Royal Basin

Royal Lake

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map
Royal Lake Camp Area Map

Directions to Trailhead

 

General Location: 18 miles southwest of Sequim, WA in Upper Dungeness/Royal Creek area.

Trailhead: Upper Dungeness Trailhead (USFS)

Notices:

• Permits for this area must be obtained through the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles in person or by phone.
• Space is limited.
• A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the USFS Upper Dungeness Trailhead. America the Beautiful Passes also cover this parking fee.

 

Description:

Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine meadow, subalpine lake basin
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate to steep
River crossings: A few small creek crossings. Be prepared to get your feet wet.
Unique features: Wildflowers, wildlife, mountain vistas, highest concentration of 7,000+ ft. peaks in the Olympics
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.2 miles to Royal Lake.
Elevation change: 2,550 feet to 5,100 feet
Best Season: early July through mid-October

 

Trail Conditions

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Camping is limited between May 1 and September 30. Reservations Required. Use the reservation form for permits year round.

Food Storage Method: Bear Canisters required - Trees in the Royal Basin area are not suitable for food hanging. No bear wires. Bear canisters are available to borrow from Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner and outdoor stores in Port Townsend and Bainbridge Island.
Location and sites: Royal Creek, Lower Royal Meadow & Royal Lake
Toilet Facilities: Composting toilets are located at Royal Lake. Elsewhere, bury waste 6-8" and 200 ft from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Royal Creek and Royal Lake - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia.
Stock: This trail is closed to stock animals at the park boundary.

 

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in designated sites only in Royal Basin.
Fires: No campfires in Royal Basin. To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured in bear canisters 24 hours a day.

 

Safety:

• The peaks in the Royal Basin area are not walkups! The rock is often very rotten in places. Be prepared for rock-fall and snow hazards.
• In winter or early spring, always check avalanche danger and have avalanche rescue skills and gear.
• Consult the Olympic Mountain Climber's Guide for route descriptions.

 

Mount Deception

Bryan Bell

 

Royal Creek

Jason Bausher

 

Tarn in Upper Basin

Pablo McLoud NPS