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Royal Creek Trail
This popular trail begins in a dense forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and rhododendron.
Plan Around Royal Creek Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Royal Creek Trail Details
Following Royal Creek to the headwaters of Royal Basin, this popular trail begins in a dense forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and rhododendron, and climbs steeply with the creek. Leaving the creek's many rapids, cascades, and pools behind, it continues in open territory, providing good views of the Needles and eventually reaching the spectacular basalt-lined Royal Creek Falls that lay at the basin's edge. Willows and silver fir line the picturesque shores of Royal Lake, which is situated prominently in the basin, and which the trail skirts as it makes its way to the lookout point on Shelter Rock. From here, there are dazzling views of Arrowhead Meadow, Deception Glacier, the Needles, Graywolf Ridge, and Mount Fricaba.
Difficulty
Distance
7.0 miles
Estimated time
5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Royal Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Royal Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Royal Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Royal Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
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