We had permits for three nights along the High Divide - Seven Lakes Basin Loop, and we chose to navigate clockwise. After you pass Sol Duc Falls the traffic diminishes. First night was at Sol Duc River #2 - when we got the permit, I had imagined that the sites were spots where many could camp in an area, but a lot of the sites are really intended to be just one party at a time. Sol Duc River #2 is one such site, with a good camping spot right by the rocky river. This area is heavily wooded, and we brought a lightweight hammock to relax in. From the trailhead, this is an easy portion of the loop.
We stayed at Lower Bridge Creek the second night, and opted for an established site away from the trail in a glen frequented by deer and sooty grouse, both of which seemed to be accustomed to visitors and were friendly. You can see where the verb "to grouse" comes from, they fuss around and vocalize nearly constantly.
For the third night, we headed to Lunch Lake, and the elevation gain was steeper than the last days, going clockwise as we did (heading south from Lower Bridge Creek and then west along High Divide). We lunched at Heart Lake, which is at a majestic perch before heading onto the High Divide proper. Misty rain and fog obscured what were surely amazing views, but it can be nice to hike in this moody weather too. We summited Bogachiel Peak, which is an easy little detour from the main trail. If you choose to ascend or descend on the trail to the west of the peak, take care - it is established and safe, but if you're taking your pack up just take care and go slow, it is a steep drop.
Our original intention was to take the established path off the main High Divide trail through the Seven Lakes Basin, navigating toward Mirror Lake and then to Lunch Lake, but visibility was poor. It was not the day for that kind of scrambling so we stuck to High Divide before descending and passing Round Lake on the way to Lunch Lake. Even midweek there were several families enjoying a stay at Lunch Lake, which is comfortable owing to a privy and ranger station. The wind howled and it was quite a bit cooler than the past couple of days, and we felt cozy in the tent with the rainfly snugged over us.
On our final day of hiking we headed toward Deer Lake, and the entire way was adorned with blueberry and huckleberry plants ripe with fruit. Never saw a single bear, which surprised us given the bear canister precautions required and the berries on display. Deer Lake had a wonderfully parklike and naturally groomed appearance, with water rushing into it and out of it on either side and lush wetlands all around. Descending back along Canyon Creek makes you realize how different the rain forest there is from the alpine environment of High Divide. We saw a trail runner for the second time that day - he had circumnavigated the whole 19 mi loop and greeted us again, going back for more! We met lots of different kinds of hikers and runners along the way - even though we took a leisurely three-night pace, it's possible to do the whole loop in one fast day if you're determined.
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