Road to Notch Pass, as previously mentionedin other reports, has many large potholes, so I would recommend no low riding vehicles. Pass trail is in good shape with a few fallen trees across it that are easy step-overs. At 1900' feet you'll need to hop over a couple of trees, but no problem.
One the lower Big Quilcene, Bark Shanty Camp is in a beautiful grove of huge old growth trees with 6 or so sites close to each other and right next to the river. Next camp upstream is Jolly Cr. Camp. There is one very large camp site on the east side of the creek, but with very little level ground for a tent. But, I made it work for my overnighter. On the west side of the creek are five level sites, closely spaced and right next to the river and creek. I choose not to use these sites as the rapids in the Quilcene made it noisier than I wanted for a good nights sleep ( I am a very soft sleeper). The trail is in great shape with no obstacles.
Upper Quilcene has a fir tree that has fallen along the trail (2900') that requires you to walk through the branches and finally over the trunk. It is not difficult to do as the path has been trampled down considerably. There is a single campsite at about 3500' and at 3700'. The latter, I think, being Shelter Rock Camp. A large area void of underbrush but only one flat space for a tent that I saw. Very shorty after Big Rock Shelter and crossing a creek bridge you will run into heavy snow. I hiked up to 3850' to see if there were areas of clear trail. But no, it is solid snow so I turned around.
Flowers- I only saw one rhododendron starting to bloom near the beginning of Notch Pass, so it is still a little early to see them in flower. Plenty of Trillium, which are in better shape the higher up you go. Saw a few Calypso orchids, twisted stalks and false solomon's seal in bloom. Lots of yellow violets. All in all, a pretty hike with large trees and beautiful green mosses and lichens along the trail.
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