Sol Duc River Trail

Mount Olympus From Seven Lakes Basin Loop

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map 
Map of Camp Areas along Loop 
Major Camp Area site maps 

Notices

• All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc River/High Divide/7 Lakes Basin Loop area including all camps adjacent to and enclosed by the Deer Lake Trail, High Divide Trail, and Sol Duc River Trail (High Divide Loop), and adjacent camps along the Mink Lake Trail, East High Divide Trail, and Cat Basin area.
• Call [phone] to make reservations for overnight backpacking trips in the Sol Duc area. Reservations are limited and can be made up to 30 days in advance of the first day of your trip.
• Always, pick up your Wilderness Camping Permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year round.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest, subalpine forest, subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate  
Unique features: River, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation change: 2000 ft. to 4800 ft.
Best Season: higher elevations usually melt out in early to mid July

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight hikes and can be obtained at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. Reservations are recommended for trips between May 1 and September 30 as space is limited.
Food Storage Method: All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc River/High Divide/7 Lakes Basin Loop area including all camps adjacent to and enclosed by the Deer Lake Trail, High Divide Trail, and Sol Duc River Trail (High Divide Loop), and adjacent camps along the Mink Lake Trail, East High Divide Trail, and Cat Basin area.
Campsites: Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake Deer Lake and a few others. See Map. Camping is in designated sites only. Major camp area maps.
Toilet Facilities:  Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake Deer Lake; elsewhere bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: Sol Duc River and nearby streams and lakes. Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Stock: Camping is allowed in designated stock camps only. See Stock Use.

 

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are required in this area.

 

Safety

• Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. 
• Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
• Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
• Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.

 

Trail Conditions

 

High Divide

NPS Lily Hickenbottom

 

Heart Lake Basin

NPS Bryan Bell

 

Sol Duc Falls

NPS Bryan Bell