Backpack - Tubal Cain Mine & Buckhorn Lake

The Tubal Cain trail (#840) is well-maintained with several places to camp along the route. The trail to the mine is a perfect hike for people looking for a gradual incline with lots of beautiful scenery.

After registering at the trailhead, we pass by a shelter and camp, cross Silver Creek on a foot-log, then follow the trail until the rhododendrons yield to a mature forest at about 2.5-miles. At 3-miles, a collapsed mine shaft is visible on the hillside to the left of the trail. A few yards further there is a junction with the Tull Canyon trail (#847).

If we wish, we can scramble up the steep trail now, but it will probably make more sense to explore the World War II aircraft wreckage later, after setting up camp and returning with lighter packs.

To get to our campsite, we will continue gently uphill on the Tubal Cain trail, coming up beside a stream in 0.4 mile, and then crossing it. If you’re particular about your water, know that most of this water is pouring directly out of the main shaft of the Tubal Cain mine. Who knows what might be in it?

Just ahead is an unmarked junction. To the left are some camps, a lot of mining debris, and a hillside covered in tailings, marking the location of the Tubal Cain mine. To the right, is the main trail, more camps, and Copper Creek. There are some nice campsites just past the old mine site and before crossing the creek (about 3.5 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 4,350 feet).

Once camp is set up, we have time to explore:

    1) If the 1952 B-17 crash site is your destination, return to the the Tull Canyon trail and follow it. It will double back sharply to the collapsed mine and then pass it. This trail is steep, gaining 450 feet in 0.6 mile, while passing enormous boulders poised on the steep slopes all around you. (Note that this side trip will add about 2-miles to the total round trip mileage.) At the wreckage area is a plateau featuring several campsites. A water source flows through the debris-strewn valley, but drinking water can be filtered upstream of most of the debris. (This is an alternate place to camp.)

    2) If the mine is your destination, It is at the end of the short side trail we passed on our left before reaching Copper Creek. Remember, the mine is old, abandoned, and not safe. Nonetheless, if you choose to go into the mine, be sure to wear your helmet, sturdy clothing, and waterproof boots. Take a light. The mine will be dark, wet, and slippery; in a word: dangerous.
    3) If you wish to continue on the trial to Buckhorn Lake, be aware that the trail is a bit confusing once you pass the creek. Beyond the mine camps there is another split in the trail, if you go straight it’s shorter but very steep, if you go right it’s about twice as far but a lot easier, especially if it’s wet. Shortly after the two trails merge, it splits again. The left fork goes to Buckhorn Lake (trail #845).

    4.FYI) The Tubal Cain trail continues on to join the Buckhorn Mountain trail, the Upper Dungeness trail (#833-2), and the Upper Big Quilcene trail (#833).

Recommended Maps:

Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness

Green Trails Tyler Peak No. 136

Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S

Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park

This trail offers a number of activities. It is best used in the summer.

https://exotichikes.blogspot.com/2012/07/tubal-cain-mineand-yours.html

www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tull-canyon

This is an overnight hike, with camp near the Tubal Cain Mine on Copper Creek.

Carpool from to the trailhead meets in University Place at 7:30am.   Obtain directions from the trip leader.

Participants coming from points east of the Narrows Bridge may choose to meet us at the Trail Head

To get to the Trailhead:

From Highway 101, turn west onto Louella Road just south of Sequim Bay State Park. In 0.9 miles, turn left on Palo Alto Road. Travel 5.5 miles, then turn right onto FS Road 2880. In another quarter mile, turn right again to remain on FS-2880, heading downhill. A sign warns, “Narrow Road. Not recommended for trailers or motor homes”. Cross a bridge, pass Dungeness Forks Campground, and then a scant mile later go straight, following the sign to “Dungeness Area Trails”. Travel 2.4 miles, then turn right onto FS-2870. Go another 4.8 miles and turn left to remain on FS-2870. In a mile and a half, cross a bridge, pass the Dungeness Trails trailhead, and drive the remaining 3.5 miles to the parking lot, for a total of 21 miles from US 101. There is room for a dozen vehicles, plus additional shoulder parking. There are no trailhead amenities.