Finished up back in Quilcene.

We’d been waiting anxiously for the weather to be favorable for an attempt at cycling to Bon Jon Pass for a few weeks. Kiel Reijnen’s posted a ride on Strava going over the pass so we decided it was high time we gave it a try.

My fifth trip up to Lake Angeles, but first time in the summer, did not disappoint. A beautiful lake view rewards this steep Olympics climb. Unlike my typical winter foray we left the lake behind us and climbed the Klahhane Ridge Trail to an exceptional lunch spot with clear views to Mt Olympus and its glaciers.

I had been wanting to ride this event for a long time but the timing never worked out. Finally this year the dates aligned and I was able to ride it.

Hiked the loop clockwise through the woods and down to the impressive, fast moving Gray Wolf. The trail is in great shape and the numerous river and creek crossings were made uneventful by the bridges. There were a few blow downs but nothing requiring significant effort.

The trail is as advertised, steep and with little in the way of scenery. This is the kind of hike where the effort is the reward, especially on a socked in winter day. It was also eerily quiet as I was the only person around until I arrived within a quarter mile of the trailhead on my return. All said however it was what I wanted, a short hike with lots of effort close to home.

Wonderful day hike to Marmot Pass and to Buckhorn Mountain. The weather was nearly perfect, all in all a great day. The trail leading to Marmot Pass was in great shape and the meadow at the junction with the Tubal Cain trail never disappoints. I stopped for short lunch overlooking the meadow and mountains before summiting Buckhorn Mountain.