Marmot Pass hike July 20, 2023

Finally got up to the mountains after a month of other activities (plein air painting in the San Juan Islands and a watercolor workshop with artist Eric Wiegardt). Guy and I hiked to Marmot Pass on a warm, sunny day. 11.2 miles and 3,600 feet elevation gain.

We left at 6:45 am and got to the trailhead in time to start hiking at 8:35. It was pleasantly cool on the lower trail, although I felt a bit sluggish. We got to Shelter Rock camp around ten, then started up the incline on the south slope. 

Hiking the lower trail in the morning shadows

 By the time we got to the avalanche paths, it was getting hot and we were both getting tired. We took lots of short breaks to catch our breath.

Flowers in the avalanche paths

We made it to Camp Mystery about 12:00 and collapsed under some trees near the creek. We had a good lunch and a short nap.

Guy at lunch

About 12:45 we started up the trail, both of us feeling quite a bit better. Guy really got a second wind. We made it to the pass at 2:05 and took a few photos. After a short break, we started down. 

At the pass

Guy exploring Marmot Pass

Me at the pass

Took it pretty easy on the way down, kept the pace slow and took 15 minute breaks every hour. Got back to the car at 5:05 and started home. Katy had turkey burgers and potato salad for dinner. Delicious!

I was careful not to strain my Achilles tendon and my left ankle. I did pretty good until we started down. The pounding on the way down was hard on my left big toe and ankle, but I got back to the car without any major problems. I was discouraged about how fatigued I was around noon. Last year I made it to the pass in an hour less than this year.

Marmot Pass July 3, 2020

Marmot Pass, July 3, 2020

10.6 miles and 3,500 feet elevation gain

Left home about 6:15 and arrived at the trailhead at 7:45. It was already crowded with people but I started right up the trail on a cool, cloudy morning. I like this trail because the tread is good the whole way and it has a steady grade leading you upward. For this hike I put new arch supports under the new insoles I bought for last week’s hike, and they seemed to help a lot. I think they spread out the weight so that my whole foot is supported.

 

Started up the trail that parallels the river, enjoying the cool, overcast morning. Several people passd me, but I passed them later on. 

 

Big Quilcene River near the lower part of the trail

Hiking up the lower trail in the fog.

 

Passed Shelter Rock Camp and the trail got steeper. Came to the avalanche paths with some gorgeous summer flowers.

 

Looking up an avalanche chute.

The clouds shrouded the trail.

 

I met a couple coming down the trail, who said, "You're almost there," and I thought, “Yeah, right,” but a few minutes later I came to Camp Mystery. I was surprised how fast I made it. There were quite a few people camping there, so I kept going into the upper switchbacks. Pretty familiar territory since I’ve been here several times before. I think this is my third time up this trail.

 

At Marmot Pass

Arrived at the Pas at 11:45 and found a place just beyond the summit to have lunch. The clouds had lifted enough for me to look out across the Dungeness River valley. Lovely view, and it reminded me of the day I hiked the Dungeness to Silver Creek loop a few years ago. Had a good hiker’s lunch — salami, cheese, crackers, raising, gorp, chocolate.

 

A hiker's lunch

View to the west during lunch break.

 

Had a nice break, then I started down. Passed lots of people coming up to the pass. When I met anyone, I raised my bandanna over my mouth and nose. About half the people were wearing masks. Some got out of the trail for me or turned their head away as I passed.

Got to the trailhead about 3 and started home. Stopped at Quilcene for a decaf coffee and a granola bar.

I felt good on this hike. It seems like I’m getting in shape and I’m able to hike longer and faster than before. And I was grateful that my feet didn’t suffer as much today.