Backpack - Tubal Cain Mine, Buckhorn Lake & Marmot Pass

Hey there hikers! We'll meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Hawks Prarie Park-N-Ride in Lacey: From I-5 exit 111, turn right on Marvin Rd then right on Hogum Bay Rd, address is 2548 Hogum Bay Road NE. I'll  be driving a silver Toyota FJ Cruiser. We'll make any carpool arrangements prefered, do a quick gear check and head out hoping to arrive at trailhead around 9:00. The last 14 miles to trailhead is a long, windy dirt road. It's in great condition but if  you've got a brand new vehicle, it won't be after this trip so may want to consider carpooling!

Trailhead: From Highway 101, turn west on 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 on 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 on FS-2870. Go another 4.8 miles then 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.

This is an amazing hike! It's about 8.5 miles to our campsite with only moderate gain, we'll travel at an easy to moderate pace. Plan on being able to filter and carry 3-4 liters of water since there is no water source near our campsite. The short side trip to visit the B-17 crash site will be done on the way back (day 2). 

I'll provide more specific information about the trip as the date approaches.  Here's a link to WTA description: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tubal-cain-mine-and-buckhorn-lake

Cheers!

Jim