Dosewallips Campground

Dosewallips Campground in Olympic National Park is another example of a once front-country campground that is being quickly reclaimed by nature. Cutoff via a major washout on the access road several years ago the campground is now only accessible by foot or bike. 5.5 miles back to the location Dosewallips Campground is located up and along Dosewallips River. A non-maintained parking area is located just before the washout (GPS 47.74025, -123.06512). Users then must navigate a 75 foot switch-back laden trail around the main washout and then drop down to the old roadway. The 5 mile trek is strenuous enough to be used as an excellent intro to back country camping for novices. About half way back, and before the grade steepens is a similarly cutoff and overgrown forest service campground, Elkhorn Dispersed Campground. The two destinations could easily be used to initiate young kids into back country camping; using them for a two day hike-camp-hike-camp-hike. The final 2.5 miles from Elkhorn are steep and follow a seriously degraded road-bed. Numerous rockfalls and downed trees cross the road. The road crosses a waterfall, via bridge, and parallels a much larger falls along the main river. There are picnic tables and fire rings available. No running water and the restrooms have been boarded up. A ranger station is located near the campground but is unmanned and sealed off. Additional back country trails depart from here (if you are on bike this is the furthest you can ride). Free to use the campground is not maintained and is over 11 miles from US 101 and the nearest services. Pack out what you pack in and come prepared. The access road is graded gravel and subject to large sharp pot-holes; use caution. The road back to Dosewallips is one of the few opportunities for mountain bikers to ride within Olympic National Park. The almost 11 mile round trip is a strenuous ride with scenic views, some technical sections and plenty of spots to rest and take it all in.