Lower Big Quilcene Trail

Big Quilcene River. Photo by Bob & Alex

Olympic Peninsula. The Lower 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. It is a heavily used trail and in need of maintenance, as hikers, mountain bikers, and horseman will be heading up this valley soon.

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:
WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE QUILCENE RANGER STATION AT 8:30 AM. You will want to catch the 7:10 ferry at Edmonds to go to Kingston. The ranger station is 40 minutes from the ferry dock at Kingston. Follow Highway 104 from Kingston 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. The ranger station is located on the north side of Hwy 101 as it leaves Quilcene heading south. (Driving and ferry time from Edmonds: approximately 1.15 hour. It is advisable to be at the ferry dock early during peak vacation periods.)