Buckhorn Wilderness is administered by the Hood Canal Ranger District of the Olympic National Forest.

The wilderness lies within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, resulting in a relatively drier climate.

Despite this, the lowland forests (below about 4,000 feet) are still dominated by stands of old-growth western red cedar, western hemlock, and Douglas fir, in addition to numerous understory organisms such as devil's club, salal, thimbleberry, fungi, and mosses.

Some slopes, such as the south side of Buckhorn Mountain, are rather arid above tree line due to fast-draining soils, sunny exposure, and low precipitation in the summer months.

More than 54 miles (87 km) of trails provide access to the wilderness for backpacking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, hunting, hiking, camping, viewing wildlife, and fishing.