Dosewallips River Road Trail - Trip Report for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
A Thanksgiving Day hike along some of the Dosewallips River Road trail. The 8.5 mile road in (starting from the turn-off on Highway 101) is paved for the first 6 or so miles. The next section is gravel and has a few potholes but in general is fine for most vehicles if you take it slow. Only 2 other cars in the small lot where the trail begins. Arrived about 10:30am.
No signage at the start, but the trail just begins right from the parking. Stay (slightly) right and cross over the rocks and small creek and you will see the trail. It rambles right alongside the river. The tree canopy is fairly open the first mile with lots of big moss-covered trees. At about the one-mile mark, this is where you can either stay left along the rocky river-bank or go right up 100 feet with switchbacks above the erosion zone. We kept left going along the river. Just watch your footing and go slow as looking upward the erosion seemed a bit spooky. There is one very small part leading out of the river rock section that had ropes but it was easy enough to climb out without them.
The trail continues along the river with a very gradual incline. Beautiful forest, ferns, moss, and the trail is in great shape. You will hear the roar of the river throughout. About 3.5 miles in, we were high above the canyon and could see glimpses of the river below. The rain started but was so lovely in the green forest groves.
We turned back here and took the high section (above the river bed section) - it was a steep incline of switchbacks, but trail in great shape. I think it gained 100 feet in this small section, then headed back down.
A few trees down here and there along the trail but they were cut through to maintain the trail safety
Only saw two other hiking parties and one cyclist the whole day. So peaceful and a generally casual and gentle hike. Finished with 7 miles round-trip and wrapped up by 2:30pm taking our time along the way.
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