Upper Dungeness River

This trail is situated in the Olympic National Forest. The Dungeness River Valley, a deep cut groove between the Gray Wolf and Quilcene drainages, is smack in the armpit of the Olympic rain shadow. Moss and fern covered boulders litter the tumbling river, giant Cedars tower above, nurse logs send up the next generation and a few rhododendrons can be spotted. Come help out, doing some brushing and tread work, at this beautiful location.

The trail is situated in the Olympic National Forest. The use of the trail is limited to hikers, horses and dogs only. The Dungeness River Valley, a deep cut groove between the Gray Wolf and Quilcene drainages, is in the middle of the Olympic rain shadow. It receives dramatically less rain than most of the Olympic Peninsula. The route follows the river, for the first 3.2 miles to Camp Handy and draws many hikers trying to 'escape' the rain. The trail eventually ends at Marmot Pass, with junctions to Home Lake, Royal Creek, Tubal Cain and big Quilcene Trails.

Driving directions:
Upper Dungeness trailhead directions: Following Highway 101 north toward Sequim Bay State Park. Just before the State Park turn left onto Louella Road. Follow Louella Road one mile to Palo Alto Road. Take a left onto Palo Alto Road, continuing for about 6 miles to the Forest Boundary. Turn right onto Forest Service Road #2880 following the signs for Dungeness Forks Campground/Dungeness Area Trails. Drive for almost 2 miles, going past the Dungeness Forks Campground, coming a “T” intersection where #2880 joins FS road #2870. Continue straight through this “T”, noting the possible traffic from the right, onto FS road #2870. Follow #2870 up the hill, continuing for about 8.5 miles to the trailhead across Dungeness River bridge. (If coming from the east side of the Sound, take Edmonds to Kingston ferry. Drive across the Hood Canal Bridge on US 104 for about 14 miles merging into Hwy 101 northbound to Sequim. Driving time from Seattle, including ferry: approximately 3.5 hours.)