Marmot Pass '05,  Buckhorn Wilderness Area,  Sep 11, 2005 - Sep 13, 2005     page 1 / 26

After having first visited the Buckhorn Wilderness in June, I was interested in exploring more of the area. Dad and found a recent weekend just for that purpose.

Our goal was to reach Marmot Pass. Though the pass can be reached via the Big Quilcene trail from the east, the Copper Creek trail made for an easier climb. We headed in on Sunday, beginning our hike at midday. The consistently graded trail made for a delightful hike to Buckhorn Lake.

The first three miles is through dense forest, with abundant rhododendrens. After crossing Copper Creek, the trail switchbacks a couple times, then traverses well above the valley floor through high meadows. These meadows were littered with blooming flowers when I visited in June, but few were present on this trip. Instead, the meadows were filled with dry grass, reminding us that autumn had arrived.