Trip Report
Alpine Scramble - Marmot Pass & Buckhorn Mountain
Good trip in light drizzle up to 5000' and light snow to Marmot Pass. Stopped at Marmot Pass due to about 1.5 feet of new snow. Snow did not look much heavier higher up, so summit appeared possible.
Jerry Logan
- Fri, Nov 23, 2018
- Alpine Scramble - Marmot Pass & Buckhorn Mountain
- Marmot Pass & Buckhorn Mountain
- Scrambling
- Successful
-
- Road suitable for all vehicles
-
Route was in good shape and generally dry to 4500'. Gradual snow buildup from 4500' to Marmot Pass. About 1.5' snow at Marmot Pass. Route finding still relatively easy even in the snow due to the well defined trail all the way to Marmot Pass. We elected to turn around at Marmot Pass due to the amount of new snow and forecast of more to come.
Road dry to the ten mile shelter trailhead and easily navigated to via NF 27. Rain gear essential on this trip, though rain was light. The trail is in good shape and elevation gain is gradual. Flatter for the first two miles and rate of elevation gain increases after that. Snowshoes came in handy from 5500' to Marmot Pass. 3 of 5 wore snowshoes from 5500' up and packed trail for two who did not bring them. Snowshoes not essential on Nov 23, but will be after another snowfall. Views were generally obscured by clouds at Marmot Pass. 12 mile round trip and back to the cars about 2:30 pm.
We met our party at the Quilcene Ranger Station and carpooled in two vehicles to the trailhead.
