Royal Basin
One of the more beautiful hikes in the Olympics, especially for visiting high alpine lakes
By the Numbers
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Royal Lake, a little more modest to Royal Basin
I hadn’t been to Royal Lake since a backpacking trip in July 2011. At the time we were unable to make it to the upper basin because of a late melting snow pack. I was excited to explore the upper basin on this trip as over the last few years I had become pretty familiar with the region from prior rides and hikes.
![Neatly manicured mossy trails](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-Kcvx8bj/0/M/i-Kcvx8bj-M.jpg)
The hike starts from the Upper Dungeness Trail #833.2 trailhead, also the origin of the hike to Marmot Pass. The trail is in great condition and winds its way through the woods for a mile or so before coming to a log bridge over the Dungeness River – cross the bridge for Marmot Pass, continue on the trail to Royal Lake and Royal Basin.
![Trail through the meadow](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-w7SXHGV/0/M/i-w7SXHGV-M.jpg)
![One of the many, many streams to cross](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-dTPRBNv/0/M/i-dTPRBNv-M.jpg)
![Royal Lake](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-8ZZNxnc/0/M/i-8ZZNxnc-M.jpg)
After a few miles of hiking the woods gave way to meadows and many, many streams before arriving at Royal Lake. Take a break here, eat some food, take a photo but definitely do continue on to the upper meadows.
![Upper meadow](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-hc7RTgj/0/M/i-hc7RTgj-M.jpg)
![The trail leading to the glacial blue ponds](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-45NMGJr/0/M/i-45NMGJr-M.jpg)
![Stunning glacial blue lakes](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-DwcnZNM/0/M/i-DwcnZNM-M.jpg)
![Smallest of the basin lakes](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-7FMJHf8/0/M/i-7FMJHf8-M.jpg)
The upper meadows and Royal Basin were magical, the colors of the lakes, the blue of the sky, Olympics perfection.
![View down into the upper meadow valley](https://photos.smugmug.com/i-mTJP7nj/0/M/i-mTJP7nj-M.jpg)