Backpack - Royal Lake & Upper Royal Basin

Our objective on this hike is to move at a fast pace (targeting 2mph) through the dense, fern-filled forest to Royal Lake. The elevation gain is fairly evenly distributed throughout these first 7 miles, so it will be a steady climb to our campsite. Upon arriving at Royal Lake, we will transition to a slower, more relaxed pace so we can enjoy our stay at the lake and have ample time to explore the Upper Basin on Saturday. We will be spending two nights at Royal Lake and day hiking into and out of the Upper Basin on Saturday. 

There is a lot of scree and loose rock in the Upper Basin so sturdy shoes and hiking poles may be of help to you as we explore, however we will not venture into scrambling or climbing terrain on this trip. Typically at this time of year, snow has completely melted out on the trail leading to the Upper Basin. We may encounter lingering, non-consequential patches of snow in the Upper Basin that require routing around, or careful crossing, as we explore.

This is a mentored trip for Elyse.

Itinerary

Friday: Leave the Upper Dungeness River Trailhead by 10:30AM. Hike to Royal Lake Group Campsite, 7mi and 2900ft elevation gain. 

Saturday: Leisurely breakfast/morning at Royal Lake, get day packs ready and hit the trail by 11:00AM to hike to the Upper Basin, 1mi each way with an additional 650ft elevation gain. We will plan to have lunch in the Upper Basin and will spend the majority of the day exploring the Upper Basin and enjoying its splendor. 

Sunday: Pack up early and be back on trail by 8:30AM to head back to the trailhead. 7mi and 2900ft descent. 

Elevation and mileage derived from Caltopo. Sunrise/Sunset: 5:50AM/8:40PM

Special Considerations

• The route starts and ends on the northeast side of the Olympic Peninsula.  Depending on where you are coming from, the drive to the trailhead could take 3 hours or longer and could involve a ferry trip.  
• You must carry a bear canister in this part of the National Park. Ursacks are not sufficient, nor allowed. Please reference the ONP website for a list of approved animal resistant food containers. Please ensure the canister you select is large enough to hold all your food and scented items (sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, etc.) as these must be secured at all times.
• Each participant will be asked to reimburse the leader $20 for the price of the backcountry permits.
• A Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency (“America the Beautiful”) Pass is required to park at the Trailhead.

Leader Permission

Leader permission is required for this trip.  Please include the following information in your request:

• A few examples of overnight or multi-night trip experiences within the last 2 -3 years.  If these were Mountaineers trips, you may also simply reference your online Activity History.
• Your plan to be in condition for this trip by the beginning of August. This may include other hikes/backpacking trips you have planned in the coming months that will prepare you for this trip.

COVID Considerations

A lot can change between now and early August, however, for now, all participants on this trip will be required to have the full initial COVID vaccine regimen, plus a booster shot. Should we see surging cases and high community spread, we may also require a negative at-home test immediately before the trip. Additional details will be provided as we approach our hike date. Our goal here is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Upper Dungeness River Trailhead on Friday August 5th, ready to hike by 10:30AM.