Seven Lakes Basin

[milani74]

Hi all, just got back from a 3 day backpacking trip in the Olympic Nat'l park. I visited the Seven Lakes Basin Loop, which is about 20 miles of really diverse ecosystems, from old growth forest to alpine meadows. I strongly encourage you to see this trail if you get the chance.
Map of the trail.

Start of the trail. Even though it hasnt rained in over 2 months, its still green and lots of water. Gotta love glaciers!

Sol Duc Falls

Random trail pics

Lots of Huckleberry still at the lower elevations.

My camp the first night, Deer Lake.

 

[milani74]

The next day, I got up late(ish) around 0830 and hit the trail.

I came up to another (namless) lake and guess who I saw...

He looked like he weighed about 300 lbs or so and he blocked the trail for about 30 mins. What a fantastic creature! I had my bear spay (a big thanks to Mtwarden for the advice) so I felt at ease. I made myself known to him by calling out, and he mosied over round the lake eating blue berries. Awesome experience!

 

[milani74]

Round the bend, and up the trail,

Lots of Lupine up at the top of the first ridge.

These trees look like Medusa's hair

Looking over the next ridge. Still some snow from last winter at this lowish elevation.

Red Paintbrush

Not sure?

What a daisy!

 

[matthew krissak]

Wicked pictures! I really like the first campsite picture! Good stuff!

 

[milani74]

Almost to the 7 lakes basin cutoff

Crest a hill, and your reward..
Round Lake

Lunch Lake

Love the texture

Had lunch here...

Dr. Seuss Flower

 

[milani74]

What could that black spot be I wonder?

Oh, just a small black bear. Nothing to see here.. move along.

The trail starts to climb higher to Bogachiel peak.

Then shares the High Divide trail. It looks like a golf course here!

Another no name lake, I'd call it Guitar lake!

High Divide. Looks bare on one side!

Mount Olympus! Reminds me of Lord of the Rings.

Finally, down to Heart Lake.

 

[milani74]

I spent the last night at Sol Duc Park, then headed out today. Awesome hike that gives you a little of everything that the Olympics have to offer.

 

[milani74]

Thanks Matthew, glad you enjoyed them!

 

[KuRUpTD]

Beautiful pics brother ... the scenery is absolutely gorgeous !

Thanks for posting this.

 

[Burton Harruff]

Great pics! Thanks for sharing. This is for sure on my list of places to visit. -Burton

 

[Stickman]

Wow, awesome scenery, great pics, wish I could see that in person. Thanks for sharing.

 

[sicily02]

The pics you took are just stunning. That is one place I hope to see one day.
It looks like you had a great time, bears and all lol.

Bryan

 

[milani74]

Beautiful pics brother ... the scenery is absolutely gorgeous !

Thanks for posting this.

Thank you. It truly is God's country up there.

Great pics! Thanks for sharing. This is for sure on my list of places to visit. -Burton

Glad you liked them, it's a fairly easy hike.

Wow, awesome scenery, great pics, wish I could see that in person. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Stickman.

The pics you took are just stunning. That is one place I hope to see one day.
It looks like you had a great time, bears and all lol.

Bryan

Thanks Bryan. I had a blast, bears and all!

 

[jds1]

Thanks for sharing your trip.

Jeff

 

[Knife Crazied]

Beautiful scenery. :thumbup:

 

[kgd]

Wow! Some awesome sites, distance and photos. Loved the thread!

 

[ROCK6]

Great pictures Chief! Seven Lakes Basin was one of my first backpacking trips (I think the first was Royal Basin). It's a beautiful area...thanks for giving me a reminder brother that my soul bleeds to be back in the mountains!

ROCK6

 

[OwenM]

Awesome! A trip to Olympic or Rainier is in my 3-4 year plan. Wonderful scenery!
Is that the Stratospire 1 or 2? Sure does have a lot more room than my Notch...

 

[milani74]

Great pictures Chief! Seven Lakes Basin was one of my first backpacking trips (I think the first was Royal Basin). It's a beautiful area...thanks for giving me a reminder brother that my soul bleeds to be back in the mountains!

ROCK6

Thanks Rock, I feel the same way. I thank God that I have been able to appreciate it so far.

Awesome! A trip to Olympic or Rainier is in my 3-4 year plan. Wonderful scenery!
Is that the Stratospire 1 or 2? Sure does have a lot more room than my Notch...

Thanks Owen, its the Stratospire 1. I absolutely love the tent. Easy to set up, sheds wind very well, easy to get in and out, 2 side entryway, large vestibules, ability to open both of the doors, net only option, high roof, double walled and right at 2 lbs. The only thing I can think of changing would be to make the tarp out of Cuben Fiber to make it lighter.

 

[mqqn]

Thank you for the beautiful pictures and excellent narration - it was a fun thread to read!

best

mqqn