Backpack - Tubal Cain Mine, Buckhorn Lake & Marmot Pass

The dirt road to trailhead (approximately 14 miles worth) is in great condition but windy and narrow in places, so those who suffer car sickness easily beware. The trailhead was crowded but there is plenty of additional parking available on the dirt road next to it.

Due to the heat and mountain forecast of thunder storms in the afternoon and evening, we decided to camp at Copper Creek campground at about 3.5 easy miles in, rather than up on the pass. This turned out to be a great decision because the heat, and lack of water sources along our route, necessitated carrying 4-5 liters of water. Hikers commented afterward that due to the heat and lack of any wind, they may not have made it all the way if they were carrying both their full pack + the 4-5 liters of water.

Copper Creek camp has quite a few nice spaces and easy access to water, but lots of bugs. The trail up toward the pass is in great condition, it opens up about ¾ miles after Copper Creek with great views and plenty of flowers. As we approached Marmot Mt., we realized we had taken the direct trail up toward Marmot Mt. peak rather than to Marmot Pass approximately 600ft lower. Since we were close to gaining the ridge directly below the peak of Marmot Mt., we decided to continue up the moderately steep trail to arrive on the ridge just below the peak. What a view and well worth the effort!

The easy and quick descent back to camp was especially enjoyable since the bugs started to subside. The next morning we headed over to the B-17 crash site on our way back to the trailhead. I recommend two things: One, drop your packs at the main trail to help with fairly steep .6 miles hike up and two, lather yourself in bug repellant.  

Overall great trip with beautiful views. Just beware of the heat since a significant portion of the trail has full sun exposure and don’t forget the bug juice!