Royal Basin via Royal Lake — Friday, Jun. 21, 2013

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Hiked up to Royal Basin and camped two nights in the Royal Lake area. Trail in very good condition with one large Doug fir blowdown easily navigated at about 1.5 miles (or so) in. Trail nearly free of snow to Royal Lake, becomes continuous at the meadow directly below the upper basin. Most campsites at and around the Royal Lake are snow free. The Group Campsite has large blowdowns thru the middle of it. A bug free weekend! For travel to/from the upper basin ice axe and crampons a good idea if you plan to travel anytime but mid-day to late afternoon when the snow is soft.