Royal Basin and Royal Lake Hike

Royal Basin and Royal Lake are breathtaking, and the hike to get there will definitely leave you feeling like you earned the views. This long hike is tough, but it’s not technical and the elevation gain is somewhat spread out.

Begin from the trailhead off the road, taking Upper Dungeness Trail along the Dungeness River. At the junction with Royal Basin Trail, go right and then immediately keep left. Now hiking alongside Royal Creek, you’ll hug the river in the narrow valley all the way to the lake. Expect a smooth first three miles followed by a rockier push to the lake.

From the lake, things get a bit steeper as you climb up to the basin, where the trail terminates beside a small unnamed body of water. Not all hikers have the gas in the tank to get to the basin, but it’s worth the effort. The steep bits don’t last too long. It’s pretty divine up in the basin, so take some time to relax. When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the trailhead.