June Hikes: 3.5 to 6 miles, 400 to 1,500 feet gain - Lower Big Quilcene

Our tour of the Olympic National Forest trails on Hood Canal continues! The goal for this hike will be to get outside and enjoy a walk in the woods while returning to the trailhead safely. We will plan to do introductions and orientation at 8:00, then hit the trail. My hike style is social, but destination-focused and I encourage getting to know your fellow hikers. I am happy to stop for photos and plant identification, but ask that folks keep up with the group. We will hike as a loose group (everyone remains within eyesight) at a pace of 1.5-2.0mph depending on how the group is feeling. We will plan to stop for a snack at Bark Shanty Camp.

We will be hiking to the Notch Pass trail junction from the Lower Big Quilcene Trailhead. Our route begins as an old roadbed through the mossy forest, passing old growth cedars and blooming rhododendrons. We will reach Bark Shanty Camp just before our turnaround point. There are several scenic bridges along the route! The trail is tree covered, which provides shade on warm days and cover from the rain on wet days. The trail has a gentle slope and hiking poles are recommended. We should finish hiking within 4 hours. After the hike, participants are invited to have lunch at Quilbilly's Restaurant and Taproom!

More information about the trail can be found here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/lower-big-quilcene-to-notch-pass-trail-junction

8:00am at the Lower Big Quilcene trailhead. I suggest arriving at the trailhead 15 minutes early. Hikers are expected to be geared up and ready to hike at 8:00. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required.