Peak · Olympic National Park
Second Top
6.1 mi round trip2,410 ft gainModerateDay 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
Distance6.1 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain2,410 ftTotal climb, round trip
Summit5,997 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Second Top is a peak reached by a 6.1-mile round trip from Switchback Trailhead. The route follows Switchback Trail, then Heather Park Trail to the summit.
Heads up: the last stretch to the top is off trail.
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 Switchback Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.