Located within the 44,000-acre Buckhorn Wilderness, Tunnel Creek is one of the quietest trails in the Olympic rain shadow. Perhaps because it doesn't lead to a major lake or peak, this trail escapes the attention of many hikers. It didn't escape the attention of the Washington State Department of Transportation, however-they featured the creek on the cover of the 2002-2003 official state highway map.

For nearly 3 miles this delightful trail follows the South Fork Tunnel Creek through a tunnel of towering old-growth hemlocks and fir. The hike is perfect on a misty morning or a sweltering afternoon, as the ancient trees do a good job of regulating the temperature, keeping you either warm or cool. The old but restored shelter at 2.7 miles makes for a good turnaround point. But if you have extra energy, continue farther up the trail.

At 0.25 mile you'll cross the cascading creek on a sturdy bridge. Stop to admire its tumbling waters. Now shifting gears, the trail begins to steeply climb 1000 feet, reaching daylight at tiny Harrison Lake. Climb just a little bit more to take in an up-close-and-
personal view of Mount Constance's impressive vertical east face. In 0.4 mile from the lake the trail reaches a ridge crest, maxing out at 5050 feet. You can scramble along the rocky ridge a little ways to better appreciate Constance's towering presence.