23. LOWER BIG QUILCENE RIVER

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

Due to its low elevation, abundance of flowering rhododendrons, and mesmerizing rapids, the Lower Big Quilcene Trail makes for a wonderful springhike. Much of the trail follows the Big Quilcene River through a rugged canyon cloaked in patches of primeval forest

Starting at an elevation of 1400 feet, the Lower Big Quilcene River Trail climbs a mere 1200 feet in its entire 6.5-mile journey. The trail passes by old camps and shelter sites, testaments to when this was the main route to Marmot Pass. A good destination for day hikers is Camp Jolley at just over five miles. But the 5.4-mile round trip to Bark Shanty Camp makes for fine shorter day hike, too. And the trail is perfect for a backpacking trip as well. Just be sure to use existing campsites and practice leave no trace principles in this drinking watershed for eastern Jefferson County.

The trail starts high above the river on an old roadbed. After a descent of about 100 feet in the first mile the trail enters a steep-walled canyon. Climb and drop 100 feet again coming to a bridged crossing of the Big Quil at 2.5 miles. Then hike along the river through towering old growth, soon reaching Bark Shanty Camp, a great place to stare at the river’s roaring rapids.The trail then re-crosses the river on a sturdy bridge and comes to the western terminus of the Notch Pass Trail. Continue left along the river undulating between old recovering

clear-cuts and primeval groves of tall timber. Try to keep your boots dry as you cross a series of side creeks—but Jolley Creek at 5.1 miles will be a challenge. No worries if you can’t make Camp Jolley which is just on the other side of the creek, for this is the turning around spot for this hike.

Highlights: Canyon with a tumbling river, old-growth, backpacking Distance: 10.2 miles R/T Trailhead: Privy Elevation gain: 800‘ Difficulty: Moderate Permits: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass Hiking Season: April to November Notes: Open to bikes, motorbikes & horses Kid & Dog Friendly: Yes GPS waypoint: N47 47.008 W122 57.903 Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene; fs.usda.gov/ olympic Map: Green Trails Oly. Mountains E. 168SX Trailhead Directions: From Quilcene, drive US 101 south for 1.5 miles (From Shelton follow US 101 north for 50.5 miles). Turn right onto Penny Creek Road and after 1.5 miles bear left onto Big Quilcene River Road (Forest Road 27). Then drive for 3.4 miles and turn left onto FR 27-080. Continue 0.4 mile to trailhead.