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Tunnel Creek

Trip

Day Hike - Tunnel Creek

5050 Pass / Valhalla Peak via Tunnel Creek (Olympics - Quilcene area) - moderately brisk pace

Contacts

Bill McCoy
Bill McCoy
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,450 ft

There will likely still be some snow around the pass - if you have micro-spikes or similar traction devices bring them along just in case. Trekking pole(s) would also be helpful.

"moderately brisk pace": this isn't an official Conditioning Hike Series hike, and we aren't going to be trying for any speed records. But you should be prepared for steady hiking with occasional short breaks if you need to make clothing adjustments or grab a snack. If you want to spend 10 minutes per hour doing yoga stretches or trying to get the perfect photo, this isn't going to be a great hike for you. But if you are solely looking for the most strenuous possible workout, this may not be the ideal hike for you either.

We may want to take a longish lunch break at 5050 Pass especially if the boot path to Valhalla Peak is beckoning some of us (strictly optional, would add about 1/2 mile and 300 ft of elevation gain).

Meet at  Quilcene Ranger Station at 9:30am. Potential for pickup at Bainbridge Ferry Terminal if anyone wants to walk on the 7:55am ferry from Seattle. 7:55am ferry from Edmonds  to Kingston will also work for drivers.

Route/Place

Tunnel Creek


  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
    Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
    Green Trails The Brothers No. 168
    Green Trails Tyler Peak No. 136
    USGS Mt Jupiter
    USGS Mt Townsend
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Recommended for this hike to facilitate potential travel over snow:

  • Micro-spikes or equivalent traction devices (Yaktrax, etc.)
  • Trekking pole(s)
  • Gaiters
  • Waterproof footwear

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
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