Marmot Pass
Olympic Peninsula
As of early August 2026, Marmot Pass conditions are generally good. The trail is in great shape, with only a few downed trees requiring navigation. Wildflowers were blooming in late July and early August, and some reports noted butterflies and minimal bugs at higher elevations.
The road to the trailhead has significant potholes, particularly in the last few miles, requiring slow and careful driving, though sedans have made it. Parking is typically available, even for afternoon arrivals. Water is available at Camp Mystery, the last reliable source before the pass. Some hikers experienced smoky conditions in the afternoons (August 2nd, August 4th), while others reported clear air. Buckhorn Mountain, accessible from the pass, can be steep and slippery with loose gravel.
generated from 61 reports
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Found...Fishing rod.Did this hike yesterday and on the way out found a fishing rod.If it's yours email a descriptionBobbyayala99@yahoo.comHike was pleasant on the way up.Lots of sound from the river o...
Took teenage son on his first overnight. Live in Seattle, but decided with smoke in the Cascades to venture out to the Olympics and I’m glad we did. Though rated as difficult or hard, I found this to ...
Overnight at Marmot Pass, camped at Camp Mystery, hit the Pass for sunrise.The trail is in fantastic shape, with an easy grade that I noticed the most on the way down - one of the easiest hikes out wi...
Kudos to the WTA work party that was cleaning up a couple of big trees that had fallen over the trail during the winter. We really appreciate the work they do to make the trails useful for all of u...
Trail itself in great condition. We encountered a short, light rain, sun, clouds, and wind over the course of trip. It was beautiful and will do it again someday.
Some helpful information from our one night backpacking trip up to Marmot Pass this past Saturday night:-We took the 7:10 ferry out of Edmonds and the line was already filling up fast. Recommend addin...
The road in is fine, mostly paved, although the kind of pavement that's slumping and narrow. You have to take it at a moderate speed and slow down at the corners. The last 3 unpaved miles are the wors...
single night backpack (planned for 2, but the fog had other plans. we prioritized comfortable beds and restaurant meals over no views and cold)Road: passable for all vehicles, but lots of potholes esp...
Arrived at Upper Big Quilcene trailhead at 8:45 am on a Monday morning. Parking lot was about half full. USFS roads leading to the TH were generally in good shape except the last 2-3 miles (lots of ...
Arrived at the trailhead about 9:30 on a Monday morning, and the lot was about 2/3 full. The road was in good shape except for the last mile or two before the trailhead- a few sections there with lar...
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