Michael GrawExplorer
I'm a landscape and adventure photographer based out of Corvallis, Oregon. Backpacker, triathlete, and skiier - always with a camera in hand. Look for me in the mountains or online @WanderingSolePhotography.
Royal Basin has been on my to-do list for a while, in part because it's one of the few quota camping areas in Olympic National Park. And after visiting, I can see why - Royal Basin is spectacular! The old-growth on the hike in exemplifies the archetypical Northwest forest, and by the time you reach the basin you're in an entirely different - alpine - world surrounded by massive peaks. Royal Lake is beautiful, but for the best scenery visiting the upper basin is absolutely essential. As far as camping goes, none of the sites (which are delineated on the permits) are particularly large or even especially flat, but the location easily makes up for that. I agree with Nathan's review above that the trail is very manageable (it does climb 2,000 feet, but it's so gradual all the way to Royal Lake you'll barely notice). However, be aware that Mt Deception is definitely a technical climb. One additional tip - if you can't get camping permits for Royal Basin, but are up for a big hike, there is no quota for Deception Basin to the south (hike to upper Royal Basin, then continue on over the shoulder of Deception - this is a very steep and tough scramble, followed by a steep descent!).
5.0
Caribou Lakes basin is an amazing place to spend a summer weekend. You have your choice of three lakes (Snowslide, Lower Caribou, and Caribou), all of which are spectacular and great for swimming and fishing. There are a ton of pre-established tent sites around all three lakes and relatively close to the water. Even on July 4th weekend, when there were a ton of backpackers out, the size of the lakes allowed everyone to spread out so that it wasn't crowded at all. Also, unless there are fire restrictions in effect, campfires are allowed in the basin and many sites have fire rings. If you have a day of basecamping at the lakes, follow the trail up to Sawtooth Divide for an unreal view of the Trinity Alps and the Klamath Mountains (note - the trail is partially snow covered through mid-July, so scrambling on steep terrain may be involved to get up there). For a shorter excursion, head up beyond Caribou Lake to explore the creek that feeds into the lake from snow melting off the divide.
5.0
Pamelia Lake, Jefferson Park, Grizzly Peak, Triangulation Peak, and the list goes on (all of these have adventures on the Outbound). If you're planning on a backpacking trip in Oregon, skip the Portland barrage of hikers on Mount Hood and head to the second highest peak in the state instead. The views are incredible and there are tons of alpine lakes to pitch your tent around. Unfortunately, people have begun to notice how spectacular the Jefferson wilderness is, and the USFS has responded by requiring entry permits on the Pamelia Lake trailhead and overnight reservations in Jefferson Park - so do plan ahead, or better yet, explore off-season (it's extra spectacular in winter and spring!).
5.0
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