We hiked the extended High Divide Loop clockwise, going over Appleton Pass and Spread Eagle Pass. The stretch from Appleton to Bruce’s Roost follows a primitive trail and was a real highlight—wild, quiet, and scenic. One of my favorite routes in the park so far.

Having recently done Dodger Point, it was fun to see the Bailey Range from the other side. The perspective really puts the terrain into context.

I’d recommend doing the loop clockwise. The section up to Spread Eagle Pass is narrow, rocky, and steep. It was a solid climb, but I wouldn’t have wanted to descend that way.

We camped at Swimming Bear Lake, which was absolutely beautiful. Amazing views of Mount Carrie, Cat Peak, and Olympus from camp. We saw several bears—some in the meadows below, and one higher up along a ridge. Marmots were everywhere, with constant whistles echoing through the basin.

Once back on the main High Divide Trail, the hiking got easier. There is no water until Deer Lake, so be sure to fill up at Swimming Bear unless you're okay with a steep .2 mile detour down to Heart Lake.

My husband and I did a three night backpacking loop through the High Divide-Seven Lakes Basin.  You don't necessarily need that much time but we just wanted to take our time and enjoy this stunning area.  Each day brought a different element of beauty. 

Day/Night 1: Left Sol Duc trail head around 1:00 pm.  Parking lot was full but most were just visiting the falls so people were leaving frequently.  We hiked counterclockwise so our first night was Deer Lake.  We had the best camp spot on the south side of the lake, just across the foot bridge.  It is up on a bluff that overlooks the lake on one side and a beautiful hillside and meadow on the other.  Deer were always around!

Day/Night 2:  This was my favorite hiking day.  The scenery just kept changing.  Hiked out of deer lake through meadows of wild flowers and more small lakes before starting to climb up the high divide trail.  Lots of trees, wild flowers, bear grass, deer and eventually you come to a bolder field. We made our way through this and up over the ridge to get our first glimpse of the seven lakes basin.  It was stunning.  We enjoyed a long lunch at Lunch lake with no one else around.  We then took the unmaintained, mirror lake trail back up to the high divide. This trail seemed to be in a completely different world.  Tons of blue tarns, but very open, dry and rocky mixed with patches of wildflowers along the shores of each lake.  Upon reaching the High divide trail, you are immediately awarded views of Mount Olympus - wow!  We continued on past heart lake and camped at Sol Duc Park at a site just next to a small water fall and the creek below. 

Day/Night 3:  This was our short hike day and we had permits for Sol Duc River #1 (there are 4 and each is only one campsite).  I was a little worried that the tent site was just off the trail but it turned out amazing - no one is out there and only a few hikers passed us that whole day.  We were nestled in a massive grove of huckleberry bushes taller than us, bursting with berries. In the early evening a male deer decided to visit us after getting a drink from the stream nearby.  

Day 4 - we hiked out really early because the plan was always to soak in the hot springs that morning.  Great way to end the hike - the hot springs is very quiet at 8am.

The trail from the Snoqualmie Lake trailhead to the Nordrum Lake fork is in great condition, relatively flat, wide, and “fast.” On the weekday, some day hikers coming/going from Otter Falls or Rock Creek falls. Once you pass Rock Creek you may see few people. This part of the trail is “easy.”

If you’ve never been, once you pass the Fork for Nordrum Trail, you hit a steep climb all the way to Snoqualmie Lake. There are some large trees/logs over the trail, and some overgrowth, but there is nothing too difficult to get over. The bugs start to welcome you about 100 meters into the trail. This section of the trail is “strenuous” due to the elevation gain. Don’t let the first 5 miles fool you. This trail has some work in store!

We did 3 nights/4 days - with a continuation out to Deer/Bear lakes. Really great campgrounds, and the hike between Snoqualmie and Deer lake is so beautiful that we did it twice!!! You really get great views of the mountains and down into the lake.

We had one day of rain but it stayed warm. Pretty much had the campsites to ourselves on the weekdays.

BUGS! All three lakes you’ll be swarmed. A bug net for your head is a must, and try to cover up your skin. Gnats especially, but at Deer/Bear lakes the mosquitoes revealed themselves.

My son and I had a great time though, despite the bugs. It is part of the experience!

(Written in my phone, forgive any errors)

Lovers Lane to Deer Lake was well maintained and there was wildflowers and ferns to enjoy the whole way. Avalanche lillies are in full bloom!

Deer Lake was beautiful, abundant wildflowers, secluded campsites and a new privy! The mosquitos were quite bad. Definitely be prepared with bug spray and layers if you plan to spend some time here.

Little divide to mink lake had a couple fallen trees that could be ducked under or crawled over. Some snow fields that haven’t yet melted out covered only about .25 miles of the trail but it was good to have poles and move slowly.

Back to Sol Duc from mink lake was smooth sailing! A Beautiful overnight loop.

The trail to Deer Lake was snow free until the last 100 yards before the bridge at the foot of the lake. The lake itself is still about 50% snow covered. There is still a lot of snow on the banks of the lake. The campsites around the lake have multiple feet of snow on them. The water level of the streams is highs due to the snow melt so Sol Duc Falls and the falls in Canyon Creek are impressive.