Trip Reports

Due to the low river level the bridge over the Dungeness is now useable. Just before Camp Handy the trail splits, the downhill trail leading to the meadows; stay left (the lower trail rejoins the upper in ~300'). The Y trail junction shown near Camp Handy on Green Trail maps is actually about 10 minutes further up the valley; go left, signed ""Marmot Pass"". After the trail junction just before Boulder Camp find a sign ""Home Lake"" in the boulder field before the shelter. Clear sailing after that. 20 mi r.t./ 3300' plus.

Charlia Lakes Trail: We picked up the trail 300 meters south of Boulder Shelter off the Dungeness Trail. There are a few overly steep sections and the bush is encroaching in places but only a couple of deadfall. Overall it is a pleasant approach to Charlia Saddle.

Two day trip from Tubal Cain (#840) trailhead to the campground at the junction of the Dungeness River and Royal Creek and a day hike to the Royal Basin.

Day 1: Mid-day start on Tubal Cain, encountered a few other hikers. Great trail through the woods and brief stop at the Tubal Cain Mine. Once we left the trees we had great views up and down the Cooper Creek valley. The wildflowers were out and in abundance. A wonderful first day. Our destination for that day was the camp at Buckhorn Lake. There is a nice sign marking the trail down to the lake. Numerous campsites, but only a small one on the lake shore itself. The lake is beautiful green-blue and entirely melted out. (A special request: If you go there for the night, please bring an extra garbage bag to pack out some trash left by past campers.)

Note about water: If you plan on continuing, the Lake is your last water source until you get through Marmot Pass - either Camp Mystey on the Big Quilcene Trail or Boulder Camp on the Dungeness River Trail.

Day 2: Hiked up from Buckhorn Lake through Marmot Pass, then down to Boulder Camp and finally down Dungeness River Trail to the campsites. The section of trail up from the lake to the pass is steep but the views along the way are worth it. On the other side of Marmot Pass to Camp Handy on the Dungeness River is also very steep. The crossing at the lower end of the Dungeness River Trail is out but not entirely impassible. It looks like a system was rigged up for people to cross, but water is rushing over a 3-foot section of bridge. We could tell that people were crossing from the west side to the east side, since the east side of the bridge was wet. We decided to go farther downstream since there was a well worn trail on the east side of the river, to find another log across the river which we carefully crossed. Cross at your own risk. (The bridge is supposed to be fixed this summer)

Day 3: Day hike to the Royal Basin via the Royal Basin Trail. The trail was in great shape the entire way thanks to the WTA trail crews. We actually met some on our way up working on the rocky sections - Thank you and great job. The bugs started appearing about 4 miles in and continued to the upper basin. There is a well-worn trail to the upper basin and is well worth the one extra mile hike from Royal Lake. Royal Lake is a great swimming hole and isn't too cold but quite refreshing on a warm day, so bring your swimsuit.

I intended to hike the Tubal Cain trail but there were a couple of issues. First, I either missed the trailhead or it was marked ""Gold Creek #830"". This sign was confusing because according to the map I had I was nowhere near Gold Creek. Second, there was snow along the road not far past this point so the trail is probably still emerging from winter.

I turned back 4 miles and hiked the Dungeness River trail instead. The road to the trailhead is severely potholed in a few spots and it's a long 18 miles from Highway 101 so give yourself time.

The trail was popular on this day. About half the visitors were headed for Royal Basin and the other half continuing along the Dungeness River into the Buckhorn Wilderness.

Trail is in excellent condition for the first 2.5 miles. At that point the footlog across the river is damaged beyond use. There is a notice at the trailhead that it will be replaced this year.

I continued along the west side of the river, bushwhacking on a way trail created by like-minded hikers. It's not easy to follow, but the terrain is forgiving. I don't recommend it unless you're comfortable with potentially losing the trail and having to navigate on your own.

Eventually this way trail (and it's various braids) reach a meadow and then a log crossing just before Camp Handy. I crossed over to the east side of the river here. The way trail continues uphill to the northeast, presumably re-uniting with the original trail, but I made the Camp Handy shelter my turnaround point for the day. This is 5 miles from the trailhead.

I hiked Duckabush the previous week. Compared to that trail, this one has much less interesting flora, but just as excellent river scenery and access if not better. And it's easier. Take your pick.