MARMOT PASS & BUCKHORN MOUNTAIN
This one is really not to be missed! The views in the last mile and from Buckhorn Mountain are truly breathtaking. This is a popular destination, especially for backpacking, so be sure to show up early or even go on a weekday if you can!
Quick Facts:
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 4700 feet
Location: Marmot Pass Trailhead, Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest
Season: Early Summer-Late Fall
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Check the weather: mountain-forecast, weather.gov
Check for recent trip reports: WTA, AllTrails
Getting there:
Click here for the TH location on Google Maps
Google Maps gives good directions to this trailhead, so follow those and you’ll be all set. You do have to drive on washboard forest roads for just over 15 miles, but they are usually fine and any car should be able to make it. Make sure to check recent trip reports for up to date road conditions before you head out.
View from the trail up Buckhorn, June 2019
View of the trail to the summit of Buckhorn, June 2019
View from the trail to Marmot Pass, June 2019
Hike description:
Even though the elevation gain on this hike can look intimidating on paper, it’s mostly a pretty mellow hike. You start out on a lovely trail through the forest, first next to the Big Quilcene River and then gradually climbing above it. There are no views to be had for about the first 3.5 miles other than the forest, but the trail is so nicely graded you can really cruise on this portion. You’ll then start to pop out into some open talus fields and glimpse views of nearby peaks as you continue to climb.
Around 4.5 miles the trail becomes a bit steeper as you make the push to Marmot Pass. The views here are wonderful, and this is a great spot to stop for a snack and some water before the final push to Buckhorn. Make sure to wander a bit beyond the pass itself to really appreciate the beautiful view of the Olympics.
When you’re ready, begin the climb up Buckhorn Mountain. The trail to the summit gets quite steep and is mostly covered in loose rock, but is manageable as long as you’re careful. The path the entire way is well defined, and the only portion that requires scrambling is at the very end to reach the true summit of Buckhorn Mountain. Although the climb is a bit grueling, the views along the way are truly incredible – the nearby peaks feel so close you could touch them, and on a clear day you can see all five Washington volcanoes. The true summit is quite small, but the surrounding area has some good spots to rest and enjoy the views.
Take your time on your way back to Marmot Pass. The views on the way back will stop you in your tracks, but it’s also easy to slip on the path, so bringing hiking poles can be really helpful here. Once you dip back into the woods it can kind of feel like you’ll never reach your car again, but the long day this hike requires is more than worth the incredible views you get from the top.