High Divide, Bogachiel Peak, Sol Duc River & Sol Duc Falls — Sunday, Jul. 28, 2019

Stopped at Port Angeles WIC to pick up permit. Saw a couple deer at WIC. Must pay or show pass to get in National Park. Arrived at trailhead Saturday ~11 am. Surprisingly I was able to snag one of the parking spots. The parking lot was primarily full and cars were parked along the road before the parking lot. The hike to Soleduck Falls was busy. At the falls, I stayed to right as I was hiking counterclockwise (toward Deer Lake). Saw mama deer and 2 babies at Deer Lake. Berries to be picked and eaten the along the trail. Overall trail condition was okay; some large steps up/rocky, except ~4,801’ (10T 441035 5306592) there was rock slide and trail split in spots. Not sure what happened (mini earthquake?!), but the trail was rough for this stretch and will likely continue to get worse unless some major trail maintenance is done or trail is rerouted. Shortly after, arrive at junction with Lunch Lake, which is to left. Continue straight/right to stay on loop. In ~1 mile, reach junction with Hoh Lake Trail (right) and High Divide Trail (to left). Great views on clear days from here. Begin seeing views of Mt. Olympus.  Wrapped around then begin switchbacks down toward Hoh Lake. I arrived at Hoh Lake after ~5.5 hours (~10.3 miles). I got excited thinking I would have lake to myself. At least another 4 groups showed up. ~5 Campsites are up amongst the trees. That night, I saw deer with baby and next morning, I saw a bear in on hillside above far side of lake. Headed out Sunday morning to get some peace and quiet. Beautiful views along High Divide Trail and views of 7 lakes basin and Olympus. Saw multiple marmots. Recommend short jaunt to top of Bogachiel Peak. I loved the views throughout this this stretch of trail. ~3.5 miles to Heart Lake. I was first one to arrive at small Heart Lake. Then backtracked to junction just before Heart Lake to trail that heads toward Cat Peak. I saw 2 other people at start of this trail. After cut-off to stock camp off to left there is a sign that says end of maintained trail. Passed multiple trees that were recently scratched by bear(s). Even past the “not maintained” sign, the trail was in acceptable condition (few small trees down). I turned around before I arrived at end of this trail and headed back toward Heart Lake. On way back, I passed a HUGE pile of scat (bear?), close to the size of my size 8 boot. As I approached Heart Lake, I saw goats run toward lake. The family of 5 goats including 3 babies (mama had what appeared to be tracking device around her neck) were grazing near the lake and trail, close to a camp where 3 people were setting up. The goat family hung around the Heart Lake area for a couple hours and didn’t seem to be phased by all the people. Saw couple more deer including baby. Heard there are bears on hillside on other side of creek, but never saw more bear. There are at least 6 camps by Heart Lake. All the campsites appeared to be full. Headed out Monday morning. From Heart Lake, it’s primarily downhill. Didn’t see any more wildlife L Passed multiple campsites, including one at junction with trail up to Appleton Pass.