Interrorem Nature Trail

Located near Brinnon, Washington, this accessible interpretative nature trail loops for 0.3 mile through mature second growth forest in a rainforest setting. You’ll pass large stumps of cedar, fir trees, and a variety of ferns and mosses, as well as signs that share the story of early life for the forest rangers. The trail was recently improved by Mount Rose Trail Crew to be more accessible, however it does not meet full trail accessibility guidelines.

Spoon Rating: Two spoons. The trail surface is compacted gravel, mostly level and barrier free. However, there are two short sections with maximum allowable grade and above maximum cross-slope, and one section where brush may encroach the trail to less than minimum width.

Trail Stats: Distance: 0.3 mile loop; Elevation Change: under 20 feet; Max Grade: 12%; Max Cross-Slope: 10%; Typical Width: 3 feet; Typical Surface: Compact Gravel Amenities: accessible toilet, no accessible parking or picnic area, water available via hand pump.

Trail Description: The trailhead is the same as the Ranger Hole Trail. It begins at a small gravel and grass parking area at the historic Interrorem Cabin (which is available for overnight rentals but is not accessible). There are no designated parking spots and there may not be enough space for an accessibility van.

The trail begins next to an information board at the west side of the parking area; the first few feet is four-feet wide with semi-firm natural surface before reaching an accessible vault toilet. The nature trail forks left behind the toilet. The surface becomes compact gravel and narrows to 3 feet, passing an interpretative sign about the cabin on the left. It then descends on a 3-5% grade for approximately 10 feet, followed by approximately 30 feet at 10-12% grade. You will pass underneath and between draping vine maple, towering big leaf maple, and moss-covered stumps. There is another short decline at 12% grade with 3-5% cross-slope before the trail curves left – there is an old decaying bench here.

Here the trail narrows to 2-3 feet, traveling through sword fern and mossy trees. It curves right and at approximately 0.15 mile (halfway around the loop) comes to a new bench that is less than 12 inches above ground – it may difficult to sit on. The trail descends briefly at a 6% grade then a 10-12% grade for approximately 15 feet, curving right between tall tree trees. There is a short 10% cross-slope here, so be cautious. You then pass another interpretative sign about life for the early forest rangers. Trail the rolls slightly with a 6-7% cross-slope. You then meet with the Ranger Hole Trail, which forks to the left — continue ahead on the Nature Trail. The loop ends back at the toilet after a couple hundred feet.

Cell Phone Reception: Spotty to none (tested on Verizon).

Pass/Entry Fee: Interagency Pass or Northwest Forest Pass. There is no payment kiosk here.

Getting There: The trailhead is located on Duckabush Rd/NF-2510. From Brinnon, WA head south on US Highway 101. In approximately 3 miles, turn right on Duckabush Rd, which is a paved two-lane road. Continue for 4 miles to the end of the pavement. The parking area is on the left.

Nearby Alternatives: Dosewallips State Park offers accessible cabins and restrooms.

Land Acknowledgement: This is the land of the sqʷuqʷóbəš [Twana/Skokomish], “People of the River”, whose traditional territory included the entire Hood Canal drainage basin in western Washington.

Last Updated: September 30, 2020