Backpacking in Washington: Royal Lake and Basin

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Trail Details

This is one of our favorite hikes in Washington State. You have to work hard for the views but Royal Basin is well worth the effort.

You start at the Upper Dungeness Trail and there is a relatively small parking lot which is usually enough as the length and remoteness of the trail keeps the masses away.

The first few miles are primarily through a dense forest with many old growth trees. In the lower section there are three sanctioned camping spots where you can have fires. While the forest in this section is beautiful it goes on forever. Along the trail you get a few looks at the surrounding mountain ranges and then it’s back into the woods.

About one mile before reaching Royal Lake you will come across Lower Royal Meadow a nice campground with good views of the surrounding peaks. We recommend to push on as better spots await at the Lake and in the Basin. After what seems like forever you will eventually emerge at Royal Lake. This is a wonderful alpine Lake with a lot to explore in the surrounding area.

If you are camping make sure to check out the surrounding sights including Shelter Rock (it is massive) and take a short detour to Royal Falls. You can find this trail behind the ranger campsite and it is a stunner and was a complete surprise to us.

Above Royal Lake you have another mile which is fairly steep into Royal Basin and despite reports fairly easy to follow. We recommend that you do this either in the evening or first thing in the morning. This basin is a magical place to be in the right light. Because of the lack of campsites if you go early you are likely to have this place to yourself.

Why choose this hike

• The basin itself is one of the most beautiful areas in Washington State

• This hike has it all - waterfalls, rivers, mountain peaks and alpine lakes

• Expect a decent amount of solitude - a rarity in such beautiful country

Why go somewhere else

• There is a lot of woods to walk through before the views start

• Camping permits in the basin and lake can be difficult so plan ahead

• It is to long for most people[as a day hike

Permits and Camping:

Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trrailhead

Camping reservations are required year round

Camping in the basin is very limited. There is much more access at Royal Lake or in the Lower Meadows

Distance:

Located at the upper Dungeness Trailhead on the Olympic Peninsula

Seattle: 3 hours 10 minutes

Portland: 4 hours 45 minutes

Vancouver BC: 5 hours 10 minutes

Useful Links:

For uptodate trail information

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/royal-basin.htm

For camping reservations:

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservations.htm

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Photo Report

Lots of this in the first 5 miles

Our first view of the [[s[urrounding mountains

Campground at the lower meadows, beautiful but the best is yet to come

the woods right before Royal Lake. Almost there!

Our first view of Royal Lake. This was short lived as a thick cloud rolled in not long after.

Setting up camp takes a long time when your tired

The meadows around the lake became very eerie as the fog rolled in

Shelter Rock

Heading out to Royal Falls. It is located on a trail behind the ranger platform.

It is a bit tricky to get this view of Royal Falls as you have to cross a semi sketchy log pile

The view of Royal Lake cleared up just in time for the last bit of light

Heading out on the trail to Royal Basin first thing in the morning

View above the valley. This is a steep climb but easy to follow.

First look into Royal Basin

Gatorade water in Royal Tarn

Lots of areas to explore

Royal Tarn way off in the distance

Last look at Royal Lake before heading back down