Tubal Cain Mine…and Yours

TUBAL CAIN MINE AND BUCKHORN LAKE TRAIL REPORT

Buckhorn Lake Trail

History:

Tubal Cain Mine, named after Tubal-cain from the Book of Genesis in the Bible (who happened to be a metal smith who worked with bronze and iron), was founded in 1902, and abandoned in the 1920s after being both too remote and not profitable. Miles from anywhere, the mine sits empty, with debris still around the area for creative campers to use around the camp sites.

Directions:

Buckhorn Wildernes Sign

From Sequim, turn right on Louella Road, just after Sequim Bay State Park. After a mile, turn left on Palo Alto Road and weave your way up hill until you get to Forest Service Road 2880. Follow the dirt road past Dungeness Campground for 1.7 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 2870 and enter the Buckhorn Wilderness Area. Keep to the right on Forest Service Road 2870 and continue along the windy, Rhododendron lined dirt road for about 10 miles until you get to the parking lot for the trail. (On the Right)  

Review:

The view from FS Road 2870

Nearly 22 miles South East of Sequim, one doesn’t immediately think of awesomeness. Don’t get me wrong, the area is beautiful, but it is so remote that I typically just glance out the car window as I fly by on my way to Hurricane Ridge, Dungeness Spit or the Lake Crescent area. However, if you take the time to stop off in the area, a very pleasant, gorgeous surprise will await you.

Once you drive down the steep hills, and weave your way back up into the areas with sweeping vistas of the Olympic Mountains, one really feels like they are back in the Days of Exploration. While the road is wide enough to feel safe on, driving to the trailhead provides you with the thrill that only a dirt road with a nearly a thousand foot drop can provide. The road is gorgeous, lined with Rhododendron plants and the occasional deer and rabbit, but be cautious of potholes from the rough winters we have had. As I drove down this road, I listened to Inna Godda Da Vida as loud as I could, with my windows down. Sure, this may not be completely respectful of nature, I enjoyed myself greatly.

Emergency Shelter

You will soon come down the hill a little bit, and this is where I would stop and use the bathroom. You reach the parking lot for another trailhead, and this is the only port potty within miles. I stopped here, and so should you! Once you relieve yourself and stretch your legs, the road continues for only a few more miles before you get to the Tubal Cain Mine-Buckhorn Lake Trailhead.

Rhododendrons on the trail

Creek Crossing at the start of the trail

The trail head is simple, but immediately on the trail, you realize just how far in you are. Less than one tenth of a mile in you pass a rescue shelter for when storms roll in. Make sure you sign in at the trailhead as well, as the weather may change quickly. The trail crosses a little creek and steady climbs, albeit very minimal for the next 3 miles. In mid-summer, this trail is like the 4^th of July, with Rhododendrons blooming like fireworks in the sky. With reds and purples exploding through the layers of green, the body doesn't seem to mind the steady incline that this trail gives. From what I know, this trail is similar in its rhododendron population to remote areas of Tibet, so take in the sights and smells, because this place is rare.

Tubal Cain Mine

Debris from the Mine

Once you arrive at the Mine area the trail basically disappears. You know you have arrived at this point because there is a lot of old mine debris that litters the area. With a campground located basically on the trail, and hundreds of campers stomping down a path to everywhere, the trail becomes difficult to follow. If you are interested in going to the Mine, stay on the left and you will see a large gravel deposit, with a horrible steep incline of scree. This is how you get to the Mine, and trust me, it is worth it. While it isn’t advised to go into the mineshaft, take a few minutes and take some pictures from inside. Rarely can one find such a remote cave that is so intact.

After getting your fill of spelunking, head down the scree pile and continue to the river that is visible from the mine shaft. This is where the trail to Lake Buckhorn starts. Find a place to cross (I found a few old logs that served as a makeshift bridge) and head up the switchbacks that soon giving you an amazing view of the rugged mountains of the Olympic Mountain Range. With wildflowers blooming and butterflies fluttering around, all with Iron Mountain, Mount Buckhorn and The Needles serving as a backdrop, this trail quickly entered my list of favorite places on earth. The trail is 4 long switchbacks, giving you plenty of opportunity to take pictures, soak up the sights and walk 5.5 miles until you reach the junction to drop down a few hundred feet to Buckhorn Lake. While the snow stopped me (I decided not to be uber-prepared and left the crampons in my car) from reaching the lake, I still feel like I had a successful hike. 

The view from the Buckhorn Lake Trail

With high alpine views, a lunchtime meditation at over 5,300 feet, and the chance to watch a few does graze in the meadow below me, the Buckhorn Wilderness Area is a now one of my favorite areas. With unrivaled beauty, flowers, animals, insects, rivers, a mine and high alpine ridge trails, this area is friendly for families, dogs and solo individuals who want to get back in touch with the magnificence that is the Olympic Peninsula.

 

What to bring:

-          Raingear

-          A Flashlight

-          Camera

-          Bandaids

-          Water

-          Food

-          Binoculars

-          Bug Spray

See you on the trails soon!

Douglas Scott

Exotic Hikes

(360)350-8938

Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls: One of the Olympic Peninsula's Best Areas!

Beautiful Lake Crescent

Miles away from the hustle and bustle of the I-5 Corridor, Washington’s second deepest lake hides to the 17 miles west of the beautiful city of Port Angeles. Serving as a gateway to the Northern Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles usually boasts it’s gem of Hurricane Ridge, but don’t be fooled, Lake Crescent should be a major tourist draw. Home to popular trails, swimming spots and amazing views, Lake Crescent also boasts a lodge that is second to none. Lake Crescent is located near 2 great trails that are family friendly and host amazing views. Both the Spruce Railroad trail and the Marymere Falls trail will give you a great day hike, or a romantic getaway with memories to last a life time.

Mt Storm King and the Ranger Station

                Built in 1916, this turn of the century lodge seems like it belongs more in the alpine hills of Europe than it does in the Rain Forest of the Olympic Peninsula. However, once viewing this picturesque cottage, one easily falls in love with its location and rustic settings. The lodge, which sits on the banks of Lake Crescent, is perfectly situated to explore the northern Olympic Peninsula during the day, and staying in a relaxing, quaint cottage for the night. The Lake Crescent Lodge recently was put on the list of lodges that the National Park Service will be remodeling, making this lodge even more attractive and hospitable in the future.

                From the Lake Crescent Lodge, a quick walk will place you at the Storm King Ranger Station, giving you views of Mt. Storm King and Pyramid Peak, which used to be a World War II spotter cabin to watch for Japanese aircrafts that may attack Puget Sound. Looking like the fjords of Norway, Lake Crescent sits at the bottom of these small, rugged peaks. The log cabin style Storm King Ranger station, when open, will give you the history of the area, as well as provide some pretty fantastic pictures of the region. It is by this ranger station that the Marymere Falls trail is located.

Mt. Storm King Trail

                Well marked, easily followed and basically a flat walk through the dense forests of the Northern Olympic Peninsula Rain Forest. At 1.5 miles round trip, this trail is less of a hike and more of a walk. Half a mile down the trail, a fork appears, and if feeling adventurous, you can go climb Mt. Storm King, which is a 3.8 mile round trip hike in which you gain 1700 feet. At 2400ft, Mt Storm King offers fantastic views of Lake Crescent, as well as a great picnic spot away from the throngs of hikers on the Marymere Falls trail. However, if you decide to go to the falls and battle the crowds, you will be greatly rewarded. After you cross the new metal bridge over the river, the last 400ft of the trail climbs pretty steadily along a ridge, leading you to a great view of Marymere Falls. Take your time walking up this railed path, enjoy the greens of the rain forests and soon you will be given a breathtaking view of a small, yet gorgeous waterfall. At a height of 90ft, this waterfall is impressive in its simplicity.

Wooden Bridge Leading to Marymere Falls

                After a short hike back to the Ranger Station, you still have time to hop in your car and drive about 4 miles west until you get to Camp David Jr. Road, which is home to the Spruce Railroad Trail. The Spruce Railroad Trail, which was built as a working railway during World War I, was going to be used to transport Spruce trees to Port Angeles to build airplanes during the war, however, before the railway was completed, the war ended and the forests was not harvested. The trail is long, but flat, making it perfect for the family in nearly any weather. At around 8 miles round trip, it is long, but the plus side is that it is one of the few trails in any National Park that allows dogs and bikes. While there are a few places where the hillside has come over the trail, it is completely safe and well marked.

Marymere Falls

                On the Spruce Railroad Trail, one can see many things, ranging from scenic views and railroad tunnels to deep swimming holes and abandoned telegraph poles. One of the highlights of the trail, aside from the caves that used to be railroad tunnels is the Devil’s Punchbowl. A popular swimming hole in warm weather, the Devil’s Punchbowl is the ideal swimming hole. At nearly 100ft deep right next to the cliff, it is a safe place for swimmers and divers to jump for joy into an alpine lake. The severe drop off at Devil’s Punchbowl isn’t limited to that area, as Lake Crescent itself is officially 600ft deep, but some recent studies have placed it over 1000ft deep, making this hidden gem even more mysterious.

Devil's Punch Bowl on Lake Crescent

                Overall, the Lake Crescent area is so diverse it is best for a three day weekend, but you can do it over a day, albeit a long day. Driving up from Olympia, you can hike both trails, site see and have a few good meals and get back home in less than 12 hours. While this may seem a bit much, the views, the drive and the experience to enjoy one of Washington’s most underrated areas is well worth the trip. Do it this weekend, do it on your day off…do it now and enjoy Lake Crescent before the crowds arrive this summer! Book a tour with Exotic Hikes today and receive a free limited edition Marymere Falls print!

Sunset on the Olympic Mountains from Hood Canal

Until I see you on the trails, stay safe and keep experiencing the Olympic Peninsula!
Douglas Scott
Exotic Hikes
(360)350-8938

*Editor’s note: Obey all signs, check weather conditions and bring plenty of food and water, as there are no water sources on the trail.