Royal Basin

 

Royal Lake

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

 

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

Trailhead: Upper Dungeness Trailhead (USFS)

Notices:

• For the most up to date information about how to obtain a Wilderness Permit click here. Camping is limited year round and early reservations are recommended for trips between May 1 and September 30.
• A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at the USFS Upper Dungeness Trailhead.

 

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+ foot 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

 

Camping
Food Storage Method: Bear Canisters are required. Trees in the Royal Basin area are not suitable for food hanging, and there are no bear wires.
Location and sites: Royal Creek, Lower Royal Meadow, and Royal Lake
Toilet Facilities: Composting toilets are located at Royal Lake. Elsewhere, bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet 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: Practice Leave No Trace during your stay to protect the resource and vegetation. Camp in designated sites only in Royal Basin.
Fires: No campfires in Royal Basin. To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prohibited 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 the avalanche danger and have avalanche rescue skills and gear.

 

Mount Deception

Bryan Bell

 

Royal Creek

Jason Bausher

 

Tarn in Upper Basin

Pablo McLoud NPS