Picked the high route over the river trail in the Olympics and it paid off

Derek Henderson · 2026-09-30T00:25:04.705494+00:00

Last month I planned a 3 day loop in the Olympic Mountains and had to choose between the Low Divide river trail and the higher ridge route. I went with the ridge even though it meant hauling 4 extra liters of water since there are no reliable sources up top. The climb kicked my butt but I got clear views of Mount Olympus and never saw another person for 2 days. The river trail is probably fine but I am glad I picked the harder one this time. Anyone here done both and have a strong opinion on which is better in late summer?

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Picked the high route over the river trail in the Olympics and it paid off | Backpacking Routes - Rigidtalk