As I continue forward in my hopes of completing the 52 Hike Challenge, I decided to pick a trail that was a bit more challenging lengthwise. I opted for the Lower Big Quilcene Trail. Hopefully, you’ve been able to read about why I’m doing this challenge as well as the first two hikes Lake 22 and the Yelm-Tenino Trail. I’m really enjoying this challenge and I hope you are too!
What is this hike about?
The Lower Big Quilcene Trail is approximately a twelve and a half-mile roundtrip hike with about 1,900 ft in elevation gain. According to the Washington Trails Association website, the best times to access this trail are between April and October. After October, the trail gets pretty snowy. It’s become hard to drive to it unless you have 4×4 and tire chains. It could be a good trail for shoeshoeing though. You can bring dogs on the trail if they are kept on a leash.
Once you get to the trailhead, there are a little less than ten parking spots to park your car. There is a vault toilet and some benches if you want to picnic.
How did it go?
I went on this hike back in the end of July of 2019. The road to the trailhead was in good shape. I would suggest to just watch your speed as some of the curves are tight and have blind corners.
I parked on the main road just before the road that leads to the trailhead because there was signage that indicated smaller ATVs and horses. So I thought I couldn’t take my car down the road that leads to the trailhead. This added to my total hike time but then I saw once I got to the trailhead that vehicles can park down there so don’t be fooled.
The trail itself is very tame. What I mean is that I didn’t even notice the elevation gain because it’s so subtle. The trail is relatively easy to navigate and well maintained. Your heart will still get a run for its money as the trail kind of goes up and down gradually and gives you a workout even if you’re a beginner or beginner-intermediate hiker. There was no climbing or scrambling over any rocks as well. I really enjoyed this trail start to finish. It was just so peaceful.
The roar of the Big Quilcene River also gradually increases the farther you get down the trail. It’s really relaxing to have the river by your side to keep you company. It’s so quiet otherwise. I found the air to be totally absent from the calls of any wildlife. I literally didn’t hear a bird chirp or anything rustle in the low lying foliage. It was a bit eery actually.
You can get a lot of thinking done out there, so take the time to talk to yourself and organize your thoughts and discuss your life. The forest won’t judge you.
The trail is shady almost the whole way and the trees do a great job of keeping the trail cool. This a pleasant surprise since many other trails have you exposed to direct sunlight. I’ve noticed that a lot of the trails in the Olympic National Park area are this way.
There are three bridges to cross along the way and they’re not challenging. It was pretty cool to see the huge bridges strategically placed at certain points on the trail as there really wouldn’t be any other way to cross the river without risking life and limb.
The mosquitos, on the other hand, were…ridiculous! I didn’t notice how many bites I had until the day after, especially on my head. So, I suggest a good mosquito repellant. I use Badger Anti-Bug Balm in the tin. It’s easy to carry along with you, is organic, leaves your skin feeling smooth, and most importantly keeps the bugs off.
This trail is really refreshing and enjoyable and I turned around just before the Upper Quilcene Trail. There isn’t a lot to see as you go along but it’s a nice gentle hike that will give you a good cardio workout and just allow you to be peaceful in nature. Honestly, I don’t think I passed more than three people on the trail and only one mountain biker. No bears or no cougars either.
I ended my hike at 12.85 miles with 1,870 ft in elevation gain with a total moving time of 4:36:47 at a pace of 21:33 per mile and burned approximately 2886 calories!
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge or a two to three-day backpacking trip, the Lower Big Quilcene Trail leads into the Marmot Pass – Upper Big Quilcene Trail which is about another 11 miles and quite a more substantial increase in elevation gain.
Anything I should know before going?
As I’ve mentioned in several other blogs including Exploring The Big Four Ice Caves, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass for this trail. If you have not purchased one already, you probably should if you’re going to do the majority of your hiking in Washington and Oregon. I’ve included a link to the Forest Service website so that you can see all the passes that are offered including the Northwest Forest Pass. It really is best to get the annual pass as it pays for itself after six daily visits.
If you’re going during the warmer months, I highly suggest a really effective bug/mosquito deterrent or you will end up like me with an itchy scalp, arms, and legs. Maybe even wear a baseball cap to save your scalp if you are male pattern balding like me. HA HA!
I have a three-liter water bag backpack but you might be okay bringing about two liters. Be your own gauge as to how much water you think you might need. If you have a LifeStraw or a water filtration unit, you can always tempt your fate and draw water from the Big Quilcene River nearby.
This trail doesn’t seem to be as highly trafficked as other more popular trails. So I assume there is less chance of vandalism. As with any trail parking, don’t bring or leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Make sure someone knows where you are as there is not that great of cellular service out there. That goes for any trail you decide to go on. Lastly, just come out and enjoy the free gifts of nature. I am writing this during the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic of 2019-2020 so, I am sure everyone will be itching to get back out on the trails after weeks of isolation. Cheers!
