Day Hike – Royal Basin
Experience one of the Olympic Mountains’ most iconic alpine destinations on this unforgettable day hike to Royal Basin. Nestled deep within Olympic National Park, Royal Basin is renowned for its crystal-clear alpine lakes, dramatic granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and abundant wildlife.
This challenging hike follows the scenic Royal Creek Trail through old-growth forests before climbing into a stunning alpine basin surrounded by towering mountain walls. During the summer months, colorful wildflowers blanket the meadows, while mountain goats are frequently spotted along the surrounding slopes.
Whether you’re training for bigger mountain objectives or simply looking to experience one of Washington’s premier alpine hikes, Royal Basin delivers unforgettable scenery every step of the way.
Hike Highlights
- 🏔 Visit one of the most beautiful alpine basins in Olympic National Park
- 💧 Enjoy pristine alpine lakes, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams
- 🌸 Experience vibrant wildflower meadows during the summer season
- 🦌 Watch for mountain goats, marmots, deer, and other alpine wildlife
- 📸 Capture spectacular views of surrounding granite peaks
- 💪 Build endurance on a rewarding full-day mountain adventure
- 🤝 Share the experience with a welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts
Trip Details
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Leader Rating: Challenging
- Mileage: Approximately 16.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 3400 feet
- High Point: 5,200 feet
- Pace: 2.0 mph
Recommended For
- Experienced hikers with good endurance
- Backpackers preparing for multi-day adventures
- Outdoor enthusiasts seeking an alpine destination
- Nature photographers and wildlife lovers
What to Bring
- ✔ The Ten Essentials
- ✔ National Park Pass or entrance fee
- ✔ 2–3 liters of water
- ✔ Lunch and energy snacks
- ✔ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- ✔ Trekking poles (recommended)
- ✔ Extra layers for changing mountain weather
- ✔ Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing
CNS Adventure Philosophy
At CNS, every hike is an opportunity to discover extraordinary landscapes, challenge yourself, and build meaningful connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Royal Basin is more than a destination—it’s a place where nature’s beauty inspires adventure, stewardship, and lifelong memories.
Adventure • Nature • Community
- Meeting place and time: Meet at the Upper Dungeness trailhead at 07:30. Forest Pass parking permit required. If you're coming from the south turn West onto Louella Rd -> Palo Alto -> FS2880 -> FS2870, as described in the USFS trailhead directions. If you're coming from the north coast, you can take Taylor Cutoff Rd in Sequim -> Lost Mountain -> Slab Camp -> Dungeness Rd -> SW on FS2880 -> FS2870 to the trail head.
- Leader's notes:
Day hike to Royal Lake and the upper Royal Basin area. Royal Basin has a well deserved reputation for rugged mountain scenery.
Our total planned hike distance is 16 miles and elevation gain is 3400'. (Allow +/- 10% for random perturbations in the Force.) The trail to Royal Lake is 14 miles with 2700' of gain. That 2700' is spread over more than 7 miles, which is a generally easy trail, although it has a few notably steep sections. From the lake, it's at least a mile and 500'-700' climb into the upper basin, depending on how far we go. This is a challenging hike due to distance, elevation gain, and rugged terrain in the upper basin.
We'll take it easy on the trail up and back, with more rest stops than I usually allow for. Pacing is key on a trip this long; I'm aiming for an average of 2mph while moving, including however much time we spend for stops. Trail speed will vary. Plan on being on the trail for 10-11 hours: 8-9 hours foot-pounding time, and then add another hour+ for lunch and sloth.
IMPORTANT: Before you register, be certain that you're physically fit and prepared for a hike this long. I'd like everyone to have done at least one 12+ mile, 3400' hike in the mountains recently, or some equivalent activity. Speed is not too important, but endurance is. It's easy to underestimate how long of a day this hike will be, and the toll that pounding a trail takes over 8+ hours.
- RSVP By : July 10, 2026
- Permit/Pass : Natonal Park Pass
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