BUCKHOKN LAKE WAV TRAIL

Not maintained 
Length 0.5-mi/0.8 km 
Access Tubal Cain Trail 
USGS Map Mount Townsend 
Agency Olympic National Forest

The primitive trail that leads to Buckhorn Lake begins at a junction with the 
Tubal Cain Trail, 1.9-mi/3.1 km beyond Copper Creek, at ca. 5300 ft/1615 m. 
The intersection is not marked, and the hiker traveling north on the Tubal 
Cain Trail is apt to mistake the path for a switchback and wind up at Buckhorn 
Lake when the intended destination is Copper Creek.

The path descends through stands of subalpine fir, crosses a small stream, and 
then climbs a bit, rather sharply, only to descend again to Buckhorn Camp. Two 
campsites are located here, adjacent to a little creek in the forest, where 
chipmunks scurry about, anticipating the opportunity to commit larceny. But the 
trail doesn't end here; it goes on, descending again, to Buckhorn Lake (0.5 mi/
0.8 km; 5150 ft/1570 m).

The lake is not visible from either trail; it could well be called Hidden Lake. 
One wonders how it was discovered. Most likely a prospector spotted it from the 
top of Iron Mountain, then set out to find it. The lake lies in a beastly, 
miserable hole and has a rocky shore, but the path comes down to the muddy upper 
end near the inlet creek. The tarn, which is stocked with rainbow trout, is 
surrounded by dense stands of subalpine fir. One little tent site is located here, 
but it is not level. The best camp is up in the woods with the chipmunks.