Lower Big Quilcene Trail

Big Quilcene River. Photo by Bob & Alex

Olympic Peninsula. The Big Quilcene trail is one of the most popular routes leading into the interior of the Olympic Mountains. It is the beginning of a trail system that can take you all the way to the coast. We'll meet at the upper trail head and determine which way to work from there based on need.

This trail has 2 trailheads, Lower and Upper. The Lower is open to hikers, stock, and mountain bikers. Part of it is on an old logging road but most of it follows the Big Quilcene River through old growth, clearcuts, and a beautiful river canyon. Above the upper trailhead the trail enters the Buckhorn Wilderness and climbs to Marmot Pass. Years ago the trail extended clear to the town of Quilcene.

Driving directions:
From Kingston, follow Highway 104 to the Hood Canal Bridge. There is a right turn at a stop light a couple miles out of Kingston signed Port Gamble. Drive across the Hood Canal Bridge, continuing west on US 104. At about 19.9 miles from the ferry dock is a sign for Pt. Townsend/Quilcene. It is followed quickly by a sign for the Olympic Music Festival. After this sign turn right and cross under Highway 104. This road ends in 11 miles in Quilcene at an intersection with Highway 101. Turn left or south on US 101, into Quilcene. Take US Highway 101 south of Quilcene 1.0 mile to Penny Creek Road on the right. Follow Penny Creek Road staying left at the Y (mile 1.4) to the Forest Service boundary and paved Forest Service Road #27, continue on FS #27 another 7.5 miles to the intersection with Forest Service Road #2750. Drive #2750 for 4.7 miles to Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead.