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Olympic Hikes

Constance Pass

This destination in the Olympic Mountains has a long broad ridge above tree line that allows for great views and some exploring. One side of the pass has a camp called Sunnybrook Meadows, while the other side of the pass is Home Lake. Both destinations are popular and require a National Park backcountry camping permit. The pass itself has become a bucket list destination since it is so hard to reach. There are three ways to access the pass, all require a lot of effort for a pass that is not very deep inside the Olympic Mountains.
Access:
Pass Elevation: 5,800 feet
Hiking Distance: 11 to 15 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: Over 4,000 feet
Access was once easy when the Dosewallips Road and campground was open but since the washouts many years ago, the access road is now a trail requiring a long walk or bike ride. Others make the long journey from the Upper Dungeness River Trailhead or the Marmot Pass Trailhead. All three would make good trips.
Route:
I came in over Marmot Pass on an overnighter so I could visit Marmot Pass, Boulder Shelter, and Home Lake in one trip. The Upper Dungeness route (11 miles one-way) would have been easier, but it misses Marmot Pass. The Dosewallips Road route did not appeal to me, but many do enjoy the road walk/bike.
On the trail passing under Inner Constance
Boulder Shelter The Brothers Constance Home Lake Peak Constance Pass Constance Pass Trail Constance Dosewallips Valley Dosewallips Valley Hiking Home Creek Valley Home Lake Home Lake Peak Boulder Shelter Mt. Mystery Dosewallips Valley mount mystery Inner Constance warrior peak constance pass map
Hiking the Constance Pass Trail toward Home Lake and Constance Pass in view
Home Lake
Boulder Shelter
Boulder Shelter
The sign at Constance Pass
The Brothers from Constance Pass
Looking west from the pass, the trail goes to the top of the high ridge in view
Looking east from the pass is C-141 Peak and Inner Constance
Looking from the pass down Home Creek Valley
From the pass looking up the Dosewallips Valley
Looking down at the pass from Home Lake Peak
Hiking the trail along the pass, the trail goes to the highest point on this ridge
From the highpoint, smoke and humidity blocking some views
Home Lake Peak in view, an easy walk up along the ridgeline
From Del Monte Ridge looking down to the Dungeness Valley
From Del Monte Ridge looking west to Mt. Mystery and Mt. Deception
Sunset over Mt. Mystery
Buckhorn, Cloudy, Warrior, Inner Constance