Quinault Ranger District
Olympic National Forest

Colonel Bob Wilderness is located east of Lake Quinault in the southwest corner of Olympic National Forest. This 11,961 acre wilderness contains steep, rugged topography. Elevations range from 300 feet in the Quinault Valley to 4,509 feet along the eastern boundary.

Most of the Wilderness lies above the 1,500 foot elevation level. The lower slopes are moderately to heavily forested with stands of western hemlock and Pacific silver fir, mixed with western redcedar, Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce. The Colonel Bob Wilderness has temperate rain forest conditions with an annual precipitation that exceeds 150 inches. Lush ferns, shrubs, moss, wild flowers and lichens carpet the forest floor.

At higher elevations, subalpine and alpine vegeation, green meadows, rock outcrops and rugged peaks dominate the wilderness landscape. The view of Lake Quinault is spectacular.

Size: 11,961 acres
Elevation Range: 300' to 4,509'
Wilderness Permit: None Required
Key Access Points:
South Shore Quinault Lake Road
F.S. Road 2204
Colonel Bob Trail #851
Pete's Creek Trail #858
Fletcher Canyon Trail #857

Recreation Opportunities

The Colonel Bob Wilderness presents excellent opportunities for hiking, nature study, hunting, mountain climbing, and camping. There are no lakes or major rivers in the Wilderness.

There are 12 miles of trail in the Colonel Bob Wilderness. The elevation gain from the Pete's Creek trailhead to the summit of Colonel Bob is about 3,300 feet, with a round trip distance of 8 1/4 miles. The elevation gain on the Colonel Bob trail is about 4,200 feet, with a round trip of about 14.5 miles. Trail access to the summit of Colonel Bob is steep and very strenuous. Both of these trails are difficult.

Wilderness visitors should always carry rain gear and adequate clothing, food, and backpacking equipment. Proper boots and clothing should be worn.

Notice: Fires above 3,500 feet elevation and groups consisting of more than 12 persons and/or 8 livestock are prohibited within the Wilderness. Stoves only above 3,500 feet elevation.