Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide

Sol Duc Trailhead (https://goo.gl/maps/EdfT1ReaKGKMBvUv6)

Saturday Sept 11 at 9am

Rain or shine

This is a challenging (average of 8 miles and 3000' per day) backpacking trip to give students the opportunity to try out their gear and apply the skills they've learned in the B3 course.  We’ll be hiking clockwise around the Seven Lakes Basin / High Divide Loop in the Olympics.  We'll hike at a moderate pace (1.5-2 mph), with lots of mileage and elevation gain every day.  Some of the trails will be narrow (day 2), and a tiny amount of scrambling will be required (day 3).  Our goal will be to enjoy the area’s scenery and learn as much as possible.

On day 1, we'll meet at the Sol Duc Trailhead and hike along the Sol Duc River, finishing the day with a 2.5 mile, 2000' ascent to Appleton Pass camp.  7.2 miles, 4100' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing day 1: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/T3IagYjEBTpwJ5hDRxW1Hpq9

On day 2, we'll continue clockwise, heading over Spread Eagle Pass, past Swimming Bear Lake and Heart Lake.  At Bogachiel Peak, we'll descend to our camp at quiet Hoh Lake.  8.4 miles, 3000' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing day 2: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/B6IBLh1IeIP7LKaO3OJ2dm54

On day 3, we'll start with a short ascent from Hoh Lake back to the High Divide trail, and continue clockwise past Lunch Lake and Deer Lake on our way back to the trailhead.  8.8 miles, 2000' gain.  Gaia GPS route detailing day 3: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/brXMnoNXiOFU5pJbQgadj5fp

Participants will each be responsible for the $24/person permit fee.