- Region
- WA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- No permit is needed to visit Olympic Natio…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Olympic National Forest
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Photos of Buckhorn Wilderness
How to get there
Buckhorn Wilderness is in northeastern Olympic National Forest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. A road paralleling the Dungeness River separates its northern and southern portions. Confirm the specific trailhead, approach roads, road conditions, and any recreation-pass requirement with Olympic National Forest before traveling; the river and drainage names below are planning areas, not verified parking locations.
- Dungeness River road corridor
The Dungeness River and a parallel road divide the northern and southern portions of the wilderness. Use this corridor as a starting point for identifying a mapped trailhead, not as a specific parking or entry location.
- Gray Wolf River drainage
A planning area for the smaller northern portion, where the Gray Wolf River and its tributaries drain mountain terrain and heavily forested lowlands. Confirm an established trailhead and road approach before setting out.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WA, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Forested valleys and rugged ridges
Buckhorn Wilderness occupies the northeastern Olympic Peninsula in Washington, along the eastern boundary of Olympic National Park. It lies in the northeast corner of Olympic National Forest, north of The Brothers Wilderness, and takes its name from Buckhorn Mountain, which rises to 6,988 feet. The Dungeness River and a parallel road divide the wilderness into northern and southern portions. This division matters when choosing a trip: the smaller northern portion drops from mountain terrain into densely forested lowlands, while the larger southern portion contains more rugged country. Across the wilderness, lower forests give way to high meadows and broken ridges. About 60 miles of trails provide access, but that network does not make every ridge an established hiking destination. Choose a mapped trail rather than treating the wilderness boundary as evidence of easy passage.
Choosing terrain and preparing for the trip
The northern portion is drained by the Gray Wolf River and its tributaries. Fir, hemlock, and cedar cover the lowlands, with moss, ferns, and berry bushes beneath them. In the larger southern portion, the Dungeness and Quilcene Rivers drain glacier-carved valleys joined by deep canyon tributaries. Higher elevations open into alpine meadows with summer grasses and wildflowers. A ragged ridge south of the Dungeness River and its trails has difficult access and few visitors; it is not a substitute for a verified hiking route. Pack navigation tools, rain gear, insulating layers, extra food, and emergency shelter for either forest or high-country travel. Carry water and a treatment system, and treat water collected from streams or lakes. Leave an itinerary and expected return time with someone rather than relying on cell coverage.
Wilderness rules and responsible travel
No permit is needed to visit Olympic National Forest wilderness areas, although some trailheads require a recreation pass. Travel into Olympic National Park may require a permit, so confirm requirements for the full itinerary. Groups larger than 12 people or eight head of livestock are prohibited. Above 3,500 feet, open fires and gathering wood for fires or stoves are prohibited; plan cooking accordingly. Pets must be leashed or under control and quiet in the national forest wilderness, and they are not permitted in Olympic National Park. Black bears and cougars are common on the Olympic Peninsula, making proper food storage and wildlife awareness important. Stay on trails where they exist. Off-trail, use firm surfaces such as rock and avoid creating paths through meadows, marshes, and other fragile ground.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Buckhorn Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 47.8115, -123.1259
- Latitude (DMS)
- 47° 48′ 41.4″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 123° 7′ 33.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Buckhorn Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Located in the northeast corner of Olympic National Forest, just to the north of The Brothers Wilderness, Buckhorn Wilderness stands divided into northern and southern portions by the Dungeness River and...
Key takeaways
- Region: WA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 47.812, -123.126
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Buckhorn Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Buckhorn Wilderness
Forested valleys and rugged ridges
Buckhorn Wilderness occupies the northeastern Olympic Peninsula in Washington, along the eastern boundary of Olympic National Park. It lies in the northeast corner of Olympic National Forest, north of The Brothers Wilderness, and takes its name from Buckhorn Mountain, which rises to 6,988 feet. The Dungeness River and a parallel road divide the wilderness into northern and southern portions. This division matters when choosing a trip: the smaller northern portion drops from mountain terrain into densely forested lowlands, while the larger southern portion contains more rugged country. Across the wilderness, lower forests give way to high meadows and broken ridges. About 60 miles of trails provide access, but that network does not make every ridge an established hiking destination. Choose a mapped trail rather than treating the wilderness boundary as evidence of easy passage.
Choosing terrain and preparing for the trip
The northern portion is drained by the Gray Wolf River and its tributaries. Fir, hemlock, and cedar cover the lowlands, with moss, ferns, and berry bushes beneath them. In the larger southern portion, the Dungeness and Quilcene Rivers drain glacier-carved valleys joined by deep canyon tributaries. Higher elevations open into alpine meadows with summer grasses and wildflowers. A ragged ridge south of the Dungeness River and its trails has difficult access and few visitors; it is not a substitute for a verified hiking route. Pack navigation tools, rain gear, insulating layers, extra food, and emergency shelter for either forest or high-country travel. Carry water and a treatment system, and treat water collected from streams or lakes. Leave an itinerary and expected return time with someone rather than relying on cell coverage.
Wilderness rules and responsible travel
No permit is needed to visit Olympic National Forest wilderness areas, although some trailheads require a recreation pass. Travel into Olympic National Park may require a permit, so confirm requirements for the full itinerary. Groups larger than 12 people or eight head of livestock are prohibited. Above 3,500 feet, open fires and gathering wood for fires or stoves are prohibited; plan cooking accordingly. Pets must be leashed or under control and quiet in the national forest wilderness, and they are not permitted in Olympic National Park. Black bears and cougars are common on the Olympic Peninsula, making proper food storage and wildlife awareness important. Stay on trails where they exist. Off-trail, use firm surfaces such as rock and avoid creating paths through meadows, marshes, and other fragile ground.
Route options
- Gray Wolf River drainage exploration
Choose a verified mapped trail in the northern portion for travel through the drainage’s fir, hemlock, and cedar forests. This is a terrain-based trip option, not a specified trail itinerary.
- Dungeness and Quilcene valley country
Plan a mapped trail outing in the larger southern portion, characterized by glacier-carved valleys, deep canyon tributaries, and dense lower-elevation forest. Confirm the actual trail alignment and turnaround rather than assuming the valleys provide continuous passage.
- Southern high-country meadows
Select a verified trail reaching the southern portion’s higher country, where forest opens into alpine meadows with summer grasses and wildflowers. Avoid treating the difficult-access ragged ridge south of the Dungeness River and its trails as an established route.
Sample itineraries
- Northern Forest Day Hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back on an established trail in the smaller northern portion, drained by the Gray Wolf River and its tributaries. Focus on lower-elevation fir, hemlock, and cedar forest. Confirm the trailhead and current access with Olympic National Forest before choosing a turnaround.
- Southern Valleys and Alpine Meadows · 2 days
Plan an overnight on established trails in the larger southern portion, where the Dungeness and Quilcene Rivers drain glacier-carved valleys below alpine meadows. Confirm a suitable trail and camping location before departure. Keep travel within your abilities; the ragged ridge south of the trails has difficult access.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check conditions by elevation
Lower forest and high mountain terrain call for different plans. Confirm conditions along the entire intended route rather than assuming higher country matches the trailhead. Carry rain protection and insulating layers, and keep the turnaround flexible.
Summer
Summer meadow season
Higher country opens into alpine meadows with summer grasses and wildflowers. Stay on established trails through fragile vegetation. Carry sun protection, water treatment, and extra layers for travel between sheltered forest and open terrain.
Fall
Fall; confirm current access
Plan conservatively for changing weather in rugged mountain terrain. Pack rain gear, extra clothing, and a headlamp. Check road and trail conditions before committing to an overnight or higher-elevation route.
Winter
Winter; route-specific conditions govern
Do not assume summer hiking plans suit winter mountain conditions. Obtain current access and route information from Olympic National Forest. Carry emergency shelter and extra insulation, and choose terrain that matches your equipment and experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check conditions by elevation | Lower forest and high mountain terrain call for different plans. Confirm conditions along the entire intended route rather than assuming higher country matches the trailhead. Carry rain protection and insulating layers, and keep the turnaround flexible. |
| Summer | Summer meadow season | Higher country opens into alpine meadows with summer grasses and wildflowers. Stay on established trails through fragile vegetation. Carry sun protection, water treatment, and extra layers for travel between sheltered forest and open terrain. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm current access | Plan conservatively for changing weather in rugged mountain terrain. Pack rain gear, extra clothing, and a headlamp. Check road and trail conditions before committing to an overnight or higher-elevation route. |
| Winter | Winter; route-specific conditions govern | Do not assume summer hiking plans suit winter mountain conditions. Obtain current access and route information from Olympic National Forest. Carry emergency shelter and extra insulation, and choose terrain that matches your equipment and experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
No permit is needed to visit Olympic National Forest Wilderness areas. Some trailheads require a recreation pass. A permit may be needed if the trip enters Olympic National Park wilderness; confirm requirements for the full itinerary.
Official source: Wilderness - Olympic National Forest · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Rugged terrain, deep canyon tributaries, and difficult ridge access complicate travel, especially in the larger southern portion. Avoid treating off-trail ridge travel as a routine extension of a hike.
- Cell phone coverage is unreliable in remote areas. Leave an itinerary and expected return time with someone, and consider carrying a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.
- Black bears and cougars are common on the Olympic Peninsula. Store food properly and remain alert.
- Untreated lake and stream water requires boiling, purification tablets, or filtration before drinking.
- Mountain weather and temperature changes require layered clothing, rain protection, and emergency shelter, even on day trips.
What to pack for Buckhorn Wilderness
- Map and compass
- GPS device
- Personal locator beacon or satellite messenger
- Itinerary left with a trusted contact
- Moisture-wicking, non-cotton layers
- Rain gear and extra insulating clothing
- Stable hiking footwear
- Emergency shelter
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Extra food
- Plenty of drinking water
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Appropriate food-storage equipment
- Cooking stove for overnight trips
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- First-aid kit with foot care
- Insect repellent
- Extra personal medications
- Knife
Buckhorn Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Buckhorn Wilderness?
- Buckhorn Wilderness occupies the northeastern Olympic Peninsula in Washington, within Olympic National Forest. It borders Olympic National Park on the east side of the park and lies north of The Brothers Wilderness.
- How do the northern and southern portions differ?
- The Dungeness River and a parallel road divide them. The smaller northern portion includes the Gray Wolf River drainage and heavily forested lowlands. The larger southern portion has more rugged terrain, glacier-carved valleys, deep canyon tributaries, and high alpine meadows.
- Are dogs allowed?
- Pets are welcome in Olympic National Forest Wilderness if leashed or under control and quiet. Bury pet waste properly or pack it out. Olympic National Park does not permit pets on wilderness trips, so check boundaries when planning.
- Can campfires be used?
- Open fires and gathering wood for fires or stoves are prohibited above 3,500 feet in Olympic National Forest Wilderness. Check current fire restrictions before departure; do not assume fires are allowed below that elevation.
- What group-size limits apply?
- Groups exceeding 12 people and/or 8 head of livestock are prohibited in Olympic National Forest Wilderness.
- How extensive is the trail network?
- Buckhorn Wilderness has 60 miles of trails. That does not make every ridge accessible: terrain south of the trails includes a ragged ridge with difficult access. Choose an established route and confirm its trailhead and current conditions before leaving.