Tubal Cain Mine to Buckhorn Lake — Sunday, Jul. 29, 2012

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

This was a beautiful hike that I can't believe we've never done before! The 20 mile drive in from Sequim Bay didn't seem to deter the masses, as we passed nearly 20 backpackers returning from their weekend camping and at least 49 other people signed in at the register after we took off for the hike. The trail is in fantastic shape, just a little mud in a few places. Plentiful water and shade for the dogs, starting in a cool rhododendron forest, then gently climbing through firs and pines until you break into the open with expansive views of the Olympics and Buckhorn Mountain. We went 5.5 miles in, to the junction with Buckhorn Lake trail, had lunch, then turned around. Wildflowers galore and at their peak: bright sunshiny arnica, richly indigo larkspur, and lots of tiger lilies, harebells, paintbrush, lupine, aster, columbine, etc. A few biting flies and mosquitoes but the gentle breeze kept them away and DEET wasn't needed. There was one stream crossing where many people, including us, lost the trail briefly because there were so many side paths, all of which looked well-used. I've included a picture of the crossing. You can cross on the remains of an old broken down bridge (you can see the parallel slats lying angled in the river), then turn left for a couple dozen feet and find the trail heading upwards; or you can cross where the picture shows, over a couple of fallen logs (there is a rusted cable on the opposite shore). The trail is NOT to the left; it is actually directly across from this crossing. Notes: Elev. Gain at 5.5 miles (2000 ft, gently moderate grade) NW Forest Pass required. Dogs allowed. Plentiful water along the way.