Hike of the Week: Tunnel Creek

No daylight in the old-growth forests of Tunnel Creek

Tunnel Creek

Dig deep into a forest of primeval beauty



by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
July 1, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: To shelter 5.4 miles; To Harrison Lake 7.8 miles; To Divide 8.6 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: To shelter 1,200-ft; Harrison Lake 2,150-ft; Divide 2,450-ft
Access: From Quilcene, WA drive south on US 101 for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Penny Creek Road. After 1.5 miles bear left onto Big Quilcene River Road (Forest Road 27). Follow this road 3 miles-then turn left onto FR 2740. Follow this road for just shy of 7.0 miles. Trailhead is in on the right-parking is on the left.
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
Green Trails Map: Tyler Peak, WA No. 136

The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to not only celebrate our nation’s independence, but also our rich history; a history that includes a legacy of public lands. And this year calls for a special celebration, for July 1st marks the 100th anniversary of the United States Forest Service. What better way to celebrate both our nation and our national forests than by going for a hike?
Now granted, a lot of your fellow countrymen will be taking to the trails this holiday weekend. The last thing you want while communing with nature is a busy trail. No problem, escape the crowds at Tunnel Creek. Located in the 44,000 acre Buckhorn Wilderness, Tunnel Creek is one of the quietest trails in the northeast corner of the Olympics. Perhaps, because it doesn’t lead to a major lake or peak, or tie-into another trail, Tunnel Creek escapes the attention of many a hiker. But it didn’t escape the Washington State Department of Transportation, for they featured it on the cover of the 2002-2003 official state highway map.
But this display didn’t take away from the area’s tranquility, the best attribute of Tunnel Creek. For just under three miles the trail follows the south branch of the creek through a tunnel of towering old-growth hemlocks and fir. The hike is perfect on a misty morning or a sweltering afternoon. The ancient trees do a good job of regulating the temperature. The old but restored shelter makes for a good turning around point. But, if you have extra energy, continue up the trail. In .25 mile you’ll cross the creek on a sturdy bridge. Admire the cascades here.
Shifting gears, the trail climbs 1,000 feet reaching daylight at tiny Harrison Lake. Proceed a little farther and take in an up-close-and-personal view of Mount Constance’s impressive vertical east face. In .4 mile from the lake the trail reaches a ridge crest, maxing out at 5050-feet. You can continue on the trail 3.25 miles to the Dosewallips River. It’s a 4,500-foot knee-sacrificing drop to the south trailhead. Save your knees and retrace your steps. You’ll get to enjoy all those big old trees again and celebrate and appreciate the country and agency that protects them.