Hiked to Elkhorn Campground on a Thursday and found only one camp spot taken. We took the second site, which is big and private and right by the river. Some bugs so I recommend bug spray. On Friday and Saturday, saw some bicyclists (though it would be too steep for me to bike with a backpack) and more hikers though there were camping spots still available at Elkhorn as well as Dosewallips Campground. There is a new pit toilet at Dosewallips campground and lots of lumber (unsure if this is lumber from the deconstructing the old ranger station or will there be a new construction?).
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Comments
Hiker RN on Dosewallips River Road
Hi Ann! Thanks for your report. I’m heading there on Friday. I’ve looked at the map and called the ranger station. I’m wondering if you found the hike to Elkhorn steep or the hike from Elkhorn to the National Park boundary? I’m
planning to bike just to Elkhorn with 7 & 4 year old.
Posted by:
Hiker RN on Jul 31, 2024 12:00 PM
AnnGH on Dosewallips River Road
It is not steep to Elkhorn, except at the washout. Bikes need to go right (vs down on the left) but you will need to push your bike, which I think would be hard. Here's what WTA says "At mile 1 is the former road washout, where a massive chunk of hillside fell into the river and took the road with it. Hikers may be able to go left along the river if the way is clear and appears safe. Horses and bicycles, however, should follow the switchbacks over the hilltop. This path is wide and graded, although it does add about 100 feet of elevation each way." I think it would be hard with a 7 and 4 year old. I think hiking (vs biking) would be easier. The hike beyond Elkhorn to Dosewallips campground would be too steep for me on a bike but we saw younger people biking.
You do not need a parking pass, since the parking lot is on Forest Service land and you do not need a camping permit for Elkhorn (still on Forest Service land). You also do not need a permit to stay at Dosewallips campground (I wrote to Olympic Natl Park about this) but you do need a backcountry permit if you go beyond that to camp at Dose Forks. If you stay in Olympic Nat'l Park, you need a bear can or have to hang your food.
Posted by:
AnnGH on Jul 31, 2024 11:18 PM
Hiker RN on Dosewallips River Road
Thank you so much! This is great information. I was thinking about hiking vs biking. I really appreciate the permit/pass info. I will let you know how it goes with a trip report when we return. Thank you!
Posted by:
Hiker RN on Aug 01, 2024 07:16 AM