Backpack - Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide

Meet at 10:30 am on Sunday Aug 13 at the Mink Lake / Lovers Lane trailhead
(https://goo.gl/maps/peJr1fVX8GzrqA7AA)

 It is a 3-4 hour drive from the Seattle area to the Sol Duc Trailhead. 

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west for 29 miles, passing Lake Crescent. About 2 miles beyond the Fairholm store, turn left onto the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, which becomes Sol Duc Rd. Follow this road for 12 miles (passing the park entrance booth) to the end to the Sol Duc Trailhead.

Drivers will need an America the Beautiful (National Park) Pass.

You will need a Bear Canister for this hike.  You can rent them at the Port Angeles WIC during business hours 9-4. You should be able to get to the trailhead on time if you get to the WIC right at 9am.

 This backpack trip is among the highlights of Olympic National Park.  We should see wildflowers, amazing views and, hopefully, some wildlife.  Find an excellent description of this trip on WTA.

This is a strenuous trip, but we will travel at a moderate pace with plenty of rest/snack/picture and swim breaks.  We’ll be hiking counter-clockwise around the Seven Lakes Basin / High Divide Loop in the Olympics. 

On day 1, we'll meet at the Mink Lake / Lovers Lane Trailhead and hike past Mink Lake to Deer Lake where we will camp at the Group Site.  5.5 mi/2776'    https://www.gaiagps.com/public/W9c1GDTVsN6xzblQNsQNZc8H

On day 2, we'll hike from Deer Lake to Lunch Lake (for lunch and a swim), then on through High Divide Pass to Sol Duc Park Group Camp site.  7.8 mi/3086'    https://www.gaiagps.com/public/gbthLKd2xfFcb19XnKCgTA9f

On day 3, we'll hike a short distance (1.6 mi) to Seven Mile Group Camp, where we will set up camp.  Option to hike to Appleton Pass and back today.   7 mi/2530'   https://www.gaiagps.com/public/KdexvmvKZQTmbj3aSUXVhmcK

On day 4, we'll hike from the Seven mile Group Camp back to the trailhead.  7 mi/940'    https://www.gaiagps.com/public/kVj5p1rvrFFz4Bqhtpuwnxaq

Weather forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=47.9506422&textField2=-123.815197#.ZD2GXS-B2Fo

Bear canisters are required.  Ursacks are not allowed.  

Leader Permission required for this trip: (note, there is space for an assistant leader)

In your permission request, please detail your recent backpacking experience, including daily mileage and elevation gain, your goals for the trip and fitness preparation.  

Upon receiving leader permission you will be added to the roster after paying the leader the $25/person permit fee (this will be non-refundable if you cancel unless there is someone else on the waitlist to take your place)

My style:  I consider hiking as nature therapy and love to revel in the beauty of nature with frequent stops to look at flowers, trees and views.  Picking berries and swimming in Alpine Lakes are at the top of my list.   In the evenings I like to sit around a communal area and play games. If these sound like experiences you would enjoy, I’d love your company!