Route: High Divide Loop (ONP, WA)

This route begins from the Sol Duc Falls trailhead in the heart of the Olympic National Park, just southwest of Lake Crescent. Beginning in dense, old growth Douglas Fir forest, the route starts with the Sol Duc Nature Trail and follows the Deer Lake Trail to the east. Careening past powerful streams and waterfalls as it climbs into the Deer Lake basin, the route then diverges to the High Divide Trail as it climbs toward Bogachiel Peak. Once reaching the saddle, the route follows the ridgeline for miles with breathtaking views of Mount Olympus to the east and the Seven Lakes Basin and lush alpine meadows to the west. Continuing along the High Divide Trail and moving off the ridgeline, the path brings you to Heart Lake before descdending yet again into dense foliage and abundant meadows of wildflowers via the Sol Duc River Trail. With the namesake river right alongside, the trail finally reconvenes with the Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail, returning to the commencement of this amazing route.

This route has it all - from winding trails through ancient vegetation to scree and talus fields that cruise along the ridgeline, throughout the entirety of the High Divide Loop you are greeted with near solitude and silence, save for the sublime sounds of nature.

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/seven-lakes-basin

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/high-divide-loop.htm

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/sol-duc-river-trail.htm