Hiked the loop counterclockwise. Didn't go into the basin, but went over Bogachiel Peak.
Access. No issues with the road, which was paved all the way. Surprised to see the large parking lot about half full Monday morning at 7am.
Conditions. The only real obstacle along the entire loop was a large blowdown near the beginning. Deer Lake Trail is very rocky, as is the Sol Duc Trail above the Sol Duc crossing. Some muddy spots on the lower Sol Duc Trail.
Water. Didn't see any running water between Deer Lake and Heart Lake, plenty of running water everywhere else.
Flora & Fauna. Blueberry bushes provided some fall colors, and were full of (slightly overripe) blueberries. Saw a couple of grouse, and one bear not far off the trail above Deer Lake (but who refused to acknowledge my presence). No bugs, except at the summit.
Crowds. Encountered half a dozen parties on the way up to Bogachiel Peak via Deer Lake, and a similar number on the way down via Sol Duc (not counting a steady trickle of people at the very bottom).
Comments
Looking forward to your report and photos!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Sep 28, 2020 08:33 PM
Enjoy!
Posted by:
ejain on Sep 30, 2020 02:00 AM
I did enjoy your many photos and their captions! Thank you! Happy Hiking! We did a 3 night backpacking trip several years ago so I recognized many areas! Unfortunately when we were on the High Divide Trail it was socked in with no views!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Sep 30, 2020 10:23 PM