Marmot Pass
A beautiful alpine meadow filled with wildflowers & views
By the Numbers
The upper meadow at Marmot Pass is one of my favorite locations in the Olympics having hiked there a few times. The WTA reports suggested the wildflowers were in bloom – perfect!
A good sign for the day ahead, Seattle and the Cascades in beautiful morning light.
Trail
The trail is in great condition with only a few wet / muddy spots. The WTA had a crew on the trail as I hiked (thank you!). It’s a steep trail throughout most of the hike to the pass covering forest, exposed rocky areas, and a few beautiful meadows.
The trail starts steeply through the forest along the Big Quilcene River with many small waterfalls feeding the rushing waters. It was a hot day and the forest cover provided a lot of relief from the sun.
Once you hit the scree field the sun really starts to shine but so do the flowers! I spent a lot of time along the trail here and the meadow immediately after taking photos.
Last time I went to the summit of Buckhorn Mountain but the weather was much warmer and I had spent a lot more time shooting photos so I opted to leave the pass and head back.
Along the walk back to the trailhead I marvelled at the massive trees. One tree was almost entirely hollow but somehow managed to be alive with a full crown.
Wildflowers (and a bug)
The hike showcased the variety and quantity of flowers of the Olympics.
![Pink paintbrush](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-b6wdwTg/0/M/i-b6wdwTg-M.jpg)
![Alpine aster](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-Gqqw3fq/0/M/i-Gqqw3fq-M.jpg)
![Butterfly](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-FnWHCsW/0/M/i-FnWHCsW-M.jpg)
![Menzie's larkspur](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-4L2gK9H/0/M/i-4L2gK9H-M.jpg)
![Tiger lily](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-Hswhpqp/0/M/i-Hswhpqp-M.jpg)
![Yarrow](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-NjdF4RZ/0/M/i-NjdF4RZ-M.jpg)
![Flowers and mountains](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-NCD3VpH/0/M/i-NCD3VpH-M.jpg)
![Red paintbrush](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-nM2r4Mk/0/M/i-nM2r4Mk-M.jpg)
![Sitka valerian](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-M3Q8TJK/0/M/i-M3Q8TJK-M.jpg)