Starting at the northern trailhead on Tunnel Creek and Forest Road 2740, we hiked this on memorial day with a party of 3. Arrived to parking lot about 8:30 AM and we were the only car there. Only saw one other car arrive as we were leaving at the end of the day. The trail to the shelter was in good shape with only a few trees down that were easy to get around. The bridge over Tunnel Creek is in rough shape as others have mentioned, watch out for the exposed rebar. From the bridge up there were a few spots with water flowing on the trail but nothing that will get your feet wet. We encountered our first snow around 4700 feet, same as others have mentioned. We all used poles, but did not need microspikes. More intermittent snow patches up to one more larger and a little steeper snow section that will get you up to 5050 pass. GPS was useful to keep us on trail as some of the snow patches were somewhat long but easy enough to cross. From about 5050 pass up to the peak was snow free. Lots of little wild flowers blooming near the peak, and only saw one other party at the top that came in from Dosewallips. Unfortunately the views were limited due to clouds.

Trail in good condition. A few trees drown but easy to navigate around. Intermittent snow covering the trail, at about 4700, constant snow at about 5000ft, would be difficult to navigate without gps. Last 200ft no snow. Able to go up and down without microscopes or pole. Would recommend if you’re not comfortable on your feet.


Beware of trail head prowlers. Arrived to two suspicious vehicles at end of trail with individuals who appeared to live in their cars. No service at trail head and we were isolated from help if needed. They left before we started our hike. Don’t leave anything of value in your car!

One to three ft of snow above 4,500 ft elevation

Came back and conquered Valhalla Peak, this time from the Northern Tunnel Creek Trailhead, which is a much kinder and gentler route. Last time I tried to reach it from the Dosewallips side and had to turn around before reaching the top... and my quads were sore for over a week!!! I really like this route for winter and will be back! Only saw two other hiker pairs all day on a Sunday, which was awesome. I think Valhalla Peak would be a pretty reasonable snowshoe destination, since it mostly follows a ridgeline, though currently the snow level in the Olympics is abysmally low and snowshoes are not needed. There was no snow until Harrison Lake, and after that it was intermittent and rock hard most of the way to the peak. I found microspikes useful in a couple spots where the snow was very packed down and a bit slippery. There was a good bootpath to follow all the way to the peak.

Clouds were in and out the entire time I was at the peak, but from the glimpses I got I think the views would be awesome on a clear day. The lower part of the trail is mossy and pretty, with the lovely sound of rushing water for most of the trip. Only a couple areas with slippery rocks to step up (not super challenging), and a couple minor blowdowns. Harrison Lake is ok, but not really an amazing destination in itself. The peak is just a little further and absolutely worth the extra gain. There's a shelter campsite just before the trail really starts climbing to the lake.

Road was ok, though there were some rocks and tree debris... easy to navigate around. No outhouses at any of the trailheads I drove by in this area except Upper Townsend which is closed for the season. Plan accordingly!!!

Up then back down to Valhalla Peak from the Dosewallips trailhead.  4300 feet of gain over 3.5 miles. It is very step with very  little let up.   I would recommend using trekking poles.  There are compact sections of dry pine needles on sections of the upper trail which makes it hazardous.    The upper portion near the top is overgrown and it is hard to find in spots coming down at times   There are very minor blowdowns   The trail is mostly all shaded   There is one dangerous slide area to cross  see photo