Interrorem
Nature Trail
Trail Overview
Spoon Rating:
2
Distance:
0.3 miles
Elevation Change:
under 20 ft.
Surface:
Compacted gravel
Ameneties:
accessible toilet, no accessible parking or picnic area, water available via hand pump
Located near Brinnon, Washington, the Interrorem Nature Trail is an accessible interpretative nature trail that 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.
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.