23. LOWER BIG QUILCENE RIVER in OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

Starting at an elevation of 1400 feet, the Lower Big Quilcene River Trail climbs a mere 1200 feet in its entire 6.5-mile journey. The trail passes by old camps and shelter sites, testaments to when this was the main route to Marmot Pass. A good destination for day hikers is Camp Jolley at just over five miles. But the 5.4-mile round trip to Bark Shanty Camp makes for fine shorter day hike, too. And the trail is perfect for a backpacking trip as well. Just be sure to use existing campsites and practice leave no trace principles in this drinking watershed for eastern Jefferson County.

The trail starts high above the river on an old roadbed. After a descent of about 100 feet in the first mile the trail enters a steep-walled canyon. Climb and drop 100 feet again coming to a bridged crossing of the Big Quil at 2.5 miles. Then hike along the river through towering old growth, soon reaching Bark Shanty Camp, a great place to stare at the river’s roaring rapids.The trail then re-crosses the river on a sturdy bridge and comes to the western terminus of the Notch Pass Trail. Continue left along the river undulating between old recovering clear-cuts and primeval groves of tall timber. Try to keep your boots dry as you cross a series of side creeks—but Jolley Creek at 5.1 miles will be a challenge. No worries if you can’t make Camp Jolley which is just on the other side of the creek, for this is the turning around spot for this hike.