Deer Lake Trail

Rocky, rugged surface.

The Deer Lake Trail begins at a junction with the Sol Duc River Trail just west of Sol Duc Falls. Take the Deer Lake Trail southwest across the Sol Duc River and past the eastern end of the Lover's Lane Trail. Start the uphill switchbacking up the Canyon Creek drainage. Cross the creek at a bridge and continue the steady consistent uphill run.

The trail proceeds along the western side of Canyon Creek, contouring up the steep hillside. Finally, the grade eases as you approach footbridge over the outlet of Deer Creek. There is often a lot of water rushing out here, and it's a nice spot to rest. The remainder of the path around the verdant lake is more level and goes past campsites and viewpoints. This is an intriguing place to explore- see if you can find "Fawn Lake," and the nearby network of pretty streams with "potholes" higher up (being careful to stay on established paths of course). The Deer Lake Trail ends at a junction with the High Divide Trail.

Yellow cedar, mountain hemlock, silver fir, huckleberries. Deer.