Mount Ellinor
1 week ago
Fog can shroud summit views
8 this month · 147 reports
Royal Basin via Royal Lake
Olympic Peninsula
updated 4 days ago
The Royal Basin via Royal Lake trail is in good condition, with no snow reported as of September 21. The road to the trailhead is consistently described as rough with numerous deep potholes, and while passable for sedans, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, September 11. Parking at the trailhead is generally ample, though can be full by mid-morning on weekends, August 16. The trail itself is well-maintained with minimal blowdowns, August 24. However, the section between Royal Lake and the Upper Basin is noted as particularly steep with loose gravel, making poles highly recommended, August 30. Water sources are generally plentiful, though some reports mention algae near Royal Lake, August 16.
Generated from 44 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Royal Basin via Royal Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is consistently described as rough with numerous deep potholes, especially in the last several miles. While some sedans have managed, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended as of September 19 and September 11.
The trail up to Royal Lake is in great shape with no major obstacles reported as of September 21. However, the climb from Royal Lake to the Upper Basin is steep with loose gravel, and poles are strongly recommended, August 30.
Royal Lake has good campsites, though some reports mention algae along the shoreline as of September 11 and August 16. The Upper Basin is described as beautiful, but the trail leading to it is steep and can be challenging.
Water sources are generally plentiful along the trail and at campsites as of September 21 and August 30. Some reports note algae near Royal Lake in late season, suggesting filtering from nearby streams, September 14.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh4 days ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
We arrived at the trailhead at around 10am and there was plenty of room in the parking lot. The privy was in good condition with plenty of toilet paper.We backpacked for two nights, staying at Royal C...
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Absolutely perfect conditions to revisit a hike I got spooked on almost exactly a year ago due to ominous clouds. As noted by many others, the road is not great, but my CRV did fine and you'll be fine...
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Did a multi-night backpack of the Upper Dungeness/Dosewallips areas staying at Sunnybrook Meadows, Deception Creek, and in Deception Creek Basin/Upper Royal Basin (cross-country permit). I came down H...
Recent1 week ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
First and foremost, be aware that there are mice at the trailhead. Don’t keep open food in your car unless you want to deal with them. Ask me how I found out :)Road in isn’t the best but doable in a s...
Recent2 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
We stayed overnight at Royal Lake, then slackpacked up to Royal Basin after we set up camp. It kicked my butt a little, and was quite gloomy and moody (though it never actually rained), but it was lov...
Recent2 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
We spent an overnight at Royal Lake, which I'd been trying to get to for literally years, but it kept not working out. It finally worked out this time!The road is, as has been noted many times, not gr...
Recent2 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The road up is doable but there is a lot of potholes. Some filled with gravel, most not. Take it slow. That being said the trail itself is pretty clean, I unfortunately saw several dogs coming down on...
Recent3 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Finally got lucky and got a permit for Royal Lake camping area. Original plan was 3 days / 2 nights but pared it down to just an overnight. It was plenty of time for us to explore all around the Lak...
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Our partnership teen backpacking trip with African Community Housing Development (ACHD) was a great success this past week! We spent 4 days and 3 nights camped at two sites along Royal creek with a gr...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Took a group of Mountaineers up to Royal Basin for a long day hike. The lower portion of the dirt access road isn't too bad, but the upper part is full of potholes, some impossible to avoid. High cl...