Dosewallips River Road — Monday, Feb. 19, 2018

We picked a perfect, clear and sunny day for a long but easy hike along the Dosewallips River. We arrived at the trailhead around ten, there were only a few cars there and we were on the road (trail) by 10:15. The second washout on the road has added about a mile of road walking one way, to the length of your hike so plan accordingly. We had to maneuver through that wash out and with it being so cold, a lot of the rocks were icy which made it a little more difficult than usual. We were glad to get moving and get our bodies warmed up, it was bitingly cold. Climbing up and around the original washout definitely got our blood pumping and warmed us right up. The trail is perfect, with easy, gradual elevation gain after getting around the original washout. There are a handful of trees down along the trail but all easy to navigate. Just before reaching the campground, the Dose Falls were thundering down the canyon. They were magnificent, with icicles hanging off the rocks and logs across the river. I could have stayed there taking pictures for hours. But a hot lunch was calling our names so on we plowed, up the steep grade, to the campground.The farther in we traveled, the more snow was on the ground and by the time we got to the campground we were hiking through a couple inches of accumulation. One of my favorite hikes is to the Dose Campground, although it's a bit eerie. It reminds me of a ghost town. I think the best thing that happened to the Dosewallips is the washout and the way nature is taking over the old road. I love that there are food lockers and picnic tables still standing at the campground. They make it so nice for overnights, and we actually passed a couple on their way out that had stayed overnight in the snow. Sitting next to the river, using a snowcovered picnic table to prepare our lunch, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Olympics, life couldn't get much better. After scarfing down a hot lunch courtesy of my Jetboil, we headed back out, with plans to come back soon. We passed several more people on our way back to the trailhead, just out for an easy afternoon stroll. A little over 13 miles total for us in 5 hours= a great day. I would recommend this hike again and again. Parking can be a bit tight on a busy trail day so make sure you get there early.