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Royal Basin

Trip

Backpack - Royal Basin

This is one of the "100 Classic Hikes in Washington" and for good reason. We'll hike 7 miles and gain 2,500 feet of elevation to Royal Lake (5,100 ft) in Olympic National Park, where we'll set up camp. Then we'll hike another mile and 500 feet of elevation gain into the Upper Basin (5,600 ft) to explore the beautiful meadows. On the second day, we'll hike seven miles back to the trail head. The WTA website has a great description of this hike.

Contacts

Michele Ritala
Michele Ritala
Primary Leader
Richard Lambe
Richard Lambe
Co-leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 14.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft

Meet at the Long House Market and Deli in Sequim at 8:30 on Friday, July 15.  We'll drive as a caravan from there.  We'll make carpool arrangements once the roster is closed. You'll need to take a ferry from Seattle or drive south through Tacoma Narrows bridge to reach this location. 

  1. This trip is not appropriate for first-time backpackers
  2. This is an early season hike to an alpine lake. Expect bugs and bring bug repellant
  3. Overnight lows at this high elevation could be in the 30s; be prepared for rain with a rain jacket, rain pants, pack cover and warm layers (no cotton) clothing. No fires are allowed in this area. We'll check weather conditions and may cancel if severe weather conditions are predicted.
Route/Place

Royal Basin


  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
    Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
    Custom Correct Gray Wolf - Dosewallips
    USGS Mt Deception
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister is required in this part of ONP. The leader already has a permit so there's no need to stop at a ranger station (and no opportunity to rent a canister)
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • There is an outhouse at the campsite. Bring toilet paper.
Trip Reports