Trail Details
This is one of our favorite hikes in Washington State. You have to work hard for the views but Royal Basin is well worth the effort.
You start at the Upper Dungeness Trail and there is a relatively small parking lot which is usually enough as the length and remoteness of the trail keeps the masses away.
The first few miles are primarily through a dense forest with many old growth trees. In the lower section there are three sanctioned camping spots where you can have fires. While the forest in this section is beautiful it goes on forever. Along the trail you get a few looks at the surrounding mountain ranges and then it’s back into the woods.
About one mile before reaching Royal Lake you will come across Lower Royal Meadow a nice campground with good views of the surrounding peaks. We recommend to push on as better spots await at the Lake and in the Basin. After what seems like forever you will eventually emerge at Royal Lake. This is a wonderful alpine Lake with a lot to explore in the surrounding area.
If you are camping make sure to check out the surrounding sights including Shelter Rock (it is massive) and take a short detour to Royal Falls. You can find this trail behind the ranger campsite and it is a stunner and was a complete surprise to us.
Above Royal Lake you have another mile which is fairly steep into Royal Basin and despite reports fairly easy to follow. We recommend that you do this either in the evening or first thing in the morning. This basin is a magical place to be in the right light. Because of the lack of campsites if you go early you are likely to have this place to yourself.
Why choose this hike
The basin itself is one of the most beautiful areas in Washington State
This hike has it all - waterfalls, rivers, mountain peaks and alpine lakes
Expect a decent amount of solitude - a rarity in such beautiful country
Why go somewhere else
There is a lot of woods to walk through before the views start
Camping permits in the basin and lake can be difficult so plan ahead
It is to long for most people[as a day hike
Permits and Camping:
Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trrailhead
Camping reservations are required year round
Camping in the basin is very limited. There is much more access at Royal Lake or in the Lower Meadows
Distance:
Located at the upper Dungeness Trailhead on the Olympic Peninsula
Seattle: 3 hours 10 minutes
Portland: 4 hours 45 minutes
Vancouver BC: 5 hours 10 minutes
Useful Links:
For uptodate trail information
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/royal-basin.htm
For camping reservations:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservations.htm
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