Got to the trailhead at 7:30 am and there were a lot of open spaces.
Started out and stopped at Sol Duc Falls before heading uphill Deer Lake. The trail is in great shape and never felt that it was overly steep, just consistently uphill.
Once you hit Deer Lake you have about 2 miles before you go over the ridge and get great views over the Bogachiel river basin and you can start to see the Mount Olympus in the distance.
Another mile takes you to the split to drop down to Lunch Lake or you can continue along High Divide. Decided to head down to the lakes along the steep trail. I would highly recommend heading down to this area if you are able. The views are great and it is refreshing to hang out by the lake.
Once at Lunch Lake, you have two options: head back up the way you came or follow an "unmaintained" trail that takes you past more lakes and reconnects back to High Divide. We decided to head back up the way we came, but in retrospect, I would recommend taking the unmaintained trail. It has less vertical, passes multiple lakes, you see different terrain, and you still get back to High Divide and see the sweeping views of Mount Olympus.
Headed back up the steep hill and summited Mt. Bogachiel before continuing the trail. After a short time, the views open up more and there are some great places to sit and take in the scenery.
Continued down the trail to Heart Lake for a quick stop at the privy, before finishing off the trip via Sol Duc River trail.
Overall: 21.15 miles, 5430 ft vertical, 8:39:04 rt including breaks.
Comments