It may be a little late in the season for a trip report on the Upper Dungeness, but just in case the weather cooperates and anyone ventures out, here is my report. With FR2880 closed just past the Dungeness Forks campground, I traveled past Sequim to access FR2870 (via Taylor Cutoff/Lost Mountain roads). This allows you to bypass the rock slide and get to where it intersects with FR2880. The potholes on the entire route (both roads), are only getting worse. I am hopeful that budget will allow improvements in 2026 for these two main roads in and out of the northeast portion of the Olympic National Forest. Until then, all we can do is plan a little extra travel time to reach the trailheads.
Snow on the roads started after the FR2870/2880 intersection, and while not too deep, was constant and icy all the way to the trailhead. Recommend 4WD or traction devices. I noted that the vault toilet was locked for the season. Depending on tree cover, the snow on the trail was continuous after the first river bridge. It got deeper as elevation increased, with depths the last 1/2 mile of limited open areas and Boulder Camp being ~18” to 24”. I was able to make it to Boulder Camp without traction devices or snow shoes, but it made for a bit of work. There were a few trees across the trail, and one large uprooted fir, but all were fairly easy to bypass. Smaller creek crossings were no problem, albeit a little slippery. Poles were definitely handy for those. Temperatures never got above freezing until close to the end of the hike, but I had blue skies, sun, and excellent views of the mountains and the river valley. Also plenty of solitude, as I was the only vehicle in the parking lot, did not see any people on the trail, and don’t recall seeing any boot prints past Camp Handy. All in all, another great day in the Olympics! 🥾😎
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