High Divide, Crossover & High Divide - Seven Lakes Basin Loop — Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast

Couldn't waste the one good-weather day of the week, so I headed for Sol-duc to do the high-divide loop. Having read (in WTA reports) of the mob that is attracted to this trail, i was not surprised to see several dozen groups of hikers on the trail, despite it being a Wed. sandwiched by imperfect weather! Most of them were camped near Deer & Heart Lakes though, so i'd wait a couple more years before installing the toll- booths. The trail has been amply described in previous reports; its snow free and in good condition; just couldn't resist dispelling the myth that the loop isn't feasible as a day hike: I found it quite manageable and enjoyable, even with side trips. The lack of real steep sections make the 19+ miles feel alot less strenuous than many W. Wa. hikes of half the distance. I hit the trail at 9, went clockwise (Heart Lake first) and returned at 6. This is probably the more aesthetic way; but for a day hike i would reccomend the opposite way, since the deer lake to solduc falls section is very rocky and less friendly to tired feet. Anyhow, this was a great hike, and i got some terrific views of Olympus rising above the low cloud deck before the fog thickened and ended my photo session from Bogachiel pk. on. Just missed a couple bears feasting along the trail near the peak. Im psyched for Sept. now!