Royal Lake

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

General Location:  18 miles southwest of Sequim, WA in Upper Dungeness/Royal Creek area.

Trailhead: Upper Dungeness Trailhead (USFS)

Notices:

• Permits for this area must be obtained through the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles in person or by phone.
• Space is limited.

Description:

Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine meadow, subalpine lake basin
Trail tread types: Maintained  
General elevation trend: Moderate to steep
River crossings: A few small creek crossings. Be prepared to get your feet wet.
Unique features: Wildflowers, wildlife, mountain vistas
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.2 miles to Royal Lake.
Elevation change: 2,550 feet to 5,100 feet
Best Season: early July through September

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Camping is limited between May 1 and September 30. Reservations Required. Obtain permits through the WIC in Port Angeles during business hours by phone or in person. 
Food Storage Method: Bear Canister - Trees in the Royal Basin area are not suitable for food hanging. No bear wires.
Location and sites: Royal Lake
Toilet Facilities:  No toilet , bury waste 6-8" and 200 ft from water sources and campsites.  Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Royal Creek and Royal Lake - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia. 
Stock: This trail is closed to stock animals.

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in designated sites only in Royal Basin.
Fires: No campfires in Royal Basin. To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

Safety:

The peaks in the Royal Basin area are not walkups! The rock is often very rotten in places. Be prepared for rock-fall and snow hazards.