Marmot Pass - Tubal Cain, Tubal Cain Trailhead, Olympic National Park, Washington
Marmot Pass - Tubal Cain - 16.0 miles
Tubal Cain Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 16.0 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 3,250' - 5,950' (6,515' max elevation between Buckhorn and Marmot Passes) |
| Elevation Change: | +2,700' net elevation gain (+3,315' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Marmot Pass - Tubal Cain - 16.0 Miles Round-Trip
Marmot Pass (5,950') is located on the south shoulder of Buckhorn Mountain (6,988') along a divisive ridge between the Big Quilcene River headwaters (east) and Dungeness River (west). The pass is accessible by routes of varying distance and difficulty from the Upper Big Quilcene, Upper Dungeness and Tubal Cain trailheads in the Buckhorn Wilderness.
The Tubal Cain Trail runs south through the Copper Creek Valley up to Buckhorn Pass (5,865'), then wraps around the west side of Buckhorn Mountain to Marmot Pass. This longer but more moderate route features lengthy alpine ridges, airy meadows and access to Buckhorn Lake:
The Tubal Cain Trail heads south past several backcountry campsites and the Silver Creek Shelter before turning west and south again into Copper Creek Valley (.5 miles : 3,395').
Travel and trail conditions change little over the next 2.5 miles up the east side of Copper Creek. This well-maintained segment runs under a moss-draped canopy lined by dense rhododendron and salal. Views are quite limited, but occasional breaks offer a glimpse of things to come.
IMPORTANT: The trail reaches a major unmarked split at the 3.0 mile mark (4,240'). Stay right to remain on the Tubal Cain Trail; the left fork leads into a confusing plot of campsites and on to an historic mining area.
Stay right and cross the creek to the west side of the valley (3.2 miles : 4,290'). The correct path continues past a small campsite on the right once over the creek.
Steep switchbacks rise up the west valley wall (3.5 miles : 4,470') as montane forests give way to open slopes and meadows (4.0 miles : 4,750'). Keep straight at the split for Buckhorn Lake (5.0 miles : 5,185').
The trail scales another set of switchbacks along exposed, east-facing slopes (5.5 miles : 5,480') before moderating on the final push to Buckhorn Pass (6.2 miles 5,865').
It continues south over Buckhorn Pass and rises steeply up the west side of Buckhorn Mountain (7.5 miles 6,515'). The final segment, which is fully exposed and subject to strong winds and white out conditions, drops over 500' to Marmot Pass (8.0 miles : 5,950').
Visible peaks include Mount Deception, Mount Mystery and Mount Fricaba. The trail continues down the pass to a connection with the Dungeness River Trail, and across the Olympic National Park Boundary to Home Lake and Constance Pass.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 53.166 W123 05.489 — 0.0 miles: Tubal Cain Trailhead 3,250'
- N47 53.184 W123 05.912 — 0.5 miles: Trail bends hard south up Copper Creek 3,395'
- N47 52.769 W123 05.736 — 1.0 miles: Trail continues though Fir and Rhododendron
- N47 52.315 W123 05.564 — 1.5 miles: Trail remains in forest on moderate ascent
- N47 51.918 W123 05.652 — 2.0 miles: Conditions remain unchanged
- N47 51.276 W123 05.655 — 2.5 miles: Break 4,000' elevation
- N47 50.949 W123 06.111 — 3.0 miles: Mine Site - bear right at unmarked trail split
- N47 50.934 W123 06.160 — 3.2 miles: Cross creek then turn right onto trail
- N47 51.110 W123 06.210 — 3.5 miles: Trail begins switchbacking up
- N47 51.179 W123 06.277 — 4.0 miles: Heading south on exposed mountainside
- N47 50.815 W123 06.623 — 4.5 miles: Great up-valley views of Buckhorn and Iron Mountains
- N47 50.467 W123 06.947 — 5.0 miles: Trail split to Buckhorn Lake - Stay Straight
- N47 50.334 W123 07.243 — 5.5 miles: Set of switchbacks up exposed mountainside
- N47 50.349 W123 07.482 — 6.0 miles: Final push to Buckhorn Pass
- N47 50.209 W123 07.667 — 6.2 miles: Buckhorn Pass - 5,865'
- N47 49.684 W123 07.772 — 7.0 miles: Above treeline between Buckhorn and Marmot Passes
- N47 49.339 W123 07.883 — 7.5 miles: Above Marmot Pass which is visible from this point
- N47 49.082 W123 08.003 — 8.0 miles: Marmot Pass - 5,950'
Worth Noting
- Fires are not permitted at Buckhorn Lake, and there are no reliable water sources above the lake. Consider water access when planning your trip.
- Mountain Goats inhabit the Buckhorn Wilderness, and are attracted to salty smells like sweaty clothing and human waste. Keep a clean camp, follow waste disposal guidelines and maintain a safe, respectful distance from wildlife.
- The trail continues over Marmot Pass into Olympic National Park. NPS rules and camping permit requirements apply within park boundaries, regardless of your starting point.
Camping and Backpacking Information
There are many great campsites scattered throughout the Tubal Cain - Copper Creek area. Camping is dispersed and please try to use established backcountry campsites to minimize ecological disturbance. There is a self-registration board at the Tubal Cain Trailhead. No permit or fee is required.
Fishing Information
Fishing is permitted in Copper Creek and Buckhorn Lake. The Forest Service abides by all Washington State Fishing Regulations. License required.
Rules and Regulations
No pass or fee is required to access the Tubal Cain Trailhead.
The following is not permitted:
- Groups consisting of more than 12 persons and/or 8 head of livestock.
- Starting and/or maintaining open fires, such as camp, cooking and warming fires above 3,500'.
- Gathering wood for starting and/or maintaining open fires or stoves above 3,500'.
- Tethering of livestock to trees and/or other vegetation, except for incidental use not to exceed 30 minutes.
- Possessing and/or transporting unprocessed vegetative matter such as hay, straw, grass or grain. The use of pelletized or certified weed-free feed is required in all National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. This helps prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
- Caching or leaving equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for a period in excess of 24 hours.
- Possessing or using any form of wheeled vehicle for the purpose of transportation of such things as people, equipment, personal property, supplies and game.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat, motorized equipment, hang glider or bicycle.
Directions to Trailhead
From the Hood Canal or Quilcene Area - drive north on Highway 101 until you reach Louella Road (near the Sequim Bay State Park). Turn left onto Louella and drive 1 mile to Palo Alto Road. Turn right onto Palo Alto Road and continue for 5.5 miles to a marked road split. Bear right at the split onto Forest Service Road 2880 then a hard right within several hundred yards to remain on 2880.
Take Forest Service Road 2880 for 1.8 miles and bear left onto Forest Service Road 2870. Take Forest Service Road 2870 for 12.4 miles to the Tubal Cain Trailhead (Note: you will pass the Upper Dungeness Trail 3.4 miles before reaching the Tubal Cain Trailhead).
Park at the trailhead - no fee or pass is required.
Contact Information
Olympic National Forest
Supervisor's Office
1835 Black Lk Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 956-2402
TTD (360) 956-2401
Hours: 8-4:30, M-F
Hood Canal Ranger District - Quilcene
295142 Highway 101 S.
PO Box 280
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765 2200
TDD (360) 765 2200
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