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.

Got here at 2:30pm Sunday afternoon and was lucky to get a spot in the lots. There were cars parked along the shoulder. Pretty busy trail but well-rewarded sight of the falls at the end. Surprisingly no mosquitoes! Parking lot still full when we left 4pm.

Started at the Sol Duc Falls trail head and hiked about a mile past the falls down the river. Several large trees down over the trail but easy to climb over. Lots of bushy overgrowth to walk through but nothing too crazy. Theres one spot where we weren’t sure where the trail continued but found it pretty quick. Mosquitoes are pretty bad in the sunlight and by the river so make sure you bring bug spray. Most people stayed at the falls but there were a few people who hiked a little further down the river.

WTA can remove the closure notice. This trail is open and hundreds of people hiked it today. Vault toilets in the lot are stinky but open. I’m not sure we went more than a minute of solitude. There was always someone ahead or behind. That’s ok. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful green forest. Even though it rained today, there was very little mud.there’s a reason it’s popular. Very pretty!

It’s a great time of year to check out the falls!  Being a weekend and shoulder season, the trail had little food traffic in late morning.  The falls are running strong with the spring snow melt!