Dosewallips River Trail

• Description
• Trail Conditions
• Camping
• Special Concerns
• Safety
• Maps
• Photos

Notices

• Be aware that the Dosewallips Road is washed out, this adds an additional 6.5 miles of hiking to your trip

• Learn how to obtain a Wilderness Permit

Description

• Ecosystem type: Montane forest
• Trail tread types: Well maintained
• General elevation trend: Moderate
• Unique features: River, ancient forest
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 14.9 miles to Hayden Pass from Dose Ranger Station + 5.5 miles from road closure to ranger station
• Elevation change: 2650 feet to 5847 feet (ranger station to Hayden Pass)
• Best Season: The earliest Hayden Pass melts out is typically the middle of July. Lower sections may be snow free year-round but often have snow in winter and spring.

Camping

• Food Storage Method: Bear wires are located at some camps. Bear canisters are required where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk.
• Campsites: Dose Forks, Deception Creek, Bear Camp, Dose Meadows
• Toilet Facilities: Dose Forks, Deception Creek, Bear Camp, Dose Meadows; elsewhere bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
• Water Source: Dosewallips River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia infection.
• Stock: Allowed. Learn more about stock use.

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 prohibited above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, 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. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear 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 axe and self-arrest skills are necessary for higher elevations of this trail and connecting trails 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. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.