24. MARMOT PASS, OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

A classic hike in the Olympic rain shadow, Marmot Pass is often kissed with sunbeams while nearby ridges swirl with clouds. And while a small population of marmots wander this high country—hikers are abundant. Plan your hike for mid-week and be a good steward of this beautiful but fragile destination.

Starting at an elevation of 1400 feet, the Lower Big Following the Upper Big Quilcene River Trail, immediately enter the 44,258-acre Buckhorn Wilderness, the largest road-less area within the Olympic National Forest. The trail starts off easy meandering though magnificent stands of primeval forest along the churning Big Quilcene River. After passing Shelter Rock Camp the trail steeply climbs away from the river and leaves the valley floor. Soon the forest yields to open avalanche chutes and scree slopes fanning down from Buckhorn and Iron Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged surroundings. Then enter groves of yellow cedar and subalpine fir and come to Camp Mystery with its dual springs.

Next wander up a corridor of meadows bursting with wildflowers and pockmarked with marmot burrows. After skirting beneath a steep rock face emerge at a small hanging valley just below the open pass. One final push and you’re standing at one of the supreme viewing spots in the Olympics. Gaze east to Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and the Cascades. The Dungeness Valley spreads out below to the west, flanked by Mounts Mystery, Deception, and Walkinshaw; some of the highest summits in the Olympics.

If you have more energy consider going farther following a scramble path north for one mile and climbing over 1,000 feet to the 6,998-foot summit of Buckhorn Mountain. The views are beyond breathtaking.