Day 1: 10.7mi. 2,477ft elevation gain
Started at the Duckabush TH and immediately started climbing through wonderful lush forest. Gentle climb up over little hump and then a little more challenging up over big hump. Trail in good condition up to Five Mile Camp. From there it continues along the river, gently gaining elevation, however there are quite a few spots where the trail is overgrown. Not bad enough to lose the trail, but would suggest long pants or tall socks to keep your shins from being scratched up (like mine were). Reached Ten Mile camp and set up my tent. Toilet, at some point, was crushed by a falling tree, so don't plan on using it.
Day 2: 12.5mi, 4,624ft elevation gain.
Left Ten Mile Camp early knowing this would be my toughest day. Again, trail was overgrown, but never lost the trail. A few trees down, but nothing too difficult. Reached the junction with the LaCrosse pass trail and began my assent to the pass. Trail is a constant uphill, mostly switchbacks through a beautiful forest. Biting flies were a nuisance most of the way up the pass. A few muddy spots, so plan on getting your boots muddy. Total assent to the pass was about 3,000 feet. About 500 feet from the top you break out of the forest and into a beautiful sub-alpine meadow. It is here your efforts are repaid with spectacular views across the valley of gorgeous snow caped peaks. Once the pass is made, it is a slow descent on the other side toward the West fork of the Dosewallips River. Trail follows the contour of the ridge line, offering amazing views into the wildflower bespectacled valley below. I feel that I possibly did this route the wrong way, and it would have been easier to come from the north to the south over the pass, but it was a pleasant change from the relentless uphill I'd just traversed. Once hitting the junction and turning east, it was a short jaunt to Honeymoon meadows. Wonderful campsite and had only one other person in the camp with me. I slept well that night.
By the way, if I had a top ten list of backcountry toilets, this one would absolutely make that list.
Day 3: 7.3mi, 490ft elevation gain
Left Honeymoon Meadows for an easy day on the trail after the climbing of the previous day. Trail is in good shape, though a bit sketchy the first half mile from leaving camp. The canyon narrows and the trail has a few small scrambles, but nothing too difficult, just take it slow. Trail descends following the river and made camp at Dos Forks, located just after a bridge crossing the Dosewallips. Beautiful shaded camp.
Day 4: 8.4mi., 438ft elevation gain
Got an early start for another mostly downhill day. Trail in good condition and had no issues. It was a bit eerie seeing the abandoned Dosewallips Ranger Station and trail head. Felt a little like I'd entered the world of the Walking Dead! Trail in good condition all the way to the trail head. The bypass trail around the washout that closed the road is kinda ridiculously steep, especially after 4 days of hiking in the woods, but it is short, and therefore livable.
Comments