Dose Forks

For Washington residents seeking a genuine escape into the heart of the Olympic Wilderness, Dose Forks Campground offers an authentic and rewarding backcountry experience. Nestled along the serene Dosewallips River, about 12 miles up the trail from the nearest parking, this secluded campground is a favorite among those who appreciate tranquility, natural beauty, and a well-maintained, albeit rustic, setting. It provides an ideal basecamp for extended adventures or a peaceful overnight stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the pristine landscapes of Olympic National Park.

Dose Forks is known for its inviting atmosphere, providing a few well-situated campsites that offer a sense of privacy amidst the dense forest. Visitors consistently praise its accessibility to water and the thoughtful provisions for wilderness camping, such as bear wires and a porta-potty. The journey to Dose Forks itself is part of the appeal, transitioning from a relatively easy road walk to a more traditional trail, allowing hikers to gradually shed the sounds of civilization and embrace the wilderness.

Whether you're planning to use it as a jump-off point for further day hikes into the park's interior or simply looking for a quiet riverside retreat, Dose Forks embodies the spirit of Washington's outdoor culture. Its blend of solitude, essential amenities, and stunning natural surroundings makes it a highly sought-after destination, particularly for locals who understand and appreciate the unique allure of the Olympic Peninsula's wild heart.

Reaching Dose Forks requires a hike of approximately 12 miles from where you can park your car. The initial portion of the hike is largely an "easy road walk," following what was once the Dosewallips Road. This section transitions into a more traditional trail as you approach the former ranger station area. The latter part of the trail, closer to the campground, is described as straightforward and an easy hike, despite the overall distance. It's important to note that the Dosewallips Road has experienced washouts in the past, leading to its closure to vehicles several miles from the trailhead. Hikers can navigate around the washout using a temporary trail. Due to its location within Olympic National Park, an overnight wilderness permit is required for camping at Dose Forks. Visitors should always consult current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and permit requirements through official Olympic National Park channels before embarking on their trip, as conditions can change.

• Campsites: Dose Forks offers approximately six designated campsites, providing spots for setting up camp. These sites are generally described as nice and offering privacy.

• Porta-Potty/Privy: A porta-potty or privy is available at the campground, which is a crucial amenity for responsible human waste management in a wilderness setting. This helps maintain the cleanliness and ecological integrity of the area.

• Bear Wire System: For the safety of campers and wildlife, bear wires are provided for hanging packs and food. This essential service helps secure all food, garbage, and scented items away from bears and other animals, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

• Water Access: Campers have convenient access to water from the nearby Dosewallips River and a couple of small creeks, especially reliable in months like August. It is absolutely essential to filter, purify, or boil all water from these natural sources before consumption to ensure safety.

• No Developed Amenities: As a backcountry wilderness campground, Dose Forks does not offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings (though campfires may be permitted where allowed by park regulations and burn bans), potable water spigots, or garbage collection. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they pack in.

• Riverside Location: The campground is situated next to the Dosewallips River, offering soothing sounds of flowing water and picturesque riverside views. Access to the river also provides convenient water sources for filtering.

• Secluded Wilderness Experience: Due to the 12-mile hike-in, Dose Forks offers a genuinely secluded wilderness experience, appealing to those who desire peace and quiet away from more accessible, crowded campgrounds. It's an immersive dive into nature.

• Jump-Off Point for Day Hikes: Dose Forks is an excellent basecamp for exploring further into Olympic National Park's wilderness. Its location allows for various day-hike options, including routes towards areas like Big Timber and potentially higher into the Dosewallips drainage.

• Gradual Trail Progression: The hike in is noteworthy for its transition from an "easy road walk" to a "real trail," making the long distance feel more manageable and enjoyable, even for those with less extensive backpacking experience.

• Wildlife Observation: Being deep within the wilderness, there are opportunities for observing various forms of wildlife, contributing to the authentic outdoor experience.

• Popular Stop: Despite its distance, Dose Forks is a popular overnight stop for backpackers venturing deeper into the park, suggesting its quality and appeal. However, this also means potential competition for campsites, especially on busy days.

As Dose Forks is a backcountry wilderness campsite within Olympic National Park, there is no direct address or phone number for the campground itself. All inquiries, permit applications, and essential information regarding trail conditions and regulations are handled by Olympic National Park.

Address: Brinnon, WA 98320, USA (This is the general area reference. The campground is located about 12 miles via trail from the nearest parking.)

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center: For the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding wilderness permits, current trail conditions for the Dosewallips area (including the road washout), weather forecasts, and safety guidelines for Dose Forks Campground, please contact the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center. Their contact information, including phone numbers and online resources, can be found on the official National Park Service website for Olympic National Park. Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays and can be obtained via Recreation.gov.

The campground’s essential amenities, such as a privy and reliable bear wires, demonstrate a commitment to responsible wilderness management, allowing locals to enjoy the natural beauty with peace of mind regarding hygiene and wildlife safety. Its riverside setting provides a constant soothing soundtrack and a convenient water source, enhancing the overall camping experience. Furthermore, Dose Forks acts as an excellent staging point for exploring more of the Dosewallips wilderness through day hikes, allowing Washingtonians to deepen their connection with the diverse landscapes of their home state.

Despite its popularity, the effort required to reach Dose Forks helps to filter visitor numbers, often resulting in a more serene and less crowded environment than drive-up campgrounds. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, breathe fresh mountain air, and revel in the solitude of nature. For Washington locals looking for an authentic, rewarding, and deeply immersive backcountry adventure in one of the state's most iconic national parks, Dose Forks Campground is an ideal and highly recommended destination.

Dose Forks

Brinnon, WA 98320, USA