Stats: 7.2 miles 2000 ft. to 4800 ft.  Be prepared for snow in the high country. Trails are often not followable when snow covered.  Until mid July, and sometimes later.  An ice ax and knowledge of its use is usually necessary to travel around Bogachiel Peak, along High Divide and into the basin. 

To do the loop clockwise: Start on Sol Duc River trail. This trail climbs gradually through a magnificent old growth rain forest. There are campsites every mile or two. Take the left fork at the first trail junction (1 mile). At 5 miles there is another junction, take the right fork. Now the trail crosses the Sol Duc River on a spectacular bridge. The last campsite where fires are allowed is just after the junction. The trail climbs very steeply to lush meadows and past tiny Heart Lake. There are campsites along the trail, and at Heart Lake.

Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park wilderness (backcountry).  For reservations call the WIC at (360) 565-3100.   Permits for quota areas must be picked up at the WIC in Port Angeles, or a staffed ranger station during business hours.  50% of campsites can be reserved. When calling to make reservations, please have your itinerary ready with campsite locations.Camping is permitted only in designated sites within quota areas. Campsites are not individually assigned but are available to permit holders on a first come, first served basis. In quota areas, deviation from your permit itinerary is not allowed, except in cases of emergency. In other areas, permits are not limited. Reservations may be made no more than 30 days in advance from the first day of your hike. Camping is limited between May 1 and September 30.

Are you ready to go?

 

DAY 1: 9/4/03, Trailhead to Heart Lake, 8.5 miles, 2,800’ gain, sunny & warm. We arrived at the Sol Duc Valley trailhead around 10:30AM. The hike to Heart Lake follows the Sol Duc River for 4.8 miles to a junction with the Appleton Pass trail. We stayed straight toward Heart Lake and Seven Lakes Basin.There are many campsites with bear wires along the river. Passing the junction the trail climbs steadily with some flat areas for about 3.5 miles to Heart Lake, and yes, it looks like a heart. We stayed to the right of the lake and climbed to the last campsite over looking the valley. It took us about 5 hours to reach the lake including a lunch break and a few smaller breaks to rest our shoulders and legs. The lake is set in a basin full of meadows with a hint of fall foliage appearing. We set up camp then decided to hike up to High Divide for dinner. The half mile climb to the divide was achy after the 8.5 miles up to Heart Lake, although we new it would be quite a show with the sun setting on Mt. Olympus. When we arrived on the divide we had a great view of the mountain and found a flat area to cook on at around 6PM. Rachel and I had dinner with the alpenglow of Mt. Olympus giving us a show. The massive hulk of the Blue Glacier snaked down the rugged mountain and the White Glacier seemed enormous. Climbing to the Blue Glacier via the Hoh River trail would be a wonderful trip. We made it back to camp before dark, used our first bear wire, which was convenient, then headed off to sleep with sore legs. It was a quiet, mild night with no bear activity.

http://www.nwac.us/  for avalanche conditions.

Suggested Seasons for the Hike to Heart Lake

Summer, Fall

Users  Great for kids, and Hikers

Ratings    Usage: Moderate,   

                         Difficulty: Moderate,    

                         Rating: Best!

Attractions     Campsites, Lakes, Meadow, Old Growth, Pass, Ridge, River, Summit, Views, Falls

Select South Cascades and Olympics Region Hikes

Food storage tips….

Phone Numbers

Hoh Visitor Center  360-374-6925
Olympic National Park 360-425-0330 or 360- 425-4501
WA State Ferry 206-464-6400