Goblins Gate, Canyon at Elwha River in Clallam County, United States
Goblins Gate is a narrow canyon along the Elwha River where the water flows through towering stone walls in a series of sharp turns. The river carves a winding path between high cliff faces, creating a confined passage that visitors can observe from the surrounding trail.
The Seattle Press Expedition named this location between 1889 and 1890 while exploring the Olympic Peninsula and mapping previously undocumented areas. This expedition helped bring attention to the region's natural features during an era of increased exploration in the Pacific Northwest.
Native American communities utilized the resources of the Elwha River and surrounding landscapes for generations before European settlement.
The location is reachable via a hiking trail that starts from the Whiskey Bend area within Olympic National Park and takes several hours to complete. The path leads through forested sections and rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear and basic hiking preparation are recommended for visitors.
The name refers to the distinctive gate-like formation created by the rocky opening through which water flows, resembling medieval castle gates. This geological feature developed over thousands of years as the river carved through the surrounding stone in its characteristic way.
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