West Fork Dosewallips River Trail

West Fork Dosewallips River Trail is an out-and-back from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass: 9.1 miles each way, or 18.2 miles round trip. The maintained route climbs through montane forest and river country into subalpine meadows, then reaches a high pass at 4,464 feet. Allow about 12 hours for the trail itself, including stops. The grade is described as moderate, but the distance, remoteness and high-country conditions make this a serious day. Dose Forks is the start of the named trail; reaching it from the end of Dosewallips Road adds about 6.5 miles each way. The full road-end route is roughly 32 miles round trip, so most visitors should plan an overnight rather than try to force it into one day.

From Dose Forks, the trail follows the West Fork valley through montane forest. The forest is the first big part of the experience: the river stays close, the tread is maintained, and the route gradually trades the enclosed valley for higher, more open ground. This is a long climb, not a steep scramble, but the pass is far enough away that steady pacing matters. Backcountry camps at Dose Forks, Big Timber and Diamond Meadows make sense as overnight stops if you are carrying a pack.

Farther up, the forest opens into broad subalpine meadows and mossy valley stretches. Honeymoon Meadows is the clearest change of scenery: open grass, a forest edge and mountain slopes give the route room to breathe before it climbs again. The West Fork crossing at Honeymoon can be hazardous in spring or after heavy rain. Take the water level seriously; this is not a crossing to rush because you are eager to reach the next camp.

If you want a shorter goal, Honeymoon Meadows is a substantial turnaround before the pass. The commonly listed Dose Forks out-and-back to that point is about 15.8 miles, so it is still a big hike. Anderson Pass adds more distance and a climb into higher country.

The trail continues from the meadows to Anderson Pass at 4,464 feet. High sections can hold snow in any season; the usual high-country window is early July through October, and snow travel calls for an ice axe and self-arrest skills. Carry a map and compass, since snow can hide the tread and make route-finding harder. There is very little water at the pass, so fill lower in the valley and treat water from streams.

This is wilderness, with no food or other services in the Dosewallips area. Camping requires a backcountry permit and bear canisters. Established camps are at Dose Forks, Big Timber, Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows, LaCrosse Pass Junction and Camp Siberia; pit toilets are at Big Timber, Diamond Meadows, Honeymoon Meadows and Camp Siberia. Pets are not allowed on park trails.

The route passes ancient forest, river and glacier-shaped high country. Large old-growth stands also provide habitat for threatened spotted owls, though a sighting is never something to count on. Honeymoon Meadows is the strongest place for a photo: include a little meadow growth in front, then keep the forest edge and rocky ridges in the frame so the open valley reads as more than a patch of grass.