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Intro to Backpacking Field Trip

Field trip: Introduction to Backpacking

Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Dosewallips River Road Trail

Overnight Backpacking Field trip

Contacts

Lisa Hayek
Lisa Hayek
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 13.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

Meet at the trailhead at 8am.

Here are the driving instructions per WTA:
From Quilcene, drive south on Highway 101 for 11 miles to Brinnon, turning right at milepost 306 onto Dosewallips Road.

From Shelton, drive north on US 101 for 41 miles and turn left, 1 mile beyond Dosewallips State Park.

Proceed 8.5 miles to the new vehicle road end. Parking is on the roadside and can be backed up considerably. No toilets available.

The trail
We'll be hiking 6.5 miles to Dosewallips Campground along a gradual, wide trail, which is an abandoned forest service road that was washed out over a decade ago.  We'll pass through lush forest along the beautiful, roaring Dosewallips River.  There is one washout section where a detour trail takes us up a couple of switchbacks around the washout then back down to the abandoned road.
Once we set up camp, there will be an optional side hike further into Olympic National Park.  I have not done this side hike, so it will be fun to explore.
Here is a link with more information on the trail:
Water source
The Dosewallips River will be an excellent water source, so you only need to bring enough water the first day to get to the campground, where you can then filter more from the river.  I would recommend carrying around 2 liters, but of course you can decide.
Food storage
To be announced.
Campsite
Since our campsite will be in a decommissioned National Park Car Campground, there will be plenty of space for all of us.  We'll try not to take up too many sites so that there is room for other backpackers to set up camp. 
Weather
I will update this as the date approaches.  Temperatures could be in the 30s or 40s at night this time of year in this area.  Be prepared for rain since it is to be expected this time of year.  The good news is that this hike is beautiful in the rain.
Fires
To be announced.
Driving Directions
Taken from WTA: From Quilcene, drive south on Highway 101 for 11 miles to Brinnon, turning right at milepost 306 onto Dosewallips Road.  Proceed 8.5 miles to the new vehicle road end. Parking is on the roadside and can be backed up considerably. No toilets available.
Parking Pass and Trailhead info
Last year no parking pass was required (contrary to what is posted on the WTA website).  I will confirm this as the date approaches.
There are no facilities at the trailhead.  If you are driving please don't leave any valuables in your vehicle, even if they are hidden.  Only take with you on the trip what you need and leave everything else at home.  This is good practice at any Washington trailhead.
Map
There are several maps out there that you can purchase of the area.  Depending on when they were printed, they may or may not show where the trail is washed out.  If you'd like, you can print out this map that I generated on caltopo.com:
https://caltopo.com/p/3K63
Route/Place

Dosewallips River/Abandoned National Park Road


  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
    Green Trails Tyler Peak No. 136
    Green Trails The Brothers No. 168
    Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167
    Custom Correct Gray Wolf - Dosewallips
    Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

To be discussed at lecture

Trip Reports