Royal Basin

Directions: From U.S. 101 at Sequim Bay State Park, head two miles north to Palo Alto Road and turn left (southwest). Continue on Palo Alto Road as it turns into Forest Service Road 28. Follow Forest Service Road 28 just over a mile to Forest Service Road 2860. Veer right and follow the Forest Service road for 11 miles to the large trailhead parking lot on the right, where the road crosses the Dungeness River. Hike on the Dungeness Trail one mile to the Royal Basin Trailhead, on the right.

Trail Notes: The Royal Basin is a fairly long hike. The first several hours are spent walking through heavy forest cover - translation the first 2 or 3 hours are in the shade. The grade of the trail during this time is quite gentle and the going is easy. During this time there really aren't any views to speak of other than of large Cedar trees. At about 3 hours the trail steepens a bit and works up the North wall of Royal Basin. The going is still quite pleasant and occasional views can be had in avalanche chutes looking across the valley. Shortly thereafter the forest changes to one more montain and sparsely vegetated. It is at this point the going gets interesting as the trail moves southward towards the center of Royal Basin. The meadows are very nice and the visitors few. On our travels we saw maybe 10 or 12 groups total during the entire trip.

This isn't the terminus of the hike. As much as your feet might be telling you they have had enough, fight the urge to turn around and instead go forth another 45 minutes or so to Royal Lake. This last little bit to the lake is the steepest section on this trail, and might require a break or two (take it you deserve it!)on the way up to the lake. If you are planning an over night there are several nice camping spots here with views of the lake and Needles to the North. Very nice.

Now the return oh what joy. Due to this hikes length and distance from Seattle area it is advisable to bring a flashlight and to start early in the morning. We left Seattle a little after 6am and still almost got pinched by the darkness on the end of this hike. Overall this hike offers a nice un-crowded hike if at times it is a bit monotonous. That, and where to get any decent grub on the Peninsula...If you have found a place please let me know!