Hikers have often reported sightings of everything from bears to a Bigfoot on their hikes. But the most chilling ones? Wreckage from another lifetime that you can possibly see and touch. If you're all about that sense of adventure, one of the best hikes in Washington takes you directly to the ruins of a downed World War II aircraft. Located in the Olympic National Forest's Buckhorn Wilderness Area, the Tubal Cain Trail takes you through a forest to 118-year-old abandoned mines and a B-17 plane crash from 1952. During a wild snowstorm, the plane that was returning from a rescue mission in Canada hit a mountain and plunged 1,300 feet, claiming the lives of three soldiers. The wreckage was left behind, but a moderate, 8.6-mile trail will take you to it. You'll need to self-issue a free Wilderness Permit at the trailhead. Once on the path, you'll be surrounded by rhododendron bushes that are in full bloom in spring. There's even a creek that you'll have to cross on a log bridge. About 3.2 miles into the hike, a side trail nearby called the Tull Canyon will lead you to the plane crash where you'll be standing amidst piles of shattered metal. View this post on Instagram 🌲🏔 reminiscing on summertime adventures A post shared by julia (@juliaconor_) on Sep 21, 2017 at 8:40am PDT While the military has removed sensitive components, you can still survey its metal wings, landing-rear wheels, and hydraulic shafts — a treat if you're an aviation fan, history buff, or just a lover of all things eerie. There are even several camping sites nearby if you want to soak it all in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleeyse Greenlaw (@eleeyse.photography) On your way back, you'll encounter the abandoned Tubal Cain Mine. Although it's unsafe to explore due to frequent loose rocks, you can see plenty of evidence of miners that have abandoned their work midway. We'd suggest keeping out of it because who knows what's hiding in its depths? It reportedly extends 3,000 feet into the mountains! View this post on Instagram 0.5 mile mine shaft. #Exploring #Adventure #PNWonderland #PNWExplore #ILoveThisLife #Hiking #TubalCainMine #Mine A post shared by Summer Joy (@summerjoy23) on Jul 9, 2017 at 10:53pm PDT Good thing, dogs are allowed on leashes though. This trail is best used in the early summer season through October, so you won't have to wait until Halloween for this uncanny adventure. View this post on Instagram A few weeks back @maddieraynolds and I took her mom @vickiraynolds on her first backpacking trip ever up to Buckhorn Lake and it was everything we wanted and more. . . Except for the deerflies. Fuck those guys. . . . . . Thanks to @rei @mtnhouse and @thenorthface for outfitting almost all of our gear, you guys rock! . . . . . . . . #getoutside #thegreatoutdoors #PNW #reset #hiking #camper #backpack #WestCoast #tentlife #thenorthface #hikers #Washington #camp #nature #TubalCain #backpacker #olympicnationalpark #WestCoastisthebestcoast #PacificNorthwest #REI #optoutside #alpine #Buckhorn #backpacking #camping #PNWonderland #virgin #lakeside #Sequim A post shared by Matt Parks|StrongPointsFitness (@parks.and.wreck) on Sep 3, 2018 at 5:50pm PDT Tubal Cain Trail Difficulty: ModerateLength: Approximately 8.6-miles out-and-back (3.2 miles to the plane) Address: Sequim, WA Why You Need To Go: This hike will take you to a real airplane crash. Plus, you'll get to see creepy mines that were abandoned 118 years ago. Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and don't enter the tunnels.
