Pass · Olympic National Park
First Divide
23.8 mi round trip5,264 ft gainVery hardDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit from Recreation.gov. Bear canisters are required at all wilderness camps (free loaners at Wilderness Information Centers).
Permit calendar
Summer permits releaseApril 15, 7 AM PT
Summer quota seasonMay 15 to October 15
Olympic National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Quota areas include Seven Lakes Basin, Grand Valley, Royal Lake, the Ozette coast, and Enchanted Valley. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance23.8 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain5,264 ftTotal climb, round trip
Pass elevation4,688 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
First Divide is a pass reached by a 23.8-mile round trip from Staircase Rapids Trailhead. The route follows Staircase Rapids Nature Trail, then North Fork Skokomish River Trail to the pass.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Olympic annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. The park does not take cash.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Staircase Rapids Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.