Honeymoon Meadows

For Washingtonians yearning for a deep dive into the wild heart of Olympic National Park, Honeymoon Meadows presents a captivating, albeit challenging, backcountry camping experience. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a destination earned through miles of hiking, promising unparalleled solitude and immersion in one of the state's most pristine wilderness areas. If your idea of camping involves leaving civilization far behind and embracing the raw beauty of the Olympic Mountains, Honeymoon Meadows is a truly rewarding goal.

Located along the extensive Dosewallips River Trail, Honeymoon Meadows is a primitive area, often serving as a waypoint for more ambitious treks to destinations like Camp Siberia or Anderson Pass. Visitors consistently highlight its "fairly nice area," the essential amenity of a working "bear wire," and the refreshing presence of the Dosewallips River (now more of a creek in sections). It’s a place for experienced backpackers who are prepared for self-sufficiency and appreciate the stark beauty of an untouched landscape.

This article will guide you through the essentials of Honeymoon Meadows, detailing its remote location and demanding accessibility, the minimal but crucial services it provides, its unique features, and why it's a highly suitable, albeit rigorous, choice for Washington locals seeking an authentic wilderness adventure.

Honeymoon Meadows is not a traditional drive-up campground, but rather a primitive backcountry camping area situated within the vast expanse of Olympic National Park in Washington. It is located along the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail, deep within the wilderness, making it accessible primarily to backpackers and hikers willing to undertake a significant journey.

The "meadows" aspect of its name refers to open areas surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain. While there isn't a single, defined "campground" in the conventional sense, there are designated camp spots on both sides of the river in the vicinity, though "none actually in honeymoon meadows" itself, suggesting that the meadows are a scenic feature rather than the direct camping zone. This area serves as a popular rest stop or overnight point for those traversing longer trails, such as the route to Camp Siberia.

Given its remote nature, amenities are minimal, emphasizing self-reliance and Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should expect a true wilderness experience, where the sounds of the natural environment dominate, and encounters with wildlife are common. It's a destination for those who cherish solitude and the untouched beauty of one of Washington's most iconic national parks.

Honeymoon Meadows is located deep within Olympic National Park, Washington, USA. Its exact coordinates would place it along the West Fork Dosewallips River, a significant distance from any road access. The primary gateway to this area is typically via the Dosewallips River Road, which, as noted in recent information, has a significant washout, making vehicle access impossible beyond a certain point.

Therefore, accessing Honeymoon Meadows requires a substantial hike. The journey begins with an approximately 6.5 to 8-mile walk or bike ride along the abandoned Dosewallips Road from its current vehicle end. This road section, while relatively flat for the first couple of miles, then gradually climbs. After this initial road walk, hikers transition to the West Fork Dosewallips River Trail. The total distance to Honeymoon Meadows from the end of the paved road can be upwards of 14-15 miles, making it a multi-day backpacking trip for most.

The trail conditions can vary, with some sections being well-maintained and others potentially brushy or steep. Crossing the Dosewallips River is also a factor, with reports of needing to ford or utilize log crossings, depending on water levels. Permits are required for camping in Olympic National Park's wilderness areas and must be obtained in advance via recreation.gov. Due to the remote location, there is no cell service, and visitors must be prepared for self-sufficiency in a rugged, isolated environment.

• Primitive Campsites: Honeymoon Meadows offers designated primitive campsites for backpackers. These sites are typically clearings suitable for pitching tents, often equipped with a basic fire ring (check for fire restrictions).
• Water Access: Water access is available via the Dosewallips River (or its various forks/creeks). However, this is natural surface water and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to prevent giardia infection. There is no potable water on site.
• Bear Wires / Food Storage: Crucially, "bear wire access in camp" is available. This is a critical service for safely storing food and scented items away from bears and other wildlife, ensuring a safer and cleaner camping experience. Bear canisters are recommended where wires are not available or suitable.
• Pit Toilets (or "Privy"): While one review mentioned a "super smelly" privy that was "FULL of flies," the presence of a pit toilet or privy indicates a designated facility for waste disposal, essential for maintaining wilderness hygiene.
• No Fees (Wilderness Permit Required): While there are no direct "fees" for the campsites themselves at Honeymoon Meadows, a wilderness permit from Olympic National Park is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. These permits typically have associated fees and must be obtained in advance.
• No Campfires Above 3,500 Feet: Campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet to protect sensitive vegetation. Visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles regarding fires. Cooking is primarily done on backpacking stoves.

• True Wilderness Immersion: Honeymoon Meadows offers a genuine deep wilderness experience, far from roads and developed areas, allowing for complete immersion in the natural environment of Olympic National Park.
• Breathtaking Scenery: The area is described as "very beautiful," with the "Dosewallips River" (now more of a creek in sections) and surrounding forests providing stunning natural vistas. The journey to the meadows itself is highly scenic.
• Gateway to Longer Treks: Honeymoon Meadows often serves as a strategic base camp or a significant waypoint for more ambitious backpacking trips to higher elevations and other iconic destinations within Olympic National Park, such as Camp Siberia, Anderson Pass, or LaCrosse Pass.
• Bear Wire System: The presence of functional bear wires is a significant highlight for backpackers, providing a reliable and essential method for safe food storage in bear country.
• Challenging but Rewarding Access: The long hike in, including the road walk, makes it a destination for dedicated backpackers. The effort required enhances the sense of accomplishment and the feeling of having earned the pristine surroundings.
• Solitude and Tranquility: Due to its remote access, Honeymoon Meadows typically offers a high degree of solitude, allowing campers to fully appreciate the quiet of the wilderness without crowds.
• Dosewallips River Experience: Camping near the Dosewallips River allows for the sounds of running water, and opportunities for photography, reflection, and possibly filtering water.
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: As a true wilderness area, there's a higher chance of encountering various wildlife, from birds and smaller mammals to larger animals like bears, though proper food storage is paramount.

• Address: Washington, USA (within Olympic National Park, specific address not applicable due to backcountry nature). Access typically from the Dosewallips River Road, near Brinnon, WA.
• For Wilderness Permit information and park conditions:
• Olympic National Park Headquarters:
• Phone: (360) 565-3130 (for general park and wilderness permit information)
• Website: nps.gov/olym (for wilderness camping reservations via Recreation.gov)

For Washingtonians, Honeymoon Meadows in Olympic National Park embodies the quintessential Pacific Northwest backpacking adventure. It is perfectly suited for locals who are experienced backpackers, hikers, and wilderness enthusiasts seeking a profound escape into their state's unparalleled natural beauty. This isn't a drive-up family campground, but rather a testament to self-sufficiency and a reward for those willing to put in the miles.

The challenging journey to Honeymoon Meadows, including the long road walk and demanding trails, acts as a natural filter, ensuring that those who reach it are truly dedicated to a deep wilderness experience. This results in a higher degree of solitude and a more pristine environment compared to easily accessible areas. For Washingtonians who cherish the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos and understand the importance of Leave No Trace principles, Honeymoon Meadows offers an opportunity to live those values fully.

Furthermore, the presence of essential backcountry amenities like bear wires and designated (albeit rustic) privies demonstrates the park's commitment to both visitor safety and wilderness preservation. The breathtaking scenery, the sounds of the Dosewallips River, and the potential for incredible wildlife encounters provide an immersive experience that refreshes the spirit and deepens one's connection to Washington's wild heart. For locals looking for a truly impactful and authentic wilderness backpacking trip, Honeymoon Meadows is an iconic and highly recommended destination.

Honeymoon Meadows

Washington, USA