Marmot Pass & Buckhorn Mountain

One of the great Olympic hikes in the Buckhorn Wilderness. I takes you thru old growth forest along the pristine Big Quilcene River, then up out of the trees to to alpine meadows and views of snow-capped peaks to the south and sheer rock faces on the north. It's 10-13 miles round trip with 3,500 to 4,400 feet of elevation gain.

Getting There

From US-101, take Penny Creek Road for 1.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 27 (Big Quilcene River Road). In 9 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 2750 and follow it 5 miles to the trailhead.

on the trail

Marmot Pass (5,950 ft)

10.6 miles round trip, 3,500 feet of elevation gain

Hike the Upper Big Quilcene River Trail (No. 833.1) with a mostly moderate grade for the 5.3 miles and 3,500 feet of elevation to Marmot Pass (5,950 ft).

Buckhorn Mountain (6,996 ft)

12.6 miles round trip, 4,400 feet of elevation gain

Hike the steeper, rough, open path above the pass for a 1 mile and 900 feet of elevation gain to the top of Buckhorn Mountain (6,996 ft).

Information for Leaders

Scheduling & Permits

This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy. Please review our Group Size & Multiple Bookings page for guidance.

Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
Seasons: July, August, September, October, November
Weather: View weather forecast

Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Length: 12.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 4,400 ft
High Point: 6,996 ft

Land Manager: Olympic National Forest
Buckhorn Wilderness, Hood Canal Ranger District (ONF)
Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Recommended Party Size: 12
Maximum Party Size: 12
Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12

Map

Recommended Maps:

Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
Green Trails Tyler Peak No. 136
Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park

Activities

Trip Reports

Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.