Upper Big Quilcene Trail to Marmot Pass , Quilcene

weather permitting
This is a challenging 11 mile round-trip, out and back hike with 3,500 feet of elevation gain/loss. This trail starts at Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead #833 in the Buckhorn Wilderness of Olympic National Forest. Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful, Senior Lifetime National Park pass or similar is required to be displayed on each vehicle. Dogs are allowed in the National Forest.

Carpooling is encouraged. The final 2 or 3 miles of road to the trailhead has lots of pot holes.

This is a beautiful, well maintained trail that starts out in the forest adjacent to the Quilcene River for about 2 miles or so. We then begin to ascend up the ridge, eventually getting views of the amazing peaks around us. We also traverse 3 short segments of rock fall as we continue up to Marmot Pass at a little over 5 miles up. The views here are stunning and we will find a spot to have snacks and enjoy views of the peaks beyond us in the Olympic Range.
This hike should take about 7 hours to complete.
If you want to summit Buckhorn Mountain, it is about 1 mile and 900 feet of elevation gain.