Mount Jupiter, Mount Jupiter Trailhead, Olympic National Park, Washington
Mount Jupiter - 13.8 miles
Mount Jupiter Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 13.8 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,045' - 5,701' (5,691' max elevation on summit) |
| Elevation Change: | +3,656' net elevation gain (+4,773' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Mount Jupiter - 13.8 Miles Round-Trip
Mount Jupiter (5,701') caps a long, divisive ridge between the Duckabush River Valley (south) and Dosewallips River Valley (north). The Mount Jupiter Trail (#809) runs up the spine through attractive fir forests and steep, exposed ridges to the summit.
Panoramic views reach Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and across the Olympic Mountains. Many prominent peaks on the eastern peninsula can be seen from Mount Jupiter.
While the trail is rightfully celebrated for views, it also features prolific rhododendron blooms that peak in late May-June. The Jupiter Lakes can be reached by way of a challenging off-trail descent from the ridge.
The trail is bone-dry and strenuous with long, exposed sections. Carry extra water and plan for variable conditions above treeline:
The trail begins on a steep, winding climb up a clear-cut slope with good views across the Hood Canal and Duckabush valley. It moderates into a thin band of timber (.5 miles) and emerges on a deforested ridge (1.0 miles : 2,840').
The trail arcs over this skeletal area into a healthy fir forest with dense rhododendrons (1.5 miles : 3,030'). It dips down the north side of the ridge (2.5 miles) in a drier forest until edging back to familiar fir stands near the spine (3.0 miles : 3,085').
Grades steepen into a more diverse forest that includes cedar, vine maple, huckleberry and grape (3.5 miles : 3,415'). It rolls upward to a good viewpoint (4.0 miles : 3,495'), then drops and rises sharply to the Brothers Wilderness Boundary (4.6 miles : 3,852').
The trail climbs fast on a sinuous, rugged path just below the ridge (5.0 miles : 4,190'). These variously narrow and uneven sections are overgrown in places; mind your footing across drop-offs. It weaves through the vestiges of treeline and craggy outcrops on the spine with expansive views south and west (6.0 miles : 4,850').
Steep, tightly wound switchbacks twist through bulky outcrops to the Mount Jupiter summit (6.8 miles : 5,701'). A promontory stands about 100 yards away as the crow flies, but requires a precarious Class III + scramble.
The Jupiter Lakes can be reached by dropping off the ridge (north) on the final summit approach (see GPS points #12 - #14). Only experienced and prepared hikers should attempt the lakes, located 850 vertical feet below.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 41.048 W122 57.418 — 0.0 miles : Mount Jupiter Trailhead
- N47 41.179 W122 57.693 — 0.5 miles : Steep, winding climb over the lower Duckabush valley
- N47 41.459 W122 57.946 — 1.0 miles : Exit timber and cross barren headwall
- N47 41.700 W122 58.364 — 1.5 miles : Travel moderates in forest
- N47 41.653 W122 58.924 — 2.0 miles : Fast, level travel in thick timber + rhododendron
- N47 41.824 W122 59.367 — 2.5 miles : Dip down north slope
- N47 41.896 W123 00.047 — 3.0 miles : Travel steepens
- N47 42.130 W123 00.391 — 3.5 miles : Forest diversifies on rolling climb
- N47 42.083 W123 00.948 — 4.0 miles : Spur to viewpoint; then dips and steepens
- N47 42.280 W123 01.532 — 4.6 miles : Cross Brothers Wilderness Boundary
- N47 42.275 W123 02.041 — 5.0 miles : Steep, winding climb in thinning forest with views
- N47 42.283 W123 02.599 — 5.5 miles : Steep, winding climb on uneven, overgrown path
- N47 42.279 W123 03.097 — 6.0 miles : Steep, twisting climb through spiny outcrops on ridge
- N47 42.305 W123 03.457 — 6.5 miles : Spine narrows on final approach
- N47 42.351 W123 03.662 — 6.9 miles : Mount Jupiter Summit (5,701')
Worth Noting
- There is no free flowing water on this trail.
- Sections of the Mount Jupiter Trail are narrow, exposed and run over steep drop-offs. Only experienced, equipped hikers should attempt the summit with significant amounts of snow on the trail. It may not be suitable for those fearful of heights, even when clear.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Dispersed camping is permitted within the Brothers Wilderness Area. Self-registration is available at the Mount Jupiter Trailhead. It's always advisable to call the Hood Canal Ranger Station (360.765.2200) before your trip for current conditions and information.
- Campfires are not permitted above 3,500', or at Jupiter Lakes and Jupiter Ponds.
- Camp in established campsites whenever possible to minimize impact.
Rules and Regulations
A recreation pass is not required to access the Mount Jupiter Trailhead.
The following is not permitted:
- Groups consisting of more than 12 persons and/or 8 head of livestock.
- Starting and/or maintaining open fires, such as camp, cooking and warming fires above 3,500'.
- Gathering wood for starting and/or maintaining open fires or stoves above 3,500'.
- Tethering of livestock to trees and/or other vegetation, except for incidental use not to exceed 30 minutes.
- Possessing and/or transporting unprocessed vegetative matter such as hay, straw, grass or grain. The use of pelletized or certified weed-free feed is required in all National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. This helps prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
- Caching or leaving equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for a period in excess of 24 hours.
- Possessing or using any form of wheeled vehicle for the purpose of transportation of such things as people, equipment, personal property, supplies and game.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat, motorized equipment, hang glider or bicycle.
Directions to Trailhead
Mount Jupiter Trailhead is located 5.6 miles west of HWY 101 near Brinnon, WA.
From Quilcene, drive 14.3 miles south on HWY 101 to Mount Jupiter Road. Turn on Mount Jupiter Road and bear left at the Madrona Ridge split in .7 miles. Veer left at the next fork onto RD #92006, and continue to and through the winter gate, which is 3.0 miles from HWY 101. Stay on this road 2.6 miles to the trailhead.
The trailhead is not well-marked from the road. Anticipate the TH and do not continue past it - it can be very difficult (if not impossible) to turn around. Park off to the side and walk down the road 75 yards to the TH. The trail begins to the right of the TH board.
Mount Jupiter Road is steep, rough and narrow. High clearance is advisable, though it's passable to 2WD cars in good condition. Call ahead for road conditions and access.
Mount Jupiter Road is open May 1 - September 30. It may be closed during this time due to snow or fire danger. The road is closed October 1 - April 30. During this time you must park at the winter gate and walk the remaining 2.6 miles to the trailhead.
Contact Information
Hood Canal Ranger District | Quilcene Office
295142 Highway 101 S.
PO Box 280
Quilcene, WA 98376
360.765.2200
Olympic National Forest
Supervisor's Office
1835 Black Lk Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
360.956.2402
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