Three Prune

For Washington locals with a spirit of adventure and a love for true wilderness, Three Prune Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience deep within the majestic Olympic National Park. This isn't your typical drive-up campsite; it's a remote, hike-in destination that rewards intrepid explorers with profound solitude, a lush forest environment, and the unique delight of wild blueberries. Three Prune Campground is a perfect choice for experienced backpackers looking to immerse themselves fully in the untamed beauty of the Olympic Mountains, far from the crowds and conveniences of more developed areas.

Picture yourself surrounded by ancient trees, the air crisp with the scent of pine, and the only sounds being those of nature. This is the essence of Three Prune. While it requires effort to reach, the journey itself is part of the adventure, traversing some of the park's most scenic and rugged trails. If you're a local seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding escape into the heart of Washington's natural heritage, Three Prune Campground awaits your discovery.

Three Prune Campground is located within Olympic National Park, specifically in the Jefferson County region near Quinault, Washington, USA. The general address provided, "Washington, USA," indicates its broad location within the state, but its true accessibility is defined by its placement deep within the park's wilderness. It is found along the extensive Skyline Primitive Trail, a challenging multi-day backpacking route that connects various backcountry camps.

Accessibility to Three Prune Campground is strictly by foot. There are no roads or vehicle access points directly to the campground. Hikers typically access Three Prune via the North Fork Quinault River Trail, which then connects to the Skyline Primitive Trail. The hike to Three Prune is considerable, with one itinerary mentioning it as part of a ~22-mile round trip, encompassing significant elevation changes. The trail traverses spectacular old-growth forest, and while beautiful, hikers should expect "roots and rocks" and potentially "brushy overgrown sections" along with "downed trees" that may require climbing or detouring.

Given its remote nature, careful planning is essential. Cell service will be virtually non-existent, making reliance on physical maps, a compass, or a GPS device with pre-downloaded routes crucial for navigation. Visitors must be prepared for a strenuous hike and bring all necessary supplies, including food, water purification, and emergency gear, as there are no services once on the trail. The best season to access Three Prune is typically late July through October, after the snow has melted from higher elevations and before winter conditions set in.

As a remote backcountry campground within Olympic National Park, Three Prune offers a very minimal set of services, emphasizing self-reliance and Leave No Trace principles:

• No Potable Water: There is no treated or hand-pumped potable water source directly at Three Prune. Water must be obtained from natural sources like nearby creeks and streams (e.g., Kimta Creek, Three Prune Creek, Stalding Creek) and then filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. Hikers should be aware that water can be scarce along some sections of the Skyline Primitive Trail leading to or from Three Prune.
• Pit Toilet: A pit toilet is typically available near the largest campsite, often offering a "splendid view." These are basic, non-flush facilities.
• Designated Campsites: Three Prune offers three designated campsites, providing ample space for pitching tents. Campers are required to camp on bare ground, not on vegetation, to minimize impact.
• No Fire Rings/Fires: Open fires (wood or charcoal) are generally prohibited in Olympic National Park's wilderness areas to protect the fragile environment and prevent wildfires. Portable gas stoves are usually permitted for cooking. Always check current fire restrictions with the National Park Service.
• Bear Canister Requirement: Due to the lack of suitable trees for hanging food, bear canisters are required for food storage at Three Prune Campground. This is crucial for protecting your food and preventing human-wildlife encounters.
• No Picnic Tables: As a primitive backcountry site, individual campsites are not equipped with picnic tables. Campers should be prepared with their own lightweight cooking and eating setups.

Three Prune Campground offers distinct features and highlights that appeal to the adventurous spirit:

• Immersive Old-Growth Forest: The campground is nestled within a "beautiful" and dense old-growth forest, characteristic of Olympic National Park. This provides a serene, shaded, and incredibly atmospheric setting, with towering trees like Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock dominating the landscape.
• Wild Blueberry Abundance: One of the delightful highlights noted by visitors is the abundance of "wild blueberries." These can provide a natural trailside snack, adding a unique foraging element to the trip (though caution and knowledge of edible plants are always advised).
• Access to Skyline Primitive Trail: Three Prune is a key stopping point along the challenging Skyline Primitive Trail, which offers access to other backcountry camps like Three Lakes, Lake Beauty, and Kimta Peak. This makes it an ideal base for multi-day backpacking loops.
• Remote and Solitude-Rich: Due to the effort required to reach it, Three Prune ensures a highly secluded and peaceful camping experience, far from the noise and crowds of more accessible areas. This allows for deep immersion in nature.
• Scenic Creek Crossings: The trail leading to Three Prune includes "scenic bridged crossings of Three Prune, Stalding, and Kimta Creeks," adding to the beauty of the hike.
• Unique Alpine and Sub-Alpine Terrain: While the campground itself is forested, the surrounding Skyline Primitive Trail offers diverse terrain, including "mountain meadows" and even "rocky depressions" and "scree slopes" at higher elevations, providing varied hiking experiences and changing panoramas.
• Wildlife Habitat: The remote, undisturbed nature of the area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, from smaller forest creatures like "baby toads" and "slugs" to larger Olympic National Park inhabitants like elk and various bird species.
• "Totoro's Forest" Vibe: Some hikers have likened sections of the forest along the trail to "Tolkien's Middle Earth or a Miyazaki film," suggesting a magical, almost fantastical atmosphere created by the dense, ancient trees and lush undergrowth.

As Three Prune is a wilderness backcountry campsite within Olympic National Park, there is no direct phone number for the campground itself. All inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and trail conditions should be directed to the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center or the relevant ranger station.

Address: Washington, USA (General location within Olympic National Park near Quinault)

Olympic National Park Headquarters (for general inquiries and to be directed to relevant departments):

Phone: (360) 565-3100

Wilderness permits are mandatory for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park backcountry, including Three Prune Campground. These permits can typically be obtained in advance through the National Park Service's reservation system (Recreation.gov) or in person at a Wilderness Information Center. It is crucial to check the official Olympic National Park website for the most current information on wilderness permit requirements, trail conditions, and any seasonal closures or alerts before planning your trip.

Three Prune Campground is an exceptional destination for Washington locals who are passionate about backpacking and seeking a profound connection with the wild heart of Olympic National Park. Its remote location, accessible only by a challenging hike, ensures a truly secluded experience, allowing for an unparalleled sense of peace and immersion in nature. For those who embrace self-sufficiency and the Leave No Trace ethic, this campground offers an authentic wilderness adventure right in their backyard.

While the lack of traditional amenities like potable water and the necessity of carrying a bear canister might deter some, these requirements contribute to the pristine condition and undisturbed nature of the site. The reward for the effort is a stunning old-growth forest setting, the chance to forage for wild blueberries, and access to some of the most rugged and beautiful trails in the Pacific Northwest. For Washingtonians looking to push their limits, find deep solitude, and create unforgettable memories in one of America's most magnificent national parks, Three Prune Campground stands as an ideal and truly rewarding local escape.

Three Prune

Washington, USA