We'd driven past the point where the notch pass trail crosses FS 27 a number of times. Have hiked notch pass down to Lower Big Quilcene in the past as well. This time we explored uphill from FS 27 on notch pass to the high point. It is an entirely different world than the NP to LBQ. Almost dryer in some ways, without heavy fern/salal, etc cover, but shady and cool. Lots of moss, noticed that rocks along the trail were all wet and realized it was condensation from moisture blowing over the pass from the straits.
Then we explored road 100 which crosses the NP trail near the top. We turned to the left, uphill, to see if we could get high enough for a view out. Only went a mile or so and then turned back. Dry, hottish, glad to get back in the shade. This would be a great fall/winter exploratory hike.
Lots of flowers, including Turk's cap, valarian, penstemon.
Next we checked out another gravel road a little further down FS 27. This is noted severally, as road 090 and 093. It's a one-track that rapidly narrows as you climb above 2800'. In our Prius, prudence took the better part of valor and we managed, just, to turn around and come back down. However about a mile or so from the FS 27 junction, where the road swings with a southern exposure there are nice peek-a-boo views of Constance.
This is another road we'd like to explore in a car with higher clearance!
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