Backpack - Royal Lake & Upper Royal Basin

Meet at the Dungeness Trailhead at 10am. We will aim to start hiking by 10:30.

From Blyn head towards Sequim on 101. In 1.7 miles take a left onto Louella Road. Take Louella 0.9 miles to its end at the intersection with Palo Alto Road, and turn left on Palo Alto. Follow Palo Alto for 5.8 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 2880. This gravel road winds steeply down for 0.9 miles until you cross the bridge over the Dungeness River and drive past the Dungeness Forks Campground. In another 0.9 miles, you arrive at an intersection. Go straight (not right) on what is now Forest Road 2870. In another 2.5 miles bear right at an intersection to stay on 2870. In another 4.9 miles, take the left fork to stay on 2870. In 1.6 miles, you will again cross the Dungeness River and be at the sizable trailhead parking lot. Trailhead amenities include picnic table and vault toilet.

Northwest Forest of National Parks pass are required for all vehicles parked at the trailhead.

*Leaders Permission Required*. I will be looking for participants who have had or will have backpacking experience with trips 8+ miles with at least 2500 feet of gain. I will also be looking for participants who are committed to the trip if accepted as this trip requires me adding your name to the permit and getting reimbursed for permit cost- $9 or let me know if you have an annual Olympic National Park Backcountry pass. It is important to me to have participants who enjoy hiking in a group and have patience for others on the trip. 

** NOTE ** Sign up will be first-come-first-serve, you're welcome to request permission in advance but you will have to register when registration opens.  There won't be any advance registration.

We will hike at a moderate 1.5- 2 mph pace, taking frequent breaks. We will stop for an extended lunch (~20 minutes). We will hike 7.2 miles to Royal Lake Group Camp aiming to reach camp by 4pm; We will explore the basin either late Saturday or early Sunday breaking camp by 9am to hike back out and arrive back at the trailhead Sunday by 2pm. I will likely camp nearby the night before. Bear cans are required in Royal Basin.