West Fork Dosewallips River Trail

The West Fork Dosewallips River Trail is a 15-km point-to-point trail in Olympic National Park, Washington, United States, gaining 872 m of elevation from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass. Rated moderate by the National Park Service, this wilderness backpacking route climbs through ancient temperate rainforest and blooming subalpine meadows to sweeping views of Mount Anderson and its glacier.

About the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail

The West Fork Dosewallips River Trail threads one of Olympic National Park's most compelling backcountry valleys, following the West Fork of the Dosewallips River northward from the confluence at Dose Forks (488 m / 1,600 ft) to Anderson Pass at 1,360 m (4,464 ft). The 9.1-mile (14.6 km) route forms part of the Olympic Peninsula's Regional Walking Network and is managed by the U.S. National Park Service.

The trail ascends through three distinct ecological zones: old-growth temperate rainforest draped in moss and lichen in the lower valley, mature Sitka spruce and Douglas fir stands in the mid-section, and open subalpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers near the upper basin. Anderson Pass marks the boundary between the Dosewallips and Quinault watersheds and offers a direct view of the Anderson Glacier, one of Olympic National Park's most accessible ice fields.

Access to the trail begins at the washed-out Dosewallips Road, which is closed approximately 10.5 km from Dosewallips Campground. All hikers must walk or cycle this additional distance before reaching the campground and continuing 2.7 km further to Dose Forks, the official start of the West Fork trail. Most visitors plan a 2–3 night backpacking trip to fully appreciate the valley, stopping at named wilderness camps along the route.

Wilderness solitude is a defining characteristic here. Unlike the busier Hoh or Sol Duc corridors in Olympic National Park, the Dosewallips valley sees comparatively light foot traffic, making it a top choice for hikers seeking quiet old-growth forest and authentic alpine scenery. If you enjoy immersive multi-day mountain valley journeys, our guide to the Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania offers a similarly rewarding river-valley-to-pass experience on the other side of the world.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail runs point-to-point from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass, gaining 872 m of elevation with a consistent but manageable gradient averaging 58 m per kilometre. Four natural stages align with the named wilderness campsites along the route.

The trail is well-maintained for a remote wilderness route. River crossings in the lower valley are typically bridged, though high water in early season can make some fords challenging. Above Diamond Meadows the path narrows and snow persists through early July. Camp Siberia, just below Anderson Pass, serves as the final overnight stop before the summit push at 1,360 m.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Dose Forks (488 m) — The confluence of the West Fork and the main Dosewallips River, where the valley splits north toward Anderson Pass. A designated campsite with a bear box and pit toilet marks this key backcountry junction.
• Big Timber Camp — A cathedral grove of old-growth Douglas fir, with individual trees exceeding 2 m in diameter. One of the few designated sites where stock animals (horses and mules) are permitted, making it popular with equestrian parties.
• Diamond Meadows (approx. 870 m) — The first significant opening in the forest canopy, around the 8 km mark from Dose Forks. A reliable stream crossing provides water, and early views of the surrounding ridgelines begin to emerge.
• Honeymoon Meadows (approx. 1,100 m) — The most photographed section of the trail. This sweeping subalpine meadow blazes with wildflowers from mid-July through August: Washington rhododendrons, Indian paintbrush, and avalanche lilies dominate a palette of pink, red, and white against the mountain backdrop.
• LaCrosse Pass Junction — A signed trail junction offering an optional extension toward LaCrosse Pass (1,628 m) and Lake Constance for experienced hikers. The side route adds significant mileage and involves an off-trail scramble rated difficult.
• Camp Siberia (approx. 1,300 m) — Named for its exposed, wind-scoured character, this high camp delivers one of the clearest sightlines to the north face of Mount Anderson (2,326 m). Wind shelter is limited; a freestanding tent with guylines is strongly advisable.
• Anderson Glacier — Visible from the final approach to the pass, this remnant glacier clings to the northeast flank of Mount Anderson and is among the most accessible glaciers in Olympic National Park for non-technical hikers.
• Anderson Pass (1,360 m / 4,464 ft) — The trail's summit and scenic climax, straddling the Dosewallips and Quinault watersheds. On clear days, views extend westward into the Quinault drainage and southward along the Bailey Range.

Best Time to Hike the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail

The optimal hiking window runs from mid-July through late September. As of 2026, Olympic National Park backcountry conditions along the West Fork corridor follow a reliable seasonal pattern shaped by the Olympic Peninsula's maritime climate.

July sees lingering snowpack above Diamond Meadows into the first two weeks of the month. Carry traction devices and an ice axe for sections approaching Anderson Pass until mid-July. By late July, most snow has cleared from the main trail corridor and wildflowers begin erupting across Honeymoon Meadows.

August is the single best month to hike the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail. Trails are fully snow-free to Anderson Pass, wildflowers reach their peak bloom, and Pacific Northwest weather delivers stable high-pressure systems with warm, clear days. Daytime highs at Honeymoon Meadows reach 18–22 °C; nights at Camp Siberia drop to 3–7 °C. Permit slots fill quickly — book at least 6 weeks ahead for August weekends.

September brings cooler temperatures and the first hints of autumn colour in the upper valley as huckleberries turn red and larches begin to yellow along the ridge crests. Crowds thin noticeably after Labour Day, making this an excellent shoulder-season alternative. The trail typically remains snow-free through most of September in normal years.

April through June: Lower trail sections below Big Timber Camp are accessible from late April. Upper meadows remain under 1–2 m of snow and require mountaineering equipment and route-finding skill; this period is not suitable for general hikers.

October through March: Dosewallips Road is often gated due to flood risk and winter conditions. Significant snowfall above 900 m makes upper-valley travel hazardous without winter mountaineering experience. Day hiking the lower valley near Dose Forks remains possible on dry winter days with current park conditions confirmed in advance.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Accommodation along the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail is exclusively wilderness camping at five designated backcountry sites:

• Dose Forks Camp — At the trailhead junction; bear box provided, pit toilet, open tent pads.
• Big Timber Camp — 4.3 km from Dose Forks; stock animals permitted; bear box, pit toilet, two cleared tent pads.
• Diamond Meadows Camp — 8.2 km from Dose Forks; stock permitted; open meadow setting, stream water nearby.
• Honeymoon Meadows Camp — 11.9 km from Dose Forks; subalpine setting; bear canister required (no bear box), water from nearby stream.
• Camp Siberia — 13 km from Dose Forks; highly exposed; bear canister required, water can be scarce late in season.

Wilderness camping costs approximately $8 USD (≈ €7) per person per night in addition to the park entrance fee. The nearest indoor accommodation is in Brinnon, WA, roughly 30 km from the road closure, where basic motels and vacation rentals are available from around $90–130 USD (≈ €83–120) per night.

Getting There & Back

The trail is reached via Dosewallips Road from the Hood Canal community of Brinnon, Washington. Note: Dosewallips Road is washed out approximately 10.5 km from the former trailhead; all hikers must walk or cycle this additional distance before reaching Dosewallips Campground and continuing to Dose Forks.

• By car: From Seattle (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes), drive south on I-5 then west on US-101 to Brinnon; turn onto Dosewallips Road and drive to the road closure. Free day-use parking is available at the barricade.
• Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 160 km and 2 hours 30 minutes by car. Car rental is strongly recommended; no shuttle service operates to the Dosewallips trailhead.
• Public transport: Jefferson Transit Route 7 serves Brinnon from Quilcene on weekdays (limited service). No public transport runs from Brinnon to the road closure; a bicycle or private vehicle arrangement is necessary for the final stretch.
• Return (point-to-point): Anderson Pass connects onward to the Quinault trail system for experienced through-hikers. Most visitors return by the same route or arrange a vehicle shuttle parked at the road closure.

Permits & Fees

Overnight hiking on the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail requires a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended from June through September and are available through Recreation.gov.

• Park entrance fee: $35 USD (≈ €32) per vehicle for a 7-day pass. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80 USD / ≈ €74) covers entry to all national parks and is cost-effective for multi-park trips.
• Wilderness permit fee: $8 USD (≈ €7) per person per night, plus a $6 USD (≈ €6) non-refundable reservation processing fee.
• Bear canister: Mandatory above 3,500 ft (approx. Diamond Meadows and above). Rentals available at the Dosewallips Ranger Station and at outdoor retailers in Brinnon and Quilcene.
• Campfire restriction: Open fires are prohibited above 3,500 ft, covering Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows, Camp Siberia, and Anderson Pass.

Gear & Packing List

The West Fork Dosewallips River Trail demands a complete backpacking kit. The washed-out road adds up to 21 km of extra walking (round trip) before you even reach the West Fork trail, making pack weight a genuine priority — aim for a base weight under 12 kg.

Backpack: For a 2–3 night trip with a mandatory bear canister, target 45–65 litres of pack volume. The Osprey Aether 65 is a proven choice for Olympic Peninsula conditions where rain protection and load-transfer comfort matter over long days. Ultralight-focused hikers should consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider, whose DCF dry-bag construction excels in the Olympic Peninsula's famously wet microclimate. If you prefer a frameless ultralight option with generous capacity, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L delivers a best-in-class weight-to-volume ratio for multi-night trips.

Shelter: A freestanding four-season tent is recommended. Even in August, Camp Siberia lives up to its name with gusty overnight winds. Seam-sealed rain gear (jacket and trousers rated at least 20,000 mm hydrostatic head) is non-negotiable in the Olympic Peninsula's notoriously wet microclimate.

Bear canister: Mandatory above Diamond Meadows. Plan your food weight around the 7.2-litre volume of a standard BV500 or similar canister. Our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day walks through the maths for multi-day trip food planning.

Navigation: A waterproof paper map (USGS 7.5-minute series, Mount Anderson quadrangle) plus compass are required. Above the tree line near Anderson Pass, cairns and trail markers can be buried under snow or obscured in fog. A GPS device is useful backup but does not replace map literacy.

Ice axe (seasonal): Required before mid-July. The NPS explicitly recommends carrying an ice axe with self-arrest ability on snow-covered sections above Diamond Meadows. For weight-saving strategies that free up pack space for safety gear, see our best ultralight backpacks 2026 guide.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail appeals to you — long wilderness approaches, rich ecosystems, and a rewarding alpine destination — these United States trails offer comparable experiences across different national parks and landscapes:

• South Kaibab Trail (Grand Canyon, Arizona) — A dramatic point-to-point descent with no water sources and sweeping canyon views; best hiked in spring or autumn.
• North Kaibab Trail (Grand Canyon, Arizona) — The North Rim's primary corridor, ideal for a rim-to-rim traverse paired with the South Kaibab.
• Hidden Canyon (Zion National Park, Utah) — A shorter but thrilling canyon route with chain-assist sections and sculpted Navajo sandstone walls.
• Clouds Rest Trail (Yosemite National Park, California) — A summit hike with panoramic views over Half Dome and Yosemite Valley from 2,985 m.
• Panorama Trail (Yosemite National Park, California) — A classic loop combining Nevada Fall, Panorama Cliff, and Glacier Point viewpoints in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail?

August is the single best month. The trail is fully snow-free from Dose Forks all the way to Anderson Pass, wildflowers are at peak bloom across Honeymoon Meadows, and Pacific Northwest weather delivers stable, dry days with highs of 18–22 °C in the upper meadows. July and September are strong alternatives, though July requires an ice axe for sections above Diamond Meadows until mid-month.

How difficult is the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail?

The National Park Service rates the trail as moderate. Total elevation gain from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass is 872 m (2,864 ft) over 15 km, yielding an average gradient of 58 m per kilometre — sustained but not technical. Difficulty rises significantly in early season when snow covers the upper trail, requiring ice axe competence and route-finding skills in whiteout conditions. Fit beginners in summer conditions can complete the route comfortably over 2 days.

How many kilometres per day should I plan for?

Most hikers split the trail into 2 nights, covering 7–8 km per day from Dose Forks. A typical itinerary: Day 1 to Honeymoon Meadows (11.9 km); Day 2 to Anderson Pass and return to Diamond Meadows or Big Timber; Day 3 out to Dose Forks. Add 10.5 km each way for the washed-out road approach to your total planning — the full round trip from the road closure is approximately 51 km.

Where can I camp on the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail?

Five designated wilderness campsites serve the route: Dose Forks Camp, Big Timber Camp (4.3 km), Diamond Meadows Camp (8.2 km), Honeymoon Meadows Camp (11.9 km), and Camp Siberia (13 km). All require a valid wilderness permit booked in advance. Camping outside designated sites is prohibited in this corridor. Bear canisters are mandatory above Diamond Meadows; bear boxes are provided at Dose Forks and Big Timber camps only.

Do I need a permit to hike the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail?

Yes, for overnight trips. Olympic National Park wilderness permits cost $8 USD (≈ €7) per person per night plus a $6 USD non-refundable reservation fee, in addition to the $35 USD per vehicle park entrance fee. Day hikers pay the entrance fee but do not need a wilderness permit. Book through Recreation.gov — advance reservations are strongly recommended from June through September, as summer permit quotas fill weeks ahead.