Tubal Cain Mine to Buckhorn Lake — Saturday, Jun. 14, 2014

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

I did a day hike to Buckhorn Lake and back. The first part of the trip should give some valley views but mine we're obstructed by a constant fog. There were some flowers blooming to keep me entertained, though. The middle portion of the hike as you near the mine brings you into some dark, wet forest. I looked in the mine at the Toll Canyon trail intersection but was alone and hadn't see anyone else for a while so decided not to explore in case it was dangerous. After you cross Copper Creek the second time you'll complete a short switch back and then a longer one. After that you have about a 2.5 mi stretch along a big slope with some beautiful views. I stopped many times along here to snap pictures and soak it all in. Buckhorn Lake was nice but nothing too special. I thought it would be fun to come back and swim on a hot summer day, though. A few other notes - the road to the trail head is well signed along the way and only has some scattered potholes to deal with. The trail itself has some very soft tread and should make for easy going. The only issue I had was finding my way near the second creek crossing. The trail splits at one point and both ways appear to be main trails. You want to go right climbing into a small clearing and then make your way down to the creek to a makeshift crossing of small logs.