Backpack - Tubal Cain Mine, Buckhorn Lake & Marmot Pass

We'll meet at 9:45AM at the Tubal Cain trailhead on Friday June 21. Have your pack ready to go including water for the first 2 miles.  We'll be back to the trailhead by early afternoon on Saturday June 22.

 https://goo.gl/maps/SsAUK3LexZN8ABbU8.  

Hike Tubal Cain Mine trailhead, the first mile of the trail passing under some 10-foot-tall rhododendrons, which present a lovely display in the early spring.  At 3.5 mi and 4,350 ft the trail passes the site of the old Tubal Cain mine, now just some wooden pipes, rusty wire and equipment.  Soon after crossing Cooper Creek, the canopy opens and the trail begins to switchback steeply through flower fields with expanding views ahead to Buckhorn Peak. 

At 5.5 miles, at a junction continues on the trail, the meadows and views expand until the trail reaches the broad ridgetop of Buckhorn Pass at 7 mi and 5,700 ft. Enjoy dramatic views across the gorge of the Dungeness River to the peaks of the main Olympics range.  Unless snowmelt ponds remain, you'll need to carry water from Copper Creek to camp here, but the rewards are great!  After lunch, continue rambling along the ridge tops, finding your way up the boulder fields to the top of 6,950 ft Buckhorn Pass, and beyond to the saddle of 6,100 ft Marmot Pass at 8.75 miles.

This is the leader's favorite late-June backpack, with expansive flower fields, panoramic views and the chance to see mountain goats!  It's a dry camp so everyone will have a chance to practice carrying water for the overnight up to the camp.  Many beginner backpackers have really enjoyed this trail in past years!

Gear and food planning details and trail and weather information will be provided by the leader in advance of the trip.