Tunnel Creek Trail

Tunnel Creek Trail. Photo by Nutmeg.

Olympic National Forest. This hiker-only trail traverses the Buckhorn Wilderness, climbing to Fifty-Fifty Pass at 5050 feet at the head of the South Fork of Tunnel Creek. The work will include clearing, tread work and general trail maintenance.

In the Olympic National Forest. Hikers only, 7.3 miles one way. This route traverses the Buckhorn Wilderness, climbing to Fifty-Fifty Pass at 5050 feet at the head of the South Fork of Tunnel Creek. At first the trail parallels Tunnel Creek, ascending through hemlock forest as it traverses above the stream. Passing Camp Monk at 0.5 mils the path veers away from the creek and climbs through an impressive old-growth forest. At Tunnel Creek Shelter, the going gets rough. As the trail starts switchbacking, it crosses the creek as it climbs steeply to Harrison Lake. Above the lake the trail becomes steeper and rockier as it climbs the shaded north slope, coming out at the divide, where outstanding views of Mount Constance can be had. At Fifty-Fifty Pass (4.1 miles, 5050 feet), The Brothers can be viewed along with Mt. Rainier and the Dosewallips Valley. Beyond the divide, the trail descends rapidly to the Dosewallips River, losing a mile in elevation in just over three miles.

Driving directions:
Tunnel Creek Trail #841 starts 12 miles south of Quilcene on FS Road #2740. Take US Highway 101 south from Quilcene for one mile to Penny Creek Road. Follow the county road 1.4 miles to “Y” where pavement ends. Take a left onto a gravel road and go 1.3 miles to Forest boundary. Stay on paved road #27 for 1.3 miles and turn left on FS Road #2740. Travel on #2740 for 6.6 miles to the trailhead.