Basic Backpacking Student Trip - Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide

We will meet at the trail head, at the end of the Sol Duc Hot Springs road. More info TBD

Time is TBD, but expect it to be around 10am

Seven Lakes Basin and the High Divide is one of the iconic backpacks in Washington State. It is an extremely beautiful area. Check out the WTA description (Note: we will travel in the opposite direction). In general we will explore and experience the greater basin. This backpack is more than the typical high divide loop hike. There will be significant off trail hiking, as you see or visit around a dozen lakes, as well as views of Mt Olympus and the Baileys. 

This trip is a clockwise loop starting and ending at the Sol Duc trailhead.  We will stay 2 nights at Heart Lake, and 1 night at Morgenroth / No Name Lake. On the second day the plan is to explore east of the basin over to Swimming Bear Lake and up to views of Haigs Lake. The plan for the third day is to move our camp, exploring more of the main basin area and see/visit a couple of rarely visited lakes. The forth day we will hike out, stopping by Lunch Lake, and checkout a significant geological event (an evolving land slide). Cameras are highly recommended. And you have better than a 50/50 chance of capturing a shot of a black bear.

I should note that we will not be going out to the Cat Walk, due to the exposure risk/danger.

A note about elevation and mileage: The hardest day will be the first day, about 9mi w/3000' gain. The middle days are significantly shorter and less gain. The last day will have around 1000' of initial gain and then about 10 mi pretty much down hill. As the date gets closer I will plan to update with a gps track and more exact mileage/gain.

The plan includes plenty of time for rest and photography breaks.

A note about the cost: reservations cost $8 per person per night, and there was also a one time $6 reservation fee. So, participant cost is $25, to be paid in cash (leader doesn't do electronic payment methods).

A note about cancelation: The Olympic National Park requires the permit to be finalized a week (or so) before the trip. Anyone signed up for the trip at the cancelation date/time is committed to paying the $25 cost (simply because the leader would be stuck with the cost)

More information is TBD