We started at the Marmot Pass trailhead and enjoyed the slowly graded and shaded trail along the river, up to Camp Mystery. Load up with water here, the ridge and pass are dry with the only snow available on Boulder Ridge. The climb up to Buckhorn ridge was slow and steady with all the water and overnight packs, but we found a level campsite on the ridge. It was exposed, hot and buggy. We built a small windbreak, but it didn't help much, as the ridge got very windy at sunset and didn't let up by the time we packed up at 8 the next morning. The fireworks were cool to see from so far away throughout the Sound and south to Tacoma.

Tubal Cain Trail, again was hot and exposed, but a great gradual trail down. At Buckhorn lake we filled up again, but you didn't need much as Copper Creek is flowing well right now. Check out the mine!

We had lunch and napped at the Tubal Cain trailhead next to the river and decided to take the trail up to Silver Lake instead of having another hot and windy day on Townsend via Little Quilcene Trail. There are no campsites along the Silver Lake way Trail, but plenty of water. We camped just shy of Silver Lake and enjoyed no wind but plenty of bugs!

Our third and final day, we hoofed it up the pass to Mount Townsend trail and detoured to Welch peaks. I recommend a helmet and being VERY comfortable with scrambling around no fall zones. The rest of the trail down to Townsend Trailhead was uneventful.

We saw so many people heading uphill around 2pm with very little water and dogs. The only source of water is the first creek barely 1 mile in and then a pond at Camp Windy that is the last source of water. 

We were lucky enough to get a ride back to Marmot Pass trailhead, and apparently left our hiking poles in their car... :)

Rain stayed away! Perfect overnight at Boulder Camp to celebrate the start of summer

Road:

FR 2870 is in good condition. You'll hit bumps and potholes intermittently but they're easy to avoid for the most part and lower clearance vehicles made it to the trailhead. 

Trail:

The trail is wide, mostly flat, and in fantastic condition between the trailhead and Camp Handy. Rhododendrons were blooming in the Dungeness River valley along the road and trail. Leaving Camp Handy, the trail narrows somewhat and becomes loose rock at times, but is still in great shape. The same applies to the section between Boulder Camp and Marmot Pass. As you approach the pass, there are two snowfields to cross, with only the first as you climb up posing any problems. Well-defined kick steps make crossing relatively simple, but a steep drop and rapidly melting snow make the crossing worth caution. From the Pass, the trail up Buckhorn Mountain is steep and loose, but otherwise easy to follow. 

Quick overnighter on Marmot Pass along with everyone else. Was able to take care of 5 logs across the trail but left a couple that were too big for my saw. Trail is clear and in great shape other than that.

Snow patches on the climb up from Camp Mystery but should be melted out soon. Soft and slushy and spikes won’t help. Poles may be of use if you’re not confident in your footing.

Trail up to Buckhorn is clear of snow. Some lingering fields at the top of the ridge if you’re planning on camping up there.

It was warm last night. Perfect weather and zero bugs.

Set off midweek for my first alpine trip of the season.  Forecast looked great and it was perfect conditions, not too hot for the uphill climb and not to cold at night even with melting snow around.  Went up Tubal Cain, past Buckhorn Lake and camped at Buckhorn Pass - always love the view from there.

ROAD: The Upper Dungeness Road conditions are about the same as always, washboard and car eating potholes abound, especially the first section heading down towards the Dungeness Forks campground from Palo Alto Rd.  Some of the worst potholes past Dungeness Forks from last year have been filled with new gravel (thanks Forest Service) but other ones took their place.  No boulders on the road this year but a growing sink hole about two miles before the Upper Dungeness parking lot is definitely something to be on the lookout for.

TRAIL:  Trail is in great shape, no downed trees or snow to cross.  There are snow fields beyond Buckhorn Pass on the way to Marmot Pass/Boulder Shelter but nothing before - if you are uncomfortable on snow, plan on micro spikes for the next couple weeks as the trail side cuts snow.  There are existing steps kicked in, but in the morning the snow is very solid.

WATER:  If you are heading beyond the Buckhorn Lake turnoff, there is only one small trickle of a stream crossing the trail on the way to the pass, maybe 1/4 mile from the pass.  Pumps won't work but filling a bottle/bladder was easy.  There is plenty of snow to melt - fortified with pine needles :-)

CAMPING: Buckhorn Pass is melting out with one spot open.  We did a side trip up Buckhorn Mountain and I snapped a pic of the Marmot Pass basin from up high.  Still lots of snow there with little camping...Camp Mystery is probably your best bet.

All in all it felt great to shake off the winter, get the gear ready and head up to the high country once again!

Recommend a rock helmet for the scramble portion last 1 mile. boot path. From main trail it is  steep with lots of loose rock choss and dirt.   Recommend trekking poles and gloves 3 points of contact needed in a few small sections trail up to top of the peak.    Quilcene river trail is mostly moderate blowdowns easy to navigate. Few snow patches left will be gone in two weeks  past camp windy.  True distance more like 17 miles round trip according to my fit bit