Buckhorn Mountain - W Ridge

[dbb]

What: Buckhorn Mountain - W Ridge

This is a good easy scramble in a beautiful alpine setting. Approach to Marmot pass from the Tubelcain mine trail. After 3 miles the trail forks in murky swamps, take the right forks eventually leading out into an open medow. Switchbacks lead up the hill and along to Marmot pass where there are good campsites on small snow patches. From here traverse the ridge leading towards bucknhorn.

The climbing is generally third class on loose-ish rock. the climb takes about an hour, and you can simply retrace the ridge back to camp when you're done!

For a nice loop hike you can continue down the other side of Marmot pass and hike out 10 miles to the road. This involves car shuttling but is worth it for the scenery.

[This message has been edited by dbb (edited 12-06-2000).]

[gapertimmy]

Marmot Pass / Buckhorn is a great camp while approaching Warrior Peak. Approach via Big Quilcene River Trail, gain ~3000' to Marmot Pass, setup camp.

In the early season, there will still be snow at the pass for water, or you can fill up about 1/4 mile below the pass at Camp Mystery where a stream runs year-round. Be sure to treat the water though, I've seen some questionable sanitary acts take place near the stream.

Warrior Climb

From Marmot Pass, leave early AM, and descend trail heading South. You will drop about 1000' and will then reach a stream at the base of an impressive avalanche scar. There is a shelter here (would make a great camp also), continue south staying around 5000' for ~2 miles.

You will then reach the Inner-Constance/Warrior Couliour. Ascend snow or boulder field (depending on season) East. After about 1000' you will reach an impressive cirque with towering spires all around. You will want to locate a steep chute at the NW corner of the cirque. Rockfall is an ever-present danger due to the flakey volcanic rock found in the Eastern Olympics, please wear a helmet. Ascend the snow to the Warrior Saddle.

Ascend final snow field to SW, climb easy 4th to summit, and amazing views of the hood canal, inner-olympics, North Cascades, Seattle, Rainier!!

Best done in early June.