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HIKING NEAR BRINNON

Short Hiking Trails

Buckhorn Wilderness photo by US Forest Service

Ranger Hole Trail: South of Brinnon, take Forest Service Road #2510 4 miles to the end of pavement. Trail is on the left, near Interrorem Cabin. The historic 1907 Interrorem Cabin is for rent. Contact Hoodsport Ranger Station for information: (360) 877-5254. Trail is 0.8 mi., mostly flat but steep down to the river. Moderate difficulty. Views of falls can be seen from Ranger Hole, so named because rangers stationed at the guard station used to fish there. HAZARD WARNING: River contains swift water, rapids, and waterfalls. Use extreme caution near this river. USFS Olympic National Forest web site USFS Ranger Hole Trail #824

Interrorem Nature Trail: Hike 100 feet on Ranger Hole trail to junction with nature trail. 0.25 mi., flat, easy hike. Interpretive trail winds through large second-growth trees, growing among giant cedar stumps and firs from yesteryear. Rain forest atmosphere, with lots of ferns and moss. There is a wonderful rustic cabin available in the Duckabush Recreation Area. Good info on Interrorem Cabin and how to book a stay at ReserveAmerica web site USFS Interrorem trail #804

Murhut Falls: Take FS Rd #2510 in Duckabush Recreation Area to FS Rd #2530. Turn and drive 1.3 mi. to trailhead. 0.8 mi, easy to moderately difficult trail through forest. Good place for camera shots of high, picturesque waterfall and peek-a-boo views of Jupiter Ridge. USFS Murhut Falls Trail #828

USFS short trails near Quilcene Olympic National Forest nature trails and day hikes Mt. Townsend day hike info & review

Medium Hiking Trails

Mt. Walker Viewpoint & Mt. Walker Trail: Turn left on Mt. Walker Viewpoint Road. Drive 1/4 mile to trailhead. Pullover parking on the left; trailhead on right. 2 mile, fairly steep - 10-20% grade, 2,000 foot elevation gain, to 2,805 feet. Forested hike through Douglas-fir, spring blooming rhododendrons, salal and Oregon Grape. Vistas at the north viewpoint include Mt. Constance, Buckhorn Mountain, Mt. Baker, town of Quilcene. Vistas from the south viewpoint include the Hood Canal, Mt. Rainier, Seattle 28 miles away, Everett 33 miles and Tacoma 39 miles. Season May - September USFS Olympic National Forest web site USFS Mt. Walker Trail #894

USFS medium trails near Quilcene

Long Hiking Trails

Duckabush River Trail: Take FS Road #2510 for 6 miles to FS Road #2510-060 and the trailhead. At trailhead: vault toilet, parking, registration, wilderness permit box for Olympic National Park. Access Park trail via USFS Wilderness Trail #803, which includes 1,000 foot ascent over Big Hump. River Ford at Upper Duckabush can be hazardous to cross in spring and early summer. The grade gets steeper in climb to subalpine headwaters at Marmot Lake and then O'Neil Pass. Marmot Lake 201 miles; O'Neil Pass 21.3 miles from USFS Duckabush Trailhead. National Park overnight fees required. Trail Park pass required. For more info, call Wilderness Information Center: 360-452-0300, Hood Canal Ranger Station: 360-877-5254; Staircase Ranger Station: 360-877-5569. USFS Duckabush Trail #803

Jupiter Ridge Trail: Take FS Rd. 2610-010 for 2.5 mi. to the junction of FS Rd. #2610-011 (the left fork). Just northof the intersection is a wildlife gate. This gate is locked from October 1 to May 1 and during times of high fire danger. When the gate is locked, you must hike the 011 spur 2.5 mi. to the trailhead. Road 2610-010 is steep, winding, and can be rough in places. Use of trailers is not possible under any circumstances. Trail is 7.2 mi., gradual to steep, in elevations from 2000 to 57000 feet. The trail is listed as "most difficult." The lower portion of the trail is excellent for an early season hike (after May 1st when the gate is open) due to early snow melt on the ridge line. The trail offers day hiking, photographing expansive scenic views and wildflowers, and backpacking. The trail gradually climbs along the ridgeline with views of the Duckabush valley, Mt. Jupiter, The Brothers and Hood Canal. After 5 miles the trail becomes steeper and rougher. Bring plenty of water, there is none along the trail. USFS, Olympic National Forest.

USFS Long hiking trails near Quilcene See more trail opportunities in the Camping section