Hiking Seven Lakes Basin, Olympic National Park

Seven Lakes Basin is in Olympic National Park, 15 miles south of Lake Crescent according to the NPS. The High Divide loop is 18.2 miles (29.3 km) with 3,050 ft (930 m) of elevation gain. The NPS rates it moderate: the trail is well maintained, and a few creek crossings are needed.

The route

The loop starts on the Sol Duc Falls Trail, which leaves from the parking lot at the end of the road and is 0.8 mile (1.3 km) to the falls according to the NPS. According to the Washington Trails Association (WTA), the route then joins the Deer Lake Trail, follows the High Divide to the basin cutoff, and returns on the Sol Duc River Trail at Heart Lake.

What you see

The NPS lists views of Mount Olympus and other peaks, including its glaciated summits from the High Divide, and sunset views over the Hoh River valley. Meadows surround Heart Lake, Lunch Lake and the basin. According to the NPS, elk and bear sightings are common in Seven Lakes Basin. Heart Lake has no fish.

When to go

The NPS puts the best season from mid-July through September. Snow persists on this trail until early to mid-July, and the steep slopes of the High Divide can stay icy longer. When the route is snow-covered, the NPS recommends an ice axe and self-arrest skills, usually necessary around Bogachiel Peak, along the High Divide and into the basin. Be ready for cool, wet weather.

Camping, permits and rules

• Permit: a permit is required to camp overnight. According to the NPS, permits are limited year round and early reservations through Recreation.gov are recommended. NPS wilderness camping fee: $8 per person per night, plus $6 per permit.
• Campsites: camping is allowed only in designated sites. Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake and Deer Lake are the main destinations with campsites; between Heart Lake and Deer Lake, campsites and water are scarce. Campfires are prohibited above 3,500 ft.
• Food storage: all food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters throughout the loop area.
• Toilets: vault toilets are at Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake and Deer Lake.
• Water: water comes from the Sol Duc River, tributary streams and lakes; the NPS asks hikers to boil, filter or chemically treat it to prevent giardia.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed. The NPS prohibits pets on trails that are not on its short list and in the wilderness. The WTA also lists dogs as not allowed on this loop.

Getting there and entrance fee

The Sol Duc valley is 40 minutes west of Port Angeles, reached from US 101 by Sol Duc Road, according to the NPS. A park entrance fee applies: $30 per private vehicle, valid seven consecutive days, or $15 per person without a vehicle (free for ages 15 and under), according to the NPS.