[olympichiker77]

Took a nice trip up the Tubal Cain Trail to Buckhorn Pass. I took advantage of the absence of snow in the rain shadow area and figured I would try a new hike. Foggy conditions at the start but after crossing Copper Creek I left the fog behind. The views really opened up, especially Buckhorn, Iron, and the peaks/cliffs across the valley. Rhodies and other wildflowers were out in full bloom. I saw a lot of Indian Paintbrush. The area is almost completely snow free except for one minor patch just below the pass. Once at the pass, I decided to walk up to the summit of the 6400' peak to the north. The views across were already amazing, but as I kept going higher I saw Constance, Anderson and more of the southern interior. Views across the Dungeness Valley were crystal clear. Baldy, Gray Wolf Ridge, The Needles, Clark, Deception, Fricaba, Mystery, etc... There's a lot to see from the summit. On the way back down I saw an old mine shaft right off the trail at the Tull Canyon turnoff. Only went in about 10 feet. Those things creep me out. All in all, a great day in the Olympics.

Lush meadows

Indian Paintbrush

Out of place boulder

Fog is lifting (feat. Indian Paintbrush)

Finally above the fog

Just before the pass

Bug's eye view from Buckhorn Pass

Small pink flowers defying the barren terrain

View to the south

Unnamed Peaks north of Buckhorn

View from unnamed peak to the north of Buckhorn Pass

Looking down to Buckhorn Pass

Silver Snag

Looking down to the Dungeness River valley

Mine near Tull Canyon

Inside the mine

[IanB]

The four summits north of Buckhorn Pass, (including the one you went up), were collectively named The Castle by the miners at Tubal Cain. Nice photos. Half-foggy half-sunny days are often the prettiest ones.