Royal Basin via Royal Lake — Monday, May. 30, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Day hiked to Upper Royal Basin to climb Mt Deception. Royal Creek Trail to the lake is in very good condition. There are maybe 6 trees down the entire route, none are hard to get around. A section of the trail after the "no fires" sign is a little blown out from water, but just continue in the direction you were going and pay attention, there is a path to follow. Royal Meadows is snow-free. As you near Royal lake there are a few patches of snow that have nice boot packs, are not hard to pass and do not mask the trail whatsoever. Around the lake there are sections of snow left, again nice boot packs. The trail from Shelter Rock to Upper Royal Basin is 95% snow covered. When we went the snow was firm in the morning, and soft in the afternoon. There is a distinct bootpack to follow. Depending on your comfort level in snow, traction might be desired. Just before the upper basin, the waterfall is flowing and you can get water here. The upper basin is full of snow and the tarns are turquoise blue ice. You might be able to get some drinking water around the edges, but otherwise I'd think you will be melting snow. It's so beautiful right now! Enjoy & Please Leave No Trace.