An incredible 19-mile backcountry loop
Overview
The Seven Lakes Basin Loop in the Sol Duc Valley is one of the premier backcountry hikes in Olympic National Park. This 19-mile loop features a great variety of backcountry campsites and also features connections to the Hoh River Trail and to Appleton Pass (Elwha). Starting from the Sol Duc trailhead, you’ll quickly reach the junction for the Seven Lakes Basin Loop within the first mile. Take a right to hike to Sol Duc Falls, Deer Lake, and Lunch Lake. Take a left to hike along the Sol Duc River, to Sol Duc Park, and Heart Lake. At the mid-point and highest point of the loop is the High Divide trail, which provides some incredible sweeping vistas of Bogachiel Peak, Mount Olympus, the Hoh River Valley, Bailey Range, Seven Lakes Basin, and Sol Duc Valley along the way.
Quick Facts
Trail: 19 mile loop, 4,000 foot gain
Mileage: 19 miles roundtrip
Highest Point: 5,120 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Region: Sol Duc
Location: 1h 10m drive from Port Angeles
For updated trip reports
Backcountry Information
Trail Gallery
Additional Information
Sol Duc Trailhead Sign
Map courtesy of Olympic National Park
Olympic Hiking Co. Trip Report
Our preferred route is to hike toward Deer Lake and Lunch Lake, gaining the steeper elevation on the front-end of the trip. During early October 2020, we did a 2 day, 1 night backpacking trip with a wilderness camping permit at Lunch Lake. This allowed for some day hike explorations within the Seven Lakes Basin after setting up camp. On Day 2, it was a beautiful mid-day trek along the High Divide, down to Heart Lake, and then out the more gradual slope along the Sol Duc River. When we return, we will ideally do the first night at Lunch Lake and the second night at Heart Lake (based on permits) to really enjoy ourselves more up there! Can’t beat sunrise and sunset in the subalpine!