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Olympic National ParkClimbers on Mt. Olympus
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Olympic National Park
West Fork Dosewallips River Trail
 
Mount Anderson
Jim Patterson
From Dosewallips River to Mount Anderson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notices

  • Dosewallips Road is washed-out 5.5 miles from trailhead. Hikers can get around the washout using a temporary trail. 
  • Obtain your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year round. (360) 565-3100
 

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate  
Unique features: River, glaciers, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.1 miles from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass. Road end to Anderson Pass is 16 miles
River crossings: Most creeks have footlogs or bridges. The footbridge just above Diamond Meadow is out. Crossing of the West Fork at Honeymoon Meadows may be hazardous in spring and/or after heavy rain.
Elevation change: 1600 feet to 4,464 feet
Best Season: Low Elevations: April through October sometimes year round. High Elevations: early July through October.

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits by phone from the WIC in Port Angeles. No reservations. (360) 565-3100
Food Storage Method: Community bear wires are available at Dose Forks, Big Timber, Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows Lacrosse Pass Trail Jct., and Anderson Shelter. Bear canisters are required in the Anderson Pass and Anderson Moraine area.
Campsites: Dose Forks, Big Timber, Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows, Lacrosse Pass Jct., Anderson Shelter
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are located at Big Timber, Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows and Anderson Shelter. In other areas bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 ft. from campsites or water. Pack out your toilet paper.
Water Source: West Fork Dosewallips River and tributary streams. There is very little water at Anderson Pass - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia.
Stock: Allowed - Stock groups must camp in designated stock camps located at Big Timber and Diamond Meadows.

 

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet. Leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
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

  • Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. 
  • Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
    Ice ax and self-arrest skills are necessary to hike this trail when snow covered.
  • Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
  • Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Whiteouts are sudden. Always check the weather forecast prior to your hike.
Protect wildlife by securing your food properly!
Protect Wildlife
Secure your food!
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Wilderness Trail & Campsite Map
Wilderness Trail & Campsite Map

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Sunset above the clouds
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star-shaped purple flowers growing in a crack of a rock  

Did You Know?
That the Piper's bellflower is unique to the Olympic Mountains? Named after an early Olympic peninsula botanist, the Piper's bellflower grows in cracks and crevices of high elevation rock outcrops.

Last Updated: May 19, 2008 at 14:30 EST