Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead to Marmot Pass (and back) 6/26/20 8:04:56 AM
The road to the trail head is recently graded and in great shape....suitable for any car. The trail us to Mamot Pass is 100% snow free and in great shape...though there are a few spots where stream run off, an inch or two deep, is flowing down the trail. On 8am on this Friday morning there were approx 15 cars parked at the trailhead and we passed half a dozen people on the trail as well as 5 other well behaved dogs. Last note, lots of people hiking in N95 paper masks or bandanas cover their faces. 80 degree day, hiking a trail that gains over 3,000 feet of vertical over the 5 miles.....while wearing a mask. Hmmm.Hmm. Overall, 5 hours to hike up to Marmot Pass with a full overnight pack (+the gear, food & water for a dog) and 2 hours to hike back down to the trailhead.
The story: Bentley, my 3 year old black lab, and I left home at 6am and arrived trailhead approx 745am. On the trail at 8am. Hiked to Camp Mystery, set up camp and dropped off most gear. Took summit pack and hiked up to Marmot Pass. Had lunch at the pass.....and watched dark clouds rolling in fast. My barometer showed air pressure dropping ridiculously fast. Hiked back to Camp and decided to head home instead of sleeping in rain. Left Camp Mystery at 3:15pm and arrived back at the van at 5:15pm. Great day!!! LOVE hiking with Bent!