Royal Basin

Trip

Day Hike - Royal Basin

Explore the beautiful tarns and rocks of Upper Royal Basin. 16 miles, 3,800 elevation gain.

  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 16.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft
  • Pace: 2.25

Let's meander up Royal Creek, continue past Royal lake, then explore the breathtaking scenery of Upper Royal Basin. There may be lingering snow patches, and the biting insects may have hatched.  We'll take time to explore the upper basin before returning the way we came. This hike has it all, a gorgeous river, cool shaded forest, waterfalls, a lake, wildflowers, and rugged peaks.

Expect to be on the trail for 9-10 hours.

I will be staying in the area Wednesday-Friday and will be leading another hike  on Friday, July 11th to Buckhorn Mountain.  

Meet at the Dungeness River Trailhead at 10:00 am (later start to accommodate ferry travel). NW Forest Pass required.

The forest service road is long and rough. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended, though reports say it can be navigated by most cars with care. It takes about an hour from the turnoff from Hwy 101. Leader will recommend carpooling options nearby to consolidate vehicles.

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.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
Trip Reports