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DescriptionConditionsCampingConcernsSafetyRegulations

Sol Duc/7 Lakes Basin

General Location: 15 miles south of Lake Crescent.

Trailhead: Sol Duc trailhead

Notices: Groups of 7-12 people must camp in designated Group Sites. See Below.

Contact the WIC for information about trailhead shuttles. (360) 565-3100

Be a Wilderness Steward.
Always Leave No Trace
of your stay in the wilderness.

Mt. Olympus
Mt. Olympus from High Divide Trail near Bogachile Peak

 

Click on the Map for Larger Image
Map of Sol Duc/7 Lakes Basin

 

Lunch Lake
Lunch Lake

 

 
Description

Ecosystem type: Old-growth forest, subalpine meadow, subalpine lake basin, montane forest
Trail tread types: Well-maintained  

General elevation trend: Moderate to Steep
River crossings: A few creek crossings are necessary.
Unique features:
Views of Mount Olympus and other peaks. Elk and Bear sightings are common in the Seven Lakes Basin area.  Deer Lake is aptly named. Fishing is a popular activity in many of the lakes, though there are no fish in Heart Lake and several of the smaller unnamed lakes in the basin. 
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance:
Loop is 18.2 miles
Elevation change:
3050 feet gain
Best Season: Mid July through September

Trail Conditions

Sol Duc River Trail
High Divide Trail

Deer Lake Trail

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Camping is limited between May 1 and September 30. Obtain permits at the WIC in Port Angeles, Eagle Ranger Station (Sol Duc) or Hoh Visitor Center during business hours.  50% of campsites can be reserved, no more than 30 days in advance. Contact the WIC.
Food Storage Method: Community bear wires are available at
Sol Duc Park, Lunch Lake, Heart Lake, and Deer Lake. Bear canisters are recommended in other areas.
Location and sites: Primary destinations include Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake and Deer Lake, each of which has 
multiple campsites. Between Sol Duc Falls and Sol Duc Park are many convenient campsites and water. There are very few campsites and little water between Heart Lake and Deer Lake.  Lunch Lake is accessed by a .5 mi. spur trail. Campsites above 3500 ft. are heavily used. 

Camping limits are in place for all areas in the Sol Duc/7 Lakes Basin, Cat Basin, Mink Lake, Little Divide and Hoh Lake/C.B Flats. Camping is in designated sites only.

Group sites are located at Sevenmile Camp, Sol Duc Park, Deer Lake and at C.B. Flats along the Hoh Lake Trail.
Toilet Facilities: 
Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake and Deer Lake have vault toilets. In other areas, bury waste 6-8" 200 ft from campsites and water sources 
Water Source:
Sol Duc River, Tributary streams and lakes - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia.
Stock:
Camp only in designated stock sites at Horsehead and Deer Lake (llamas only).

Special Concerns
Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. stay on established trails and camp in designated sites only. Please camp lightly to protect vegetation.
Fires: Campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, a
ll food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.Bear canisters are required at some camps.
Safety

Safety: Until mid July sometimes later, an ice ax and knowledge of its use is usually necessary to travel around Bogachiel Peak, along High Divide and into the basin.

 

Privacy & Disclaimer
Author: Bryan Bell
Last modified on: July 26, 2006
www.nps.gov/olym/wic/dsoduhidi.htm