It is Saturday in Washington, but Sunday on Saipan, so Rexplorer and Capt. Charlie go on a hike in keeping with the Sunday hike tradition. After some careful consideration in choosing which hike, and there are many, we decide to try a medium distance trail for our first hike this time around.

We get up at 6 for an early start. But by the time we are ready to leave, it's past 8. We have to drive to Sequim, a town about 40 minutes away. It is the start of many hikes. From there we drive on an old logging road for about 10 miles to reach the trail head. There are many cars in the parking lot, a sign that this is a popular trail. We hang our park pass on the mirror, sign in at the register, a must-do for all hikers for making sure everyone makes it back.

Our destination is Royal Basin. It is rated 5 stars for scenic beauty, 4 stars for difficulty. The total distance is 14 miles, with an elevation gain of 2,450 ft., from 2,650 ft to 5,100 ft. It sounds reasonable.

Starting on the Dungeness River Trail, we begin a gentle winding path through tall forest and moss covered fallen logs, we notice this log bridge that leads to Dungeness Trail, we have to take a picture with Rexplorer balancing on the log. We don't cross this bridge, instead we veer to the right and start to follow the Royal Creek on our left. The creek crashes quite loudly and we have to hop over several tributaries that bring water from the mountain to the creek.

 There are many mushrooms, large and small. This fellow looks like spotted stag horn.

 We are bundled up in the beginning of the hike. The temperature is in the 50's at the parking lot. Fortunately we have brought extra clothing which we quickly put on. After four layers, we feel a little warmer, but regret having forgotten the gloves. This is one of several wooden bridges we cross.

 This is part  of the narrow creek, which sometimes is as much as 100 feet below the trail, and sometimes right next to the trail and camp sites.  The trail starts to climb quite steeply.

 This is part of the moss covered ground with many fallen logs sleeping under the mossy blanket.

 In keeping with the tradition of bringing lots of food and snacks, we pack up sandwiches, boiled eggs, kettle corn, rice crackers with peanuts, apple and orange slices, and candies, and spread them out on our faithful tablecloth for a quick 15-minute refueling. At this point, the trail turns rocky and the view opens up. From our rocky vantage point, we can see tall mountains across and deep valley below.

 Remaining glacial in the distant mountains, which is actually not that far from where we are head to. 

 This section of the trail is a bit tricky, as it is covered with fallen talus. Fortunately it is only a short stretch. Rexplorer is plowing ahead, keeping a close watch on the time to keep our pace steady.

 One last log bridge before we arrive at the camp site that is half a mile away from the Royal Lake, our intended destination. Alas, upon checking our time, we realize that if we continue on to the lake and spend any time there, we will not be able to make it back to our car before dark. At this point, we have already hiked for 4.5 hours. We have met many people who are camping at this meadow area and up by the lake. They have to carry large packs with camping and cooking equipment, food, and extra clothes. After chatting with some of them, finishing our sandwich and snacks, we start our trip back down. We figure we will save the lake for next time when we can start the hike earlier.

 On our way down, we stop to admire the view around us. Rexplorer takes this short video to record the scenery.

 One of the mushrooms.

Another mushroom that looks like a puppy's head. We plan to take three hours for the return trip. Going downhill most of the way proves not as easy, with lots of roots, loose rocks, and steep steps. The last two miles are quite a challenge. We drink all the water and eat all the candies before we finally, with a giant sigh of relief, end our 3.75 hours hike back. We sign out at the register, and drag our tired bodies into the car. Our total time is 8.25 hours ant total distance is 13 miles . 

Despite sore feet and tired legs, we enjoy the hike tremendously. We definitely rate it a FIVE-SNEAKER HIKE.