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9 Stunning Hiking Trails near Quilcene, WA

Quilcene is perfectly-located for exploring the Olympic National Forest with its stunning peaks, lakes, and rivers. There is no shortage of top-rated hikes here.
ItIsWild.com: Trails near Quilcene

Quilcene is the perfect base to explore Olympic National Park. Some of the highest-rated trails in the area are right on the doorstep. Pijamas off, boots on, and away we go!

Trails near Quilcene:

  1. Mount Townsend
  2. Mount Walker
  3. Marmot Pass Trail
  4. Lower Big Quilcene Trail to Bark Shanty Campsite
  5. Duckabush Trail to Five Mile Camp
  6. Ranger Hole Trail
  7. Steam Donkey Trail Loop 
  8. Lake Constance Trail
  9. Silver Lakes via Mount Townsend Trail

1. Mount Townsend

Mount Townsend
Photo: brewbooksCC BY 2.0
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 8.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 3,119 ft
  • Time to Complete: 4h 30min
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 17 miles (40 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Mount Townsend is by far the highest-rated climb in the area. Most people favor it for breathtaking views and well-maintained trails. On a clear day, you can see Mt Baker, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier. However, the tough terrain and steep switchbacks make this climb a challenge. Come prepared!

2. Mount Walker

Mount Walker
Photo: alans1948CC BY 2.0
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 2,313 ft
  • Time to Complete: 2h 30min
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 6 miles (10 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Mount Walker is another popular climb near Quilcene. It’s easier than Mount Townsend and more accessible, with a trailhead near Hwy 101. In fact, you can drive to the top to enjoy the stunning views, but hiking there is a lot more rewarding.

The trail is a steep climb practically without any flat sections, but the views of the bay and surrounding peak make it worth it.

3. Marmot Pass Trail

  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 13.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 3,902 ft
  • Time to Complete: 9h
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 17 miles (40 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Marmot Pass Trail is the top-rated backpacking trail near Quilcene, with charming campsites to spend the night. However, many people complete it in one day, which sometimes can take over 12 hours.

The terrain is steep, with lots of ups and downs. Yet, the route has it all: Big Quilcene River, moss-covered woods, giant trees, and absolutely stunning views from the Marmot Pass. 

4. Lower Big Quilcene Trail to Bark Shanty Campsite

Lower Big Quilcene Trail to Bark Shanty Campsite
Photo: Joe DoeCC BY 2.0
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 5.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 714 ft
  • Time to Complete: 3h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 7 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Lower Big Quilcene Trail is an easy hike with little elevation gain; these are rare in the area. The route runs along the river and offers rich flora, fauna, and fungi – a classic, serene walk on Olympic Peninsula. The trail is perfect for beginners, dog walkers, and trail runners.

More Hiking in Washington:

5. Duckabush Trail to Five Mile Camp

  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 10.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 2,817 ft
  • Time to Complete: 5h 30min
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 22 miles (30 min)
  • Dog Friendly: No

Description: Duckabush Trail is a very long track that follows Duckabash River deep into Olympic National Park. You can make this route as short or as long as you like, but the most common terminus is Five Mile Camp.

The terrain is moderate, with gentle ascents and descents and a couple of switchbacks but nothing extreme. The views are not as fantastic as climbing the peninsula’s peaks, but it’s all about the forest experience – serene, tranquil, and peaceful hike.

6. Ranger Hole Trail

  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 1.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 197 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 18 miles (25 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Ranger Hole Trail is a fun but short trail to the beautiful Duckabash River. Depending on the season and the flow, the hole can be glowing-blue in color – a stunning sight.

Although the trail is easy, getting down to the hole is a scramble, so not everyone will be able to take a dip. But it’s not the destination that matters. Hiking the trail is a delightful experience in its own right. And, it is a fantastic trail run.

7. Steam Donkey Trail Loop 

  • Type: Loop
  • Trail Length: 3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 589 ft
  • Time to Complete: 1h 30min
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Parking: Dosewallips State Park: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 13 miles (15 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Steam Donkey Trail loops around the charming Dosewallips State Park, which is easily accessible from Hwy 101 and has a campground. 

The trail offers multiple creek crossings, charming woods, and even a small waterfall. Although short, the route is hilly with a few steep sections, so don’t underestimate it.

8. Lake Constance Trail

  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 15 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 4,915 ft
  • Time to Complete: 10h
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 21 miles (30 min)
  • Dog Friendly: No

Description: Lake Constance Trail is an adventure and has one of the toughest climbs in the Olympic National Park. 

First of all, you can’t access the trailhead by car because of the washout; many bring bikes to get there. Second, the trail follows the gorgeous Dosewallips River that is a fantastic section in its own right.

Then, there is a very challenging climb to the lake that takes many people by surprise. And finally, there is an option to climb Mount Constance.

It is a grueling but the most stunning route on the list. Experienced hikers only!

9. Silver Lakes via Mount Townsend Trail

Silver Lakes via Mount Townsend Trail
Photo: brewbooksCC BY 2.0
  • Type: Out and Back
  • Trail Length: 10.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 3,683 ft
  • Time to Complete: 6h
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
  • Distance from Quilcene: 17 miles (40 min)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Description: Silver Lakes is a highly-rated destination in Olympic National Forest. It is a steep, rugged, but absolutely stunning route with options to climb Mt Townsend and Welch Peak. 

The lakes are glorious, worth every sweat drop, and there are reports of trout, too. To properly explore the area, it is recommended to do it as a multiday trip. However, seasoned hikers can complete both the lakes and Mt Townsend in one very long day, if the weather permits.

Final Thoughts

Quilcene is a fantastic hiking destination; it is right on the edge of a famous Olympic National Park. The landscape here is dominated by mountains, which means that the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, while easy trails are hard to come by.

Despite this, a few easy and moderate options on the list should suit beginners and families with kiddos. 

More Trails in Washington:

Lakes in Washington:

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