Big Quilcene Trail #833

Parking is available at the Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead. This trailhead provides access to both the challenging upper sections and the more moderate lower sections of the trail.

Yes, a recreation pass is required for parking at the trailhead. You can find more information about passes and purchase options on the USDA Forest Service website.

Yes, as the upper section of the trail enters the Buckhorn Wilderness, specific regulations apply to preserve its pristine nature. These typically include Leave No Trace principles, restrictions on group size, and specific rules regarding campfires and waste. Always check the USDA Forest Service website for the most current wilderness regulations before your visit.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in wilderness areas and around other trail users, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Spring and early summer are ideal for the lower section, offering lush greenery and wildflowers. For the upper, more challenging sections and access to alpine meadows, late summer through early fall is best, after the snow has melted and before new snow arrives. Be aware that snow can persist on the upper trail even in early summer.

The trail offers varied terrain. The lower section is an easier lowland forested trail with natural ground, following the Big Quilcene River. The upper section is a significantly more challenging black diamond difficulty singletrack, involving a steady and steep ascent with potentially rocky and pine-needle-covered soft ground, reaching maximum grades of 30%.

The lower section of the trail, which is mostly flat in its initial parts and follows the river, can be suitable for beginner joggers. However, the overall route, especially the upper section, is rated as 'difficult' and features significant climbs, making it less ideal for beginners looking to complete the entire route.

You'll experience diverse scenery, from lush old-growth forests alongside the Big Quilcene River in the lower sections to stunning alpine meadows in the Buckhorn Wilderness at higher elevations. Expect towering trees, wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, particularly from Marmot Pass.

A significant highlight is reaching Marmot Pass, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Olympic range. The trail also meanders alongside the Big Quilcene River, providing peaceful vistas, and passes through diverse ecosystems from lowland forests to alpine meadows.

The full route, as described, is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes to jog, depending on your pace and the specific sections you cover. The upper section will significantly increase the duration due to its steepness.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Big Quilcene Trail #833. It also includes sections of the Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead Road and the Lower Big Quilcene Trail #833, which are part of the same trail system.