Marmot Pass - Upper Big Quilcene

Great trail; few offer the diversity of environments this one does. The trail is currently in excellent condition, and visiting midweek I didn't encounter much traffic at all. I was the only person camping anywhere near Marmot Pass or Camp Mystery! If making an overnight trip, I recommend one of the campsites just above Camp Mystery or one really great spot just below the pass and to the immediate right of the trail.

Although a ranger at Quilcene cautioned me about aggressive goats around the pass, I didn't encounter or see signs of any goats in the area. Mosquito presence was also at a minimum. Watch out for exceptional fungi for the first few miles in the forest, and if staying overnight, be sure to ascend Mount Buckhorn for an incredible sunrise view (the trail to Mt. Buckhorn is in good condition, requiring a little moderate scrambling at the summit. The trail begins about 100 yards north of the pass and steeply ascends for about 1/3 mile before leveling out somewhat on the ridge.