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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Royal Lake & Upper Royal Basin

Explore the dramatic scenery of Royal Lake and Upper Royal Basin in the Olympic National Park on this 2-night backpacking trip. Friday, we hike in and setup camp at Royal Lake. Saturday will be full day to explore the tarns and wildflowers of the Upper Basin, carrying lighter packs. This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on a two-night backpack with an experienced mentor.

Contacts

Kim Frasher
Kim Frasher
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 14.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2 mph

Carpooling will be determined by the group and Covid-19 guidelines at the time of this trip.  Additional details on a meeting place / time will be shared via email.   Please expect an early (6am?) start on Friday, July 24 as travel time to the Upper Dungeness Trailhead is estimated between 3 to 4 hours.

On Friday, we will hike to Royal Lake.  The lower trail follows Royal Creek and passes through a forest carpeted in moss.  There are a few minor stream crossings on logs before reaching Lower Royal Meadow, followed by switchbacks on the ascent to Royal Lake.  Royal Lake is dramatic, surrounded by jagged peaks and a nearby waterfall.   Day 1 is  just under 7 miles and 2600 ft gain.

On Saturday, with light packs and cameras, we will explore the beautiful meadows and tarns of the Upper Basin (less than a mile away, with 600’ elevation gain).  Then enjoy the evening back at camp, exploring around the lake and a nearby waterfall.  Expect to see deer and marmots.  Also expect mosquitoes -- bug headnet and mosquito repellent recommended.

Sunday morning, we will break camp at Royal Lake and hike back out.

B3 participants are welcome to submit their interest in this trip via a leader permission request.  As this is a multi-day trip, please provide information on other backpacking experience (including previous B3 trips) in your leader permission request.

 

  • We have a permit for the group campsite at Royal Lake.  Please reimburse the leader for the permit cost of $8/night ($16 total).   Addition costs on this trip will include any carpooling and share of ferry tolls.
  • The group  site reservation requires a minimum of 7 people to hold the site.    Please only sign up if you are committed to participating in this trip as last minute cancellations will affect the entire trip.
  • Travel time to the Upper Dungeness trailhead is approximately 3 to 4 hours from Seattle.  Due to lack of cell phone reception once on the forest service roads, we may choose to meet near Blyn on Hwy 101, and then caravan to the trailhead.
  • NW Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful pass) required.
  • Bear canister required.  Please confirm with leader at the time of registration whether or not you have access to a  bear canister.  All food, scented items and garbage must be stored in the bear canister.
  • No campfires allowed at Royal Lake / Royal Basin (prohibited above 3500 feet).
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.

Bear canister is required.

Mosquitos headnet and repellent.

 

Trip Reports