Backpack Marmot Pass

Quilcene, Washington

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 9 photos

All 9 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

11.5 miles

Elevation Gain

3500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ashlee Langholz

This hike offers stunning sunset and sunrise views from the pass overlooking Olympic National Forest.

This trail has a nice, steady climb that's perfect for beginner or intermediate backpackers. The first 2.5 miles follow a forest trail along the Big Quilcene River. For the next 3 miles, the trail flows in and out of shaded trees, over a small talus field, and through a meadow before the final accent to the pass.

From here, follow the ridge to the right or left and find your camp. If you want to climb another 900', take a day pack and summit nearby Buckhorn Mountain. When you're ready to take off, head back to your car the way you came.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Backpacking

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Reviews

Cristal McClure

Backpack Marmot Pass

04/10/16

This is a FANTASTIC day hike and it's one of my favorites in the Olympics. While it can be challenging on a hot day, the views are well worth it, and a 360 panoramic view in the heart of the Olympics can't be beat. Once you reach Marmot Pass, there are a few neighboring peaks that are fun to summit (we've seen mountain goats up here!). You can also continue walking on a network of trails beyond Marmot that follow the ridgeline and provide epic views. The trail is never too crowded and it is easily accessible from Quilcene.

5.0

Admin

Kyle Frost

Admin

Backpack Marmot Pass

08/03/15

Great spot for a quick backpacking trip. We headed up the ridge to the left of the pass, which eventually leads to a bigger flat area with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Incredible spot for sunset and sunrise!

5.0

Rachel Christiansen

Backpack Marmot Pass

06/16/15

Great day hike too! I started at about 1:00 and finished before 6:00

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Buckhorn Mountain

The climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain. Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass. Be sure to filter water at Camp Mystery, just below the final climb to Marmot Pass. This is the last water source until you...

Backpack to Marmot and Constance Passes

The secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics. And Marmot Pass itself is not something to be overlooked--it is an absolutely stunning route on th...

Hike Mount Townsend

There are four trailheads that guide you to the top of Mount Townsend, but the most popular choice is to begin at the Upper Trailhead Trail #839 (snow permitting). The trail gradually climbs while traversing through forested area. While walking through the fir and hemlock trees, you pass three gurgling stream gullies that are wonderful places to cool off or grab some water. Soon after, you br...

Hike Lower Big Quilcene River

While this hike does not provide any sort of fantastic views, its does provide an easy ~13 mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead to a parking lot for the Upper Big Quilcene Trail which leads to Marmot Pass. Along the way you will cross several bridges, some large and wide, other simple log bridges with one sided rails. There are several camping spots along the way, both right next to the river...

Hike to Royal Basin

If you're looking for a long day hike or multi-night backpacking trip in the Olympics, add Royal Lake and Royal Basin to your adventure list! The first mile of trail along the Dungeness River gains a gentle 300 feet. When you reach the bridge, do not cross it (the trail across the bridge goes to Marmot Pass in the Buckhorn Wilderness). Take a right and follow the sign to Royal Basin! For ...

Hike Falls View Canyon

This hike is located immediately off of Highway 101 in the Falls View Campground. If the campground is closed you can park right outside of the gate (but don't block it) and hike in. Inside the gate you will see 3 paths in front of you, take a left and after about a quarter mile you will reach the trail head. There are actually two trail options here. I recommend hiking the option on the right ...

Backpack Marmot Pass

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Buckhorn Mountain

Backpack to Marmot and Constance Passes

Hike Mount Townsend

Hike Lower Big Quilcene River

Hike to Royal Basin

Hike Falls View Canyon

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps