Upper Dungeness River─Take shelter from the rain under a magnificent old-growth canopy
Quick Facts:
Location: Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Green Trails Map: Olympic Mountains East 168SX
Note: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required
Access: From US 101 turn south onto Louella Road (directly across from Sequim Bay State Park entrance). In one mile turn left on Palo Alto road continuing for 6 miles to a junction. Bear right onto FR 2880; cross Dungeness River and come to a junction in 1.7 miles. Turn left on FR 2870 and continue for 9.0 miles to the trailhead located at a large parking area just past Dungeness River Bridge.
Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene; www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Good to know: dog-friendly, historic, kid-friendly, exceptional old-growth, backpacking opportunities
This is a delightful hike anytime of the year, but it’s especially appealing during an overcast day. The trail hugs the crystal clear Dungeness River traversing stands of ancient timber. Protecting you from the elements above, the massive trees will also impress you with their stately appearance. And if precipitation does manage to work its way through the thick forest canopy, handy dandy Camp Handy with its restored shelter will provide dry cover; allowing you to enjoy your lunch while droplets from above trickle down its cedar shingles.
The Upper Dungeness Trail begins right beside the tumbling and crashing river; never letting it out of eyesight or earshot for the entire journey to Camp Handy. Through a magnificent stand of sentinel Douglas-firs; two hundred feet tall and several hundred years old, the trail is well sheltered. The first half mile is perhaps the easiest wilderness trail in the entire Olympics. It’s perfect for introducing neophytes and youngsters to this magnificent backcountry.
Follow the well-groomed trail one mile to an intersection. Turn left crossing Royal Creek on a sturdy log bridge. Now continue along the mesmerizing Dungeness as you enter the Buckhorn Wilderness. Through cool glens of Doug-fir and hemlock the trail parallels the majestic river. Raucous rapids and placid pools entice you to slow down to marvel at the beauty. In 2.6 miles the trail crosses the river on a sturdy log-bridge.
Cross it and continue up the trail for another 0.6 mile coming to an unmarked junction. Now, head right to a lovely meadow on the Dungeness, home to Camp Handy. Enjoy your lunch in the old shelter, but stay alert to chipper chipmunks hoping to cash in on your cache.
Upper Dungeness River is one of 136 featured hikes in my best-selling and most trusted Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition. For more details on this hike and others, pick up a copy today!
