Buckhorn Mountain Southwest Summit
Details
🏔️ Buckhorn Mountain Southwest Summit – Olympic Adventure
📍 via Big Quilcene & Tubal Cain Trail
Heading deep into the Olympics for one of the most scenic summit hikes in Washington.
Expect alpine meadows 🌼, marmots 🐿️, rugged ridgelines, and sweeping panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
This is a big mountain day with strong elevation gain and an incredible payoff. The final push includes steep, loose terrain with some light scrambling near the summit.
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🥾 Hike Overview
Rating: Hard / Strenuous
Distance: ~12.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~4,625 ft
Pace: Steady with breaks
Highlights: Marmot Pass, alpine meadows, Olympic views, summit scramble
Drive Time from Seattle: ~3 hr 15 mins
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📍 Trailhead & Links
Trailhead: Big Quilcene / Tubal Cain area (Olympic National Forest)
Map & Details:
View AllTrails Route
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🕒 Schedule & Meeting
📍 Green Lake P&R
• 6:30 AM – Meet
• 6:40 AM – Depart promptly
• 7:20 AM – Quick stop (Safeway Tacoma area)
• 10:15 AM – Arrive at trailhead
• 10:30 AM – Begin hiking
• 6:00–7:00 PM – Return to trailhead (~8–9 hr hike + breaks)
• Ferry on the way back
• ~10:00–11:00 PM – Return to Seattle
⚠️ Long day with significant elevation gain – plan accordingly
📢 Carpool updates: check comments
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🚗 Carpool & Parking
Parking Permit:
Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required
Carpool: Coordinate via comments
Estimated Cost: ~$30 (gas + wear/tear)
⛴️ Ferry cost extra depending on riders
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💪 Safety & Fitness
Strong fitness level required – sustained climb most of the day.
Final section includes steep loose scree and light scrambling.
🥾 Trekking poles recommended
🚗 Road has potholes (drive carefully)
You are responsible for your own safety and preparedness.
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🎒 Bring the 10 Essentials
• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Headlamp + extra batteries 🔦
• Waterproof / wind-resistant jacket 🌧️
• Warm summit layers 🧥
• 3L+ water 💧
• Food / snacks + lunch
• Sunscreen + sunglasses 🕶️
• First aid kit 🩹
• Navigation / GPS
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🤝 Carpool Culture
Offer a ride or request one in the comments.
Contributions help cover gas, ferry, and vehicle wear & tear.
Please be respectful of drivers on this long trip.
Drivers: understand responsibilities and liabilities.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
By RSVPing and attending, you acknowledge you are responsible for your own safety.
Know your limits and be prepared for a long, strenuous mountain day.
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