Camp Mystery

For Washingtonians who crave the deep solitude and breathtaking beauty of the Olympic Mountains, Camp Mystery is a name that resonates with experienced hikers and backpackers. This isn't a drive-up spot with amenities galore; instead, it's a true backcountry gem that offers a refreshing respite and strategic basecamp along the challenging, yet incredibly rewarding, Quilcene Trail. If you're someone who finds joy in earning your views and disconnecting completely, Camp Mystery promises an authentic wilderness experience right here in our incredible state.

Located along a small, soothing creek and nestled within a heavy canopy of trees, Camp Mystery provides a much-needed break from the uphill climb that characterizes much of the Quilcene Trail. Its strategic position makes it an ideal overnight stop for those venturing towards iconic peaks like Mount Buckhorn or the stunning Marmot Pass. While it's a popular spot, especially on weekends, its natural setting allows for a genuine connection with the pristine environment of the Olympic National Forest. This article will guide you through the details of Camp Mystery, helping you understand its unique appeal for local outdoor enthusiasts.

As residents of Washington, we're privileged to have access to such diverse and rugged landscapes. Camp Mystery embodies the spirit of backcountry adventure that many of us seek – a place where self-sufficiency is key, and the rewards are magnificent vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. We'll delve into its precise location and how to access it, the essential services (or lack thereof) that define a primitive campsite, its most appealing features, and ultimately, why Camp Mystery is a highly recommended destination for those looking to explore the wild heart of the Olympic Mountains. Prepare your packs and your spirit for an unforgettable journey.

Camp Mystery is a backcountry campsite located within the Olympic National Forest in Washington, USA, specifically along the Upper Big Quilcene Trail #833. Its address is broadly given as "Washington, USA," indicating its wilderness nature rather than a specific street address. To reach Camp Mystery, hikers typically begin at the Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead.

The trailhead itself is accessible via Forest Road 2750, which branches off from Forest Road 27, ultimately reached from US Highway 101 south of Quilcene. For Washington locals, Quilcene is a well-known gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The drive to the trailhead involves navigating forest service roads, which, while generally maintained, can be winding and sometimes narrow, requiring careful driving.

Once at the Upper Big Quilcene Trailhead (which requires a valid Recreation Pass for day use parking), the journey to Camp Mystery is a fair hike. It's approximately 4.6 to 5.3 miles from the trailhead, with a significant uphill battle in elevation gain. The trail climbs steadily, gaining considerable elevation, passing through old-growth forests alongside the Big Quilcene River. This makes Camp Mystery a challenging but rewarding destination, primarily suited for experienced hikers and backpackers. It is not a drive-up campground; all gear must be carried in. Its location makes it a prime staging point for further exploration to higher elevations, particularly to Marmot Pass and Mount Buckhorn, which are popular objectives for hikers setting up basecamp at Camp Mystery. The convenience of its location along a well-traveled trail ensures that while it feels remote, it is a recognized and utilized backcountry camping area.

As a backcountry campsite located within a national forest wilderness area, Camp Mystery offers primitive services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should arrive fully prepared with all necessary gear and supplies.

• Undeveloped Campsites: Camp Mystery provides numerous dispersed sites along the creek. These are not marked or numbered, but rather natural clearings suitable for pitching tents. There are no established tent pads or designated fire rings.
• Natural Water Source: The campsite runs along a small creek (the Big Quilcene River), providing a water source. However, all water taken from the creek must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as it is not treated potable water.
• Shade and Cool Breeze: A significant natural "service" is the heavy canopy from the trees, offering refreshing shade, and the location along the creek often provides a cool breeze, which is a welcome relief after an uphill hike.
• Proximity to Key Destinations: Its strategic location makes it an excellent basecamp for summiting Mount Buckhorn or venturing to Marmot Pass without a full pack.
• No Restroom Facilities: There are no developed toilets or outhouses. Campers must practice proper human waste disposal techniques, such as digging catholes at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Trash Services: All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out by the visitor. Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced.
• No Phone Service or Internet: Due to its remote nature, cell phone service will likely be non-existent. There is no internet access, allowing for a true digital detox.

• Beautiful Backcountry Setting: Camp Mystery is widely regarded as a beautiful campsite, running along a small creek and set within a lush, forested environment. This provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for camping.
• Strategic Basecamp Location: It's an excellent and highly recommended basecamp for more strenuous day trips to higher elevations, particularly for those aiming to summit Mount Buckhorn or explore Marmot Pass. Leaving heavy packs at camp makes these ascents much easier.
• Natural Shade and Cooling: The heavy tree canopy offers ample shade, and the presence of the creek often brings a cool breeze, providing a refreshing stop after a significant uphill hike. This natural cooling is a major comfort during warm weather.
• Water Source Availability: The creek provides a reliable water source, crucial for backpackers. (Remember, always filter/purify).
• Plenty of Sites: Despite its popularity, the campsite offers "many sites" (dispersed), meaning you will "most likely have neighbors," but there is typically enough space to find a spot. This indicates it can accommodate a fair number of groups without feeling overly crowded.
• Convenient Trail Access: The camp is conveniently located near Marmot Pass on the main Quilcene Trail, making it a natural stopping point for thru-hikers or those doing section hikes.
• Popularity with Day and Thru-Hikers: Its popularity, especially on weekends, signifies its recognized value among the hiking community, indicating a well-trodden and generally safe area.
• Olympic Mountains Experience: Being nestled within the Olympic National Forest, it offers an authentic Olympic Mountains experience, known for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Address: Washington, USA (specifically along the Upper Big Quilcene Trail #833 in Olympic National Forest)

Given that Camp Mystery is an undeveloped, backcountry campsite within the Olympic National Forest, there is no direct phone number for the campsite itself. It is not a managed campground with a dedicated office or host.

For information regarding trail conditions, access to the Upper Big Quilcene Trail, wilderness regulations, burn bans, and general safety guidelines for the Olympic National Forest, locals should contact the Hood Canal Ranger District office. This office manages the area where Camp Mystery is located.

Hood Canal Ranger District – Quilcene Office:

Phone: (360) 765-2200 (This number is for the general Ranger District office, not directly for the campsite).

It is highly recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Olympic National Forest (specifically for the Upper Big Quilcene Trail #833) before planning your trip. This will provide the most up-to-date information on trail status, any required passes (like a Recreation Pass for parking at the trailhead), and any current alerts or closures. Always plan thoroughly for a backcountry trip.

For Washington locals, Camp Mystery is more than just a campsite; it's a quintessential Olympic Mountains backcountry experience that offers profound rewards for those willing to undertake the journey. Its location along the challenging but stunning Quilcene Trail makes it an ideal destination for residents looking to truly immerse themselves in the wild, rugged beauty of our state's wilderness areas. Unlike more accessible campgrounds, Camp Mystery offers the kind of solitude and raw natural connection that many Washingtonians seek when escaping the bustle of urban life.

The primary appeal for locals lies in its strategic position as a basecamp for some of the Olympic Peninsula's most iconic hikes. The ability to drop your main pack at Camp Mystery and then ascend to Marmot Pass or the summit of Mount Buckhorn provides a significant advantage, allowing for a more enjoyable and less strenuous high-elevation exploration. This insider knowledge, often shared among local hiking communities, makes Camp Mystery a preferred staging ground for ambitious day treks within the Olympics. It fosters a sense of accomplishment that resonates deeply with the adventurous spirit of Washingtonians.

Furthermore, the natural features of Camp Mystery—the refreshing creek, the dense, cooling shade from the tree canopy, and the feeling of being truly disconnected—create an environment conducive to complete relaxation and rejuvenation. After a strenuous uphill hike, the cool breeze and soothing sounds of the creek are invaluable. While it's popular, especially on weekends, the dispersed nature of the campsites generally allows for a reasonable degree of personal space, a testament to its design as a backcountry area rather than a dense recreational park.

In essence, Camp Mystery is perfectly suited for Washington locals who are experienced hikers or aspiring backpackers. It offers an accessible yet challenging wilderness experience, a vital stepping stone to higher adventures, and a deep, authentic connection with the unparalleled beauty of the Olympic Mountains. For those ready to earn their views and embrace the primitive charm of true backcountry camping, Camp Mystery provides an unforgettable and deeply rewarding chapter in their Washington outdoor story.

Camp Mystery

Washington, USA