Sol Duc Seven Lakes Basin Loop

🌲 Backpacking Trip – Seven Lakes Basin Loop via Sol Duc & High Divide
📍 Olympic National Park
🗓️ Date July 18-20 – Leader Permission & Permits Required

Embark on an unforgettable backpacking loop through the heart of the Olympic Mountains! We’ll start at the Sol Duc Trailhead, climb through mossy forest along Royal Creek and Deer Lake, then ascend the High Divide to immerse ourselves in the dramatic beauty of Seven Lakes Basin. Seven or eight alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, sweeping ridgeline views, and Mount Olympus panoramas await. We’ll complete the loop via Heart Lake and Sol Duc Park, totaling around 19 miles with 3,000–4,000 ft of elevation gain (wta.org, mountaineers.org, hikeolympic.com).

🌄 Why you’ll love it

• Old-growth forests, creek crossings, and breathtaking waterfalls
• Expansive High Divide ridges with crystal-clear subalpine lakes
• Wildlife sightings: bears, mountain goats, deer
• Classic loop route with several camp options and flexible itineraries (wanderingwashingtonian.com)

🎒 Trip Details:

• Moderate-to-strenuous: 18–19 mi loop, 3k–4k ft gain (nps.gov)
• Terrain varies: forest, talus, alpine slopes, possible snow patches
• We’ll camp at selected designated sites—permits required via recreation.gov (nps.gov)

🔧 Gear You’ll Need:

• Full backpacking kit, 10 Essentials, bear canister (required—available at WIC) (mountaineers.org)
• Water treatment, poles, layers for mountain weather

🗺️ Permits:
Required year-round. Reserve early, or chance walk-up permits from the Wilderness Info Center in Port Angeles (wanderingwashingtonian.com).

📩 Leader Permission Required – Message to join, get planning details, and finalize trip logistics.

Come explore the Seven Lakes Basin loop—a high-elevation trek filled with alpine majesty, rich forest, and stunning canyon views. Let’s make memories in the wild!

#SevenLakesBasin #OlympicBackpacking #HighDivideLoop #PNWAdventures #OlympicNationalPark