Seven Lakes Basin (High Divide Loop)
Views of Lunch Lake in Seven Lakes Basin from the High Divide
A small voice is calling you – "Ditch Seattle and elevate your consciousness," it whispers. "Discover the creeks, alpine lakes, and ancient forests along the High Divide Loop to the north of Mount Olympus."
Could it be a Greek goddess? No, it's just a deer murmuring into your tent as she tries to steal your hiking poles. She's right on the money though, because the High Divide Loop is one of the best loop hikes in Washington.
What makes this one of the best hikes in the Pacific Northwest?
Although the moderate-difficulty trail and 3,050-foot elevation gain will put your endurance to the test, this 19-miler is 100 percent worth the effort. The landscape is nothing less than stunning, taking you from the heart of old-growth forests to sloping meadows that offer almost overwhelming views of some of Olympic National Park's most iconic peaks and lakes.
As the name suggests, the High Divide Loop traverses the boundaries and cuts through numerous biomes at considerable altitudes. There aren't too many handrails on this one. Beginners should work their way up to the trek by tackling some of the day trails in the nearby Hoh Rain Forest and Sol Duc Valley first.
Crossing a river on the way to Seven Lakes Basin
Seven Lakes Basin's High Divide Loop is best suited to hiking and backpacking.
Although you can pitch a tent at a few designated spots with permits, we weren't joking about the wildlife. They did try to steal our hiking poles…
Elk, bears, goats, and deer are just a few of the animals you might see. As you might expect, you're required to keep your food, garbage, and scented items in bear canisters (if backpacking), pack out your waste and leave no trace.
The High Divide Loop hike has a mostly well-kept trail, but that doesn't mean you should take the terrain for granted. Be prepared to cross a few creeks, which aren't all bridged (bring a pair of sandals or crocs). If you decide to do the venture down to Lunch Lake, which is well worth it, be sure to account for additional mileage and elevation gain while tackling the loop.
Know that you might encounter snowpack along the steeper slopes as late as mid-July. You might want to skip hiking Seven Lakes Basin – or delay your visit until the hottest part of summer – if you don't possess ice cleats and a thorough understanding of how to travel in the snow.
Make sure your pack is well-balanced, invite a friend along, and check the weather well in advance for this unforgettable hike in the Pacific Northwest. Finally, remember to get your permit early if planning to backpack. Although its difficulty keeps it from being crowded, this is a popular route among skilled backpackers and hikers in the know.
A deer grazing before he grabs our hiking poles
Location: Olympic National Park
Directions: Take US 101 west for 29 miles along Lake Crescent from Port Angeles (or take US 101 towards lake Crescent if coming from Forks). Turn left onto the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. Follow this road through the National Park Entrance to Sol Duc (about 12 miles). There is a parking lot at the trailhead. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking (backpacking and camping with permit only - found here)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 19.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,050 feet
Best Time of Year: July - October
Parking Permit Required: National Park Pass
Dogs Allowed: No
Weather: Sol Duc, WA
