Mount Ellinor
1 week ago
Fog can shroud summit views
8 this month · 147 reports
Lower Big Quilcene River
Olympic Peninsula
updated 6 days ago
The Lower Big Quilcene River trail is currently passable with a significant obstacle. A very large tree is down at the 2-mile mark, requiring hikers to go under it, which may be difficult for those with mobility challenges or heavy packs, as reported on September 19, 2026. The trail is otherwise in good condition and snow-free. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles. While most reports indicate no significant bugs, one from August 7, 2026, noted bugs were not too bad. The trail is mostly shaded and follows the river, offering a pleasant experience on warm days, and the privy at the trailhead is reportedly clean and stocked.
Generated from 52 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Lower Big Quilcene River
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The most recent report from September 19, 2026, states that a very large tree is down at the 2-mile mark. Hikers had to go under it, and it may be impassable for those with mobility challenges or heavy packs. No subsequent reports have updated this condition.
Reports from June 26, 2026, through September 19, 2026, consistently state that the road is suitable for all vehicles. One report from June 26, 2026, mentioned a couple of deep potholes but considered them no big deal.
Reports from July 14, 2026, and June 26, 2026, mention small creeks flowing across the trail. However, no reports describe these as major obstacles, and the two bridges are noted as being in great shape with recent railing repairs.
Crowd levels vary. On July 4th weekend, only 8 hikers and 10 mountain bikers were seen. Mid-week, late morning arrivals on a hot summer day saw few cars and ample parking. A Saturday hike on September 19, 2026, encountered about 16 hikers, 3 bicyclists, and 1 dog.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh6 days ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Tree down at the 2-mile markI walked the trail on Saturday with a buddy. We went to the Notch Pass turnoff, the three-mile mark, had a break, and returned to the trailhead. We saw about 16 hikers, 3...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
we only hiked the first couple of miles, almost to the first campsite. The trail is in great shape and, as it follows an old road bed, it's easy stepping for those not too sure footed. Also not a lot ...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
We hiked 5.5 miles in to Camp Jolley and back. The trail was in great shape, with only two minor logs on the trail. As we passed Bark Shanty Camp, a bunch of parents and kids were breaking camp. Be...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Missing: small purple eagle creek sack, including a red jersey and two pink calf compression socksLikely left either at Bark Shanty or trailhead
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The Lower Big Quilcene is an excellent hike for a warm summer day. We hiked 7 miles round trip. Enjoyed a beautiful spot on the river for lunch about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The trail was totall...
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The lower BQ trail is a short but delightful, family friendly hike, especially on a hot summer day. Even arriving late morning during the mid-week we were surprised that there were few cars at the tra...
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The Lower Big Quilcene was our choice for the 4th of July weekend. This is a good hike if the weather is warm as the trail is shaded most of the way. We hiked to Bark Shanty (3 miles) for lunch and th...
Older3 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Arrived to the lot about 7pm on Friday with only one car already there. The road to the trailhead has a couple deepish potholes but is really no big deal. We hiked in to Bark Shanty Camp and set up fo...
Older3 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
A perfect day for a hike on the Peninsula! Our group of eight Mountaineers met at the Quilcene Ranger Station at 8:00am and consolidated cars since the parking at the Lower Big Quilcene trailhead is s...
Older3 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
A bit past the junction with the Notch Pass Trail, the Lower Big Quilcene Trail had a problem spot: A stretch was just too steep for hikers, bikers, and stock. So, over 3 days from June 11 to 13, Gra...