir built in 1972 with a vista overlook above the river gorge below the dam.
- Coho Campground. Olympic National Forest's primary developed campground in the area, on the west shore. 46 sites plus walk-in tent sites, a group site, and three rental yurts.
- Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail #878. A 16-mile loop around the entire lake, open to mountain bikes.
- Spoon Creek Falls. Short walk off the road on the upper end.
- Wynoochee Falls. Walk-in waterfall above the lake, accessed past the dam.
- Satsop Center Campground. Smaller forest service campground east of the lake near the West Fork Satsop River.
Where to Camp
Coho Campground (46 sites) is the standard base on Wynoochee Lake. Reservations work through Recreation.gov for the developed sites. Three rental yurts at Coho book separately. Satsop Center Campground sits east of the lake on a side road. Dispersed camping is available on Olympic National Forest land off the main road, subject to the standard 14-day stay limit.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Top off fuel and groceries in Montesano. The road has no services for 35 miles.
- The road is open year-round but the upper sections close in winter due to snow and washouts. The Hood Canal Ranger District (360-877-5254) holds current condition info.
- Cell coverage drops out within the first few miles and does not return.
- Wynoochee Lake levels fluctuate with Tacoma Power's hydroelectric operations; the shoreline can be muddy in spring.
- Black bear country; store food properly at campgrounds and dispersed sites.
- The road is shared with active timber operations in places. Yield to log trucks.
