Skyline Traverse
Olympic National Park, Washington
- Distance
- 34 km
- Elev. gain
- 2,147 m
- Start
- Three Lakes
- Finish
- Low Divide Ranger Station
A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.
Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.
Campsites
- Three Lakes
- Three Prune Camp
- Low Divide Camp
Water sources
- Reflection Lake
- Lake Beauty
Summits & passes
- Kimta Peak
Recorded hazards
Danger
Late-season snow, ice axe required
Snow covers trail into July/Aug; ice axe & self-arrest skills needed
Source: Olympic National Park (NPS)
Caution
Hazardous stream crossings
Fall–spring bring downed trees, snow, hazardous fords, and washouts
Source: Olympic National Park (NPS)
Information
Bear canisters mandatory
No trees suitable for hanging food; bear canisters required on trail
Source: Olympic National Park (NPS)
These are documented hazards, not a current conditions report. Check with the land manager before you go.
Common questions
- How long is the Skyline Traverse?
- The Skyline Traverse is 34 km (21.1 miles).
- How much elevation gain does the Skyline Traverse have?
- The Skyline Traverse has about 2,147 m (7,044 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
- Where does the Skyline Traverse start and finish?
- The Skyline Traverse runs between Three Lakes and Low Divide Ranger Station.
- Is there water on the Skyline Traverse?
- Far's catalog records 2 mapped water sources along the Skyline Traverse, including Reflection Lake and Lake Beauty. Seasonal flow varies and mapped sources can run dry — check current conditions with the land manager before relying on any of them.
- What hazards are recorded on the Skyline Traverse?
- Far records 3 sourced hazards on the Skyline Traverse: Late-season snow, ice axe required, Hazardous stream crossings and Bear canisters mandatory. Each is cited to the source that published it. Conditions change — this is not a current conditions report.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap34 km
- OpenStreetMap60.3 km
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on July 23, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.