Royal Basin
Hike of the Week:
July 27, 2008
Location: Olympic National Park (north)
Distance: 14.4 miles roundtrip to Royal Lake; 16 miles r.t. to Upper Royal Basin
Elevation: 2,550 feet to 5,100 feet to Royal Lake
Maps: Green Trails #136 Tyler Peak or Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
Why Go?
Royal Basin is a fabulous overnight backpack trip (or long day hike) into one of the prettiest alpine lake basins in the Olympics. The wildflowers are in peak bloom and provide a perfect kaleidescope of color throughout the basin, and Royal Lake is snow-free and reportedly excellent for a cool dip after a long hike. Never mind the majestic peaks that grow closer every step of your journey.
The hike isn't that difficult, climbing gradually for the first six miles until it steepens about a mile from the lake. Along the way you will be entertained by Royal Creek, which is your companion the entire journey. There are numerous creek crossings but nothing that will get you too wet. You will begin on the Dungeness River Trail, but peel off to the right after a mile to Royal Basin.
Strong hikers and certainly anyone backpacking, will want to push an extra mile (and 500 feet) to reach the Upper Basin, where you will be treated to a lovely glacial tarn below Mt. Deception.
- A Washington Trails Association Backcountry Response Team clears a slide on the Royal Basin trail in July 2008. Photo by Mike.
The trail is in excellent shape right now, thanks to a recent WTA backcountry trail crew that removed blowdowns and repaired damage to areas that slid over the winter.
Note: This trail lies mostly within Olympic National Park, so to backpack you will need to get a backcountry permit from the Wilderness Information Center. You must also use bear canisters in this part of the park.
More Information
Guidebooks: Day Hiking: Olympics by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books); Olympic Mountains Trail Guide by Robert L. Wood (Mountaineers Books). Olympic National Park trail description; Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100 (for permits & conditions).
Driving Directions
Take Hwy 101 north toward Sequim Bay State Park. Turn left just before reaching the park on Luella Road. Go 1.1 miles and turn left on Palo Alto Road. Follow this road, which turns into FR 28, for 6miles. Turn right on FR 2880 along the Dungeness River. At a junction in 1.7 miles, turn left onto FR 2870 and continue another 6.5 miles. There is a large parking area here. You will begin your hike on the Dungeness River Trail. Northwest Forest Pass required.
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