Upper Dungeness River
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Oct 25, 2009 04:41 PM
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Dahlia
The Dungeness River. Photo by Jon Lee.
A delightful hike through ancient timber along the crystal-clear Dungeness River-save this one for a hot or rainy day. Quite possibly the easiest 3.4 miles of wilderness trail in the Olympics, the Upper Dungeness is ideal for introducing neophytes and youngsters to the backcountry. Handy dandy Camp Handy with its restored shelter provides cover on overcast days, allowing you to enjoy your lunch while droplets run down the cedar shingles. Recent Trip Reports
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Tubal Cain #840,Buckhorn Lake #845,Dungeness River #833,Tull Canyon #847
— Jul 03, 2000
— Troop 294
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Water on trail | Snow on trail
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Eleven adults and LNT certified scouts from Vashon Troop 294 spent July 1-3 hiking in the Buckhorn Wilderness, making...
Eleven adults and LNT certified scouts from Vashon Troop 294 spent July 1-3 hiking in the Buckhorn Wilderness, making the most of a 2-car shuttle for a loop trip from Tubal Cain to Marmot Pass (840) then out to Dungeness (833). The rhododendrons were blooming on the Tubal Cain trail. We took a side trip up Tull Canyon to see the B-17 crash site. Part of the Tull Canyon trail was difficult to follow because of water. We continued on the Tubal Cain trail and spent the first night at Buckhorn Lake. There are really only two campsites there, which was difficult for our large group. We had nice views when the clouds cleared. The trail to Marmot Pass is strenuous but the wildflowers are in bloom. Try to catch the view when the clouds clear and before the weather changes, it was impressive. The junction with #833 is obscured by snow, although the trail up Buckhorn Mountain is visible and misleading. We hiked up and around the snow, then descended the hillside to #833. We encountered a difficult snow patch before reaching Marmot Pass. We used an ice axe to make steps and a hand rope to cross midway down the snow slope. Two more snow fields required rope and ice axe between Marmot Pass and Boulder Camp. The trail from Boulder Camp to Camp Handy was downhill and hard on the knees and toes. There are many campsites at Camp Handy where we spent our second night. The trail from Camp Handy to the trailhead on the Dungeness is nearly flat and pleasant hiking. This was a challenging hike for us and we learned some wonderful skills traversing the snow.
Dungeness River #833.2, Gray Wolf River #834, Lower Gray Wolf River #92
— Mar 23, 1999
— ONP
Day hike
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The Royal Basin access via the Upper Dungeness Trailhead (US Forest Service) is not presently open due to major...
The Royal Basin access via the Upper Dungeness Trailhead (US Forest Service) is not presently open due to major washouts on the Forest Service roads into that area. There is no anticipated date of opening. |
Driving Directions
From the west end of the Hood Canal Bridge, drive State Route 104 to its end and veer north onto US 101. Proceed 16 miles and turn left onto Louella Road (just before reaching the Sequim Bay State Park entrance). In 1 mile turn left on Palo Alto Road, continuing for 6 miles. Bear right at a junction onto Forest Road 2880. The road descends and crosses the Dungeness River, coming to another junction in 1.7 miles, where you turn left on FR 2870. In 2.6 miles bear right at a junction to continue on FR 2870 (formerly called FR 2860). Continue 6.5 miles to the large parking area just past the Dungeness River Bridge. Privy available. |
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