Dosewallips River Trail

Trail in Dosewallips Valley — Dosewallips River Trail
Jim Patterson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

Notices

Due to removal of the Glines Canyon Dam and other construction, Elwha area roads may be closed for extended periods of time. Visit the Road Conditions page for more information.
Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year round. Call for permits (360) 565-3100.

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest
Trail tread types: Well maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate
Unique features: River, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14.9 miles to Hayden Pass from Dose Ranger Station + 5.5 miles from road closure to ranger station
Elevation change: 2650 ft. to 5847 ft. (ranger station to Hayden Pass
Best Season: Hayden Pass usually melts out in early July. Lower sections may be snow free year round but often have snow in winter and spring

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: Bear wires are located at some camps. See Food Storage for list. Bear canisters are required where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 ft. out from the nearest tree trunk.
Campsites: Dose Forks, Deception Creek, Bear Camp, Dose Meadows
Toilet Facilities: Dose Forks, Deception Creek, Bear Camp, Dose Meadows; elsewhere bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Dosewallips River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
Stock: Allowed, check stock regulations. See Stock Use.

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

Safety

Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes.
Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
Ice ax and self-arrest skills are necessary for higher elevations of this trail and connecting trails when snow covered.
Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.