Forum Index > Trip Reports > Seven Lakes Basin 6/27/2017
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Abert
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Abert
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PostTue Jun 27, 2017 7:03 pm 
I've been avoiding hiking in the Olympic Mountains this winter and spring but I decided it was finally time to embrace the snow and headed for the Sol Duc this morning. It's also the last week before the big construction project starts on Highway 101. Getting stuck behind someone driving 30 mph around Lake Crescent is apparently going to seem like heaven compared to the next three years. The trail is in good shape up to Deer Lake, where there's patchy snow. Snow banks across the trail and then solid snow above 3800' or so where the trail climbs to the ridge. The only difficult section is where the trail rounds the ridge in the trees to the more open south slope. It was steep enough that I was very glad that the snow wasn't any harder and I could kick in adequate steps. Much of the trail is melted out after that. I veggie-belayed (as an ice ax alternative) beside the snow-covered trail the short, steep upper part of the route down to Lunch Lake. Once the slope moderated it was easy plunge stepping the rest of the way down into the basin. At 10:30 the snow was still firm enough for good walking around Lunch Lake. I walked to the upper basin and angled up to meet the High Divide Trail east of Bogachiel Peak. Alternating bare ground and six foot drifts along the ridge. I was happy to finally get to the downhill from above Heart Lake and unhappy as always to walk the long, rocky trail out. Trip photos
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High Divide Trail
High Divide Trail
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Lunch Lake
Lunch Lake
Descent Route
Descent Route
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Mount Carrie
Mount Carrie
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Heart Lake Basin
Heart Lake Basin
Heart Lake
Heart Lake
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meck
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meck
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PostTue Jun 27, 2017 7:11 pm 
Fantastic photos Abert! (and thank you for posting the snow condition info, there is a certain C-mtn that I'd been looking to climb, your photos will definitely help with the decision on timing the trip). Do you think snow shoes would be required for travel along the ridge right now?

*Just say NO to Rent-Seeking, don't give up the concept of "ownership"*
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Abert
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Abert
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PostTue Jun 27, 2017 7:38 pm 
Hi, meck. It was definitely boot, not snowshoe, snow on the ridges.

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Backpacker Joe
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Joined: 16 Dec 2001
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Backpacker Joe
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PostTue Jun 27, 2017 8:11 pm 
Snow basin. Nice pics Bert-Meister. up.gif

"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide." — Abraham Lincoln
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meck
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PostTue Jun 27, 2017 9:38 pm 
Thanks Abert!

*Just say NO to Rent-Seeking, don't give up the concept of "ownership"*
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wildernessed
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PostWed Jun 28, 2017 5:56 am 
up.gif Very Nice !

Living in the Anthropocene
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FungiFan
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PostWed Jun 28, 2017 6:43 am 
Thanks for the update and beautiful photos. We had considered a foray into Seven Lakes this week but didn't think it was going to be melted out enough. You certainly confirmed that! Hoping to get permits for Royal Lake this morning with a side trip to Home Lake. FF

Stupid isn't illegal...but sure comes with consequences. Famous last words: 'Here, hold my beer and watch this.'
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silence
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PostWed Jun 28, 2017 9:49 am 
Wow ... looks like High Divide still has a lot of snow ... this is a shot of Heart Lake on July 3, 2014 during a relatively normal snow year when we were even able to find a dirt camp site above the lake. Great TR and photos as usual ... way to get up there!
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Home Is Where The Heart Is

PHOTOS FILMS Keep a good head and always carry a light bulb. – Bob Dylan
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