Hoh Lake Trail

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Wilderness Map

Notices:

All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters in the Sol Duc River/High Divide/Mink Lake 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.
Obtain your Wilderness camping permit at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, year-round. (360) 565-3100. Reservations are recommended for trips taking place between May 1 and September 30; see Camping below.

Description

Ecosystem type: Subalpine meadow, subalpine lake basin, montane forest
Trail tread types: Well-maintained
General elevation trend: Steep
Unique features: The trail ascends 22 switchbacks from the Hoh River to the subalpine basin of Hoh Lake. Avalanche lilies and other subalpine species are prolific in season. Excellent views of the interior Olympics are afforded above Hoh Lake on High Divide. Elk and bear are frequently seen in summer and early fall. The trail passes through the area of the Hoh Fire (1978), thus there is little tree canopy. Carry plenty of water.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4 miles from junction with Hoh River trail to Bogachiel Peak Junction. Hoh Lake is 14.7 miles from Hoh trailhead, 9.7 miles from Sol Duc trailhead.
Elevation change: 800 foot loss from High Divide, 3,500 foot gain from Hoh River Trail
Best Season: Mid-July through September

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Permits are limited year round and can be picked at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. Reservations are recommended between May 1 and September 30.
Food Storage Method: A bear wire is located at Hoh Lake. Food must be secured from bears and other wildlife 24 hours a day. If you will be heading over High Divide into the Sol Duc area, all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in bear canisters.
Campsites: Camp in designated sites only at Hoh Lake. A group site is located one half-mile south at C.B. Flats.
Toilet Facilities: A composting toilet is located at Hoh Lake.
Water Source: Hoh Lake. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Stock: Day-use 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 designated sites only.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prohibited at Hoh Lake.
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 recommended in this area.

Safety

Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear 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.
Ice axe and self-arrest skills necessary to hike this trail when snow-covered.
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.