Three Lakes Campground, Olympic National Park

Welcome, Washingtonians, to an in-depth exploration of Three Lakes Campground, a breathtaking backcountry destination tucked away in the magnificent Olympic National Park. For those who seek solitude, stunning alpine vistas, and a true wilderness experience, Three Lakes offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourselves in the raw beauty of our state's iconic Olympic Mountains. It's important to note that this is not a drive-up campground; it's a backpacking site requiring a significant hike, making it a rewarding challenge for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Three Lakes Campground provides a serene and private setting, often lauded by those who have made the journey. Its higher elevation, approximately 3,000 to 4,880 feet depending on the specific source and location within the area, offers distinct advantages, including incredible views and a unique ecosystem. However, this also means specific regulations, such as a no-campfire policy, are in place to protect the fragile environment. This article will guide you through the essential details of Three Lakes Campground, covering its remote yet rewarding location, the fundamental services available in a wilderness context, and the remarkable features that make it a cherished destination for Washington's backcountry adventurers.

Understanding what to expect before you embark on such an endeavor is crucial, and our aim is to provide you with all the factual information needed to plan a safe and memorable trip to this pristine corner of Olympic National Park. For locals, Three Lakes Campground represents an ultimate opportunity to truly experience the wild heart of Washington.

Three Lakes Campground is nestled within Olympic National Park, located in Washington, USA. While the provided address is simply "Washington, USA," the precise access to Three Lakes Campground is via a challenging backcountry trail. It is most commonly accessed from the North Quinault Trailhead, situated in the southwestern part of Olympic National Park, near the town of Quinault.

The journey to Three Lakes is a significant undertaking, involving a hike that is approximately 7 miles one-way from the North Quinault Trailhead, with an elevation gain of around 2,600 feet. This puts the campground itself above 3,000 feet in elevation, and other sources indicate elevations around 4,880 feet for the larger Three Lakes basin area. The trail ascends steadily, passing through diverse forest ecosystems before reaching the subalpine environment where the lakes and campsites are found. This hike typically requires a full day for most backpackers, making it an overnight destination rather than a day trip.

As a wilderness campground within a national park, access requires a valid wilderness permit. Backpacking permits are mandatory year-round in Olympic National Park and must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov. For the summer season (May 15th through October 15th), reservations are released on April 15th at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. Visitors aged 16 and older pay an $8 per person per night fee, plus a non-refundable $6 reservation fee. Due to the popularity of Olympic National Park's backcountry, it is highly recommended to book permits as early as possible.

Hikers should be prepared for varying trail conditions, including potential snow into late July or early August at higher elevations. The remote nature of the campground means no vehicle access beyond the trailhead, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and proper backpacking gear. The North Quinault area itself is accessible via well-maintained roads leading to the park entrance, but once on the trail, it's a pure wilderness experience.

• Designated Wilderness Campsites: Three Lakes Campground offers several designated wilderness campsites. These sites are typically large enough to accommodate two 2-person tents each, providing ample space and privacy for small groups.

• Community Bear Wires/Food Storage: While reviews don't explicitly mention bear wires at Three Lakes, Olympic National Park wilderness regulations mandate proper food storage to protect wildlife. This often involves bear wires, or in some areas, bear canisters are required if suitable trees for hanging food are not available. Hikers should consult current park regulations for the specific requirements for Three Lakes.

• Water Source: The primary water source at Three Lakes is the lakes themselves or nearby streams. Visitors must bring their own water filtration or treatment systems, as the water is untreated and may contain giardia or other contaminants. Reviews note the logistical challenge of accessing clean water from the lakes without sediment or getting shoes wet, suggesting that finding a good flow from a stream might be a better option a few hundred feet from some sites.

• Toilet Facilities: Reviews indicate there might not be a clearly marked toilet, or at least none easily visible. The Olympic National Park wilderness regulations generally require burying human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources and campsites in areas without designated pit toilets. Packing out toilet paper is also a standard Leave No Trace principle.

• No Campfires Permitted: Due to its elevation above 3,500 feet and to protect the subalpine forests, campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are explicitly NOT permitted at Three Lakes Campground. Backpackers must use portable camp stoves for cooking.

• No RV Hookups or Developed Amenities: As a backcountry wilderness campground, Three Lakes offers no RV hookups, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, or other developed amenities found in drive-up campgrounds. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient.

• Wilderness Permit System: While not a direct service, the mandatory wilderness permit and reservation system through Recreation.gov helps manage visitor numbers, preserve the wilderness character, and ensure the safety of backcountry users.

• Scenic Alpine Setting: Three Lakes Campground is renowned for its incredibly scenic alpine environment, featuring small mountain lakes, subalpine meadows, and stunning vistas.

• Privacy and Seclusion: Reviewers consistently praise the spacing of campsites, which provides a "good sense of privacy." This is a significant highlight for those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness experience away from crowded areas.

• Gateway to High Country Exploration: Three Lakes serves as an excellent "basecamp to explore Tshletshy Ridge or Finley Peak." Its strategic location allows adventurous hikers to undertake challenging side trips to higher peaks and ridges for even more expansive views.

• Breathtaking Views: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews for Three Lakes, high-elevation campsites in Olympic National Park often offer spectacular views of the surrounding Olympic Mountains, and potentially glimpses of distant peaks like Mount Rainier depending on visibility and specific viewpoints.

• Immersive Wilderness Experience: The long hike in, the primitive nature of the sites, and the lack of modern amenities ensure a truly immersive wilderness experience, allowing visitors to deeply connect with nature without distractions.

• Diverse Ecosystem Transition: The hike to Three Lakes often showcases a beautiful transition from the temperate rainforest at lower elevations to the more open, subalpine terrain, offering a rich botanical and ecological experience.

• Wildlife Viewing Potential: As part of Olympic National Park's vast wilderness, the area around Three Lakes is home to various wildlife, including deer, elk, and diverse bird species, providing opportunities for quiet observation.

As Three Lakes Campground is a backcountry wilderness site within Olympic National Park, there is no direct phone number or specific physical address for the campground itself. All official inquiries, permit applications, and general park information should be directed to the Olympic National Park administration.

Address: Washington, USA (General park location. The specific trailhead for access is North Quinault Trailhead, near Quinault, WA.)

For wilderness permits and the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, regulations, and safety advisories, please refer to the official Olympic National Park website or Recreation.gov.

Wilderness Information Center Phone: (360) 565-3100 (This is the primary contact for backcountry inquiries within Olympic National Park. It is highly recommended to call during business hours for assistance with permits or detailed trip planning.)

Always check the park's official resources before and during your trip planning for any changes in regulations, trail closures, or weather warnings, as conditions in the backcountry can change rapidly.

For Washingtonians, Three Lakes Campground in Olympic National Park represents an quintessential backcountry adventure and a profoundly rewarding way to experience the wild heart of our state. Its suitability for locals stems from its blend of accessibility (for experienced backpackers) and the sheer, unadulterated wilderness immersion it provides, right here in our own backyard.

Firstly, its location within Olympic National Park, one of Washington's most treasured natural assets, means it's a destination that is both prestigious and reachable for residents. While it demands a challenging hike, this commitment ensures a less crowded and more pristine environment than many roadside campgrounds. For locals who value solitude and genuine connection with nature, the effort to reach Three Lakes pays dividends in tranquility and breathtaking scenery.

Secondly, Three Lakes serves as an ideal base camp for more extensive high-country explorations. For Washington's avid hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts, having a designated and permitted site like Three Lakes allows for multi-day excursions into areas like Tshletshy Ridge or Finley Peak. This facilitates deeper dives into the Olympic wilderness, offering opportunities for advanced trekking and peak bagging that are highly prized by the state's outdoor community.

Finally, the very nature of Three Lakes—with its primitive amenities, requirement for self-sufficiency, and strict Leave No Trace principles—fosters a deep respect for the environment. For Washingtonians who are passionate about conservation and responsible recreation, camping at Three Lakes reinforces these values. It's a place where one learns to appreciate the purity of filtered lake water, the warmth of a stove-cooked meal under the stars (without a campfire), and the profound silence of a truly wild landscape. Three Lakes Campground is not just a place to sleep; it's an experience that enriches the spirit, challenges the body, and deepens one's connection to the unparalleled natural heritage of Washington State.

Three Lakes Campground, Olympic National Park

Washington, USA