Olympic National Forest, Washington
Trail Stats
Location: Dosewallips River Trail
Distance: ~5.5 miles one way (to campground)
Elevation Gain: ~500–700 ft
Trail Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: Late spring through fall
Permit: Not typically required for this area (always check current regs)
If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into backpacking but don’t want to immediately throw yourself into type-2 suffering… this is the one.
Backpacking out to the old Dosewallips Ranger Station and campground is one of those rare gems where the journey is gentle, the forest is lush, and the vibes are immaculate.
A Little History
The Dosewallips area has a long history tied to early Forest Service operations. The old ranger station once served as a remote outpost for managing the surrounding wilderness before modern road access changed how the forest was maintained.
The road that used to take visitors much closer was washed out years ago, which—honestly—feels like nature reclaiming her peace. What used to be a drive-up zone is now a quiet, mossy corridor that only those willing to walk get to experience. And that’s what makes this place feel so special.
The Trek In
The hike in follows an old road-turned-trail, making it wide, gradual, and incredibly forgiving—perfect for first-time backpackers figuring out their pack weight and pacing.
Towering trees, a steady river soundtrack, and that classic Olympic rainforest magic surround you the entire way. No brutal switchbacks, no “why did I do this to myself” moments—just steady, peaceful movement deeper into the woods.
Camp Life (AKA Peak Cozy Feral Energy)
We rolled into camp and… had the entire place to ourselves. Not another soul. Just us, the trees, and the river doing its thing.
That first night? Absolute magic. Quiet in a way that almost feels loud.
Night two, we gained a neighbor—an absolute legend.
A 70-year-old solo backpacker rolled into camp like it was just another Tuesday. She wandered over, joined us for dinner, and casually told us she was looping through multiple passes on her own.
Let me tell you… if that’s not life goals, I don’t know what is.
We sat there swapping stories, completely inspired. I can only hope I’m still out there someday—being a feral little trail gremlin, chasing miles and good views well into my 70s and beyond.
Exploring Day Two
Instead of packing up right away, we spent our second day wandering deeper into Olympic National Forest, taking random side trails and just… exploring.
No agenda. No pressure. Just curiosity.
Honestly, those are the moments that make trips like this unforgettable—the unplanned wandering where you feel completely disconnected from everything except the forest.
The Hike Out
We packed up on day three under a blanket of clouds and a light drizzle—classic Washington sending us off properly.
There’s something kind of poetic about ending a trip like that. A little moody, a little damp, but peaceful. Like the forest reminding you it’s still in charge.
Why This Trip is Perfect for Beginners
•Gentle elevation and wide trail
•Short mileage that’s still rewarding
•Established campground with space to spread out
•Easy navigation (hard to get lost)
•Big payoff with minimal suffering
•If you’re new to backpacking, this trail gives you confidence without overwhelming you—and still delivers that full “I’m out here” experience.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t about crushing miles or chasing summits. It was about slowing down, connecting, and soaking in the simple magic of being outside.
And meeting someone who proves that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date? That just hits different.
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