High Divide Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is rocky with snowfields.

The High Divide Trail begins at the southern end of Deer Lake where the Deer Lake Trail ends and the Little Divide Trail starts. Take the High Divide Trail south and climb out of the Deer Lake basin. Head up through subalpine vegetation, patches of fir and open meadows with increasingly beautiful views of the Olympics. Attain the ridge and head eastwards over more level but somewhat vertiginous terrain. After rounding a rocky bowl you arrive at the intersection with the Lunch Lake Trail and will be tempted to descend into the spectacular Seven Lakes Basin. This is a fine activity, for those with time and camping permits. For those continuing on to the end of High Divide Trail, resist the siren song and proceed along the ridge crest.

The Hoh Lake Trail intersects the High Divide Trail from the south below Bogachiel Peak. The detour up Bogachiel Peak Trail to the summit is worth it for the views of Mt. Olympus, to the south, the Bailey Range, to the east, and the Sol Duc drainage, to the north. Regain the High Divide Trail heading east downhill through open slopes to the junction with Y Lakes Way Trail. Follow the spine ever eastwards enjoying the views of the sparkling lakes below. Pass the Lake #8 Route trail and just as you begin a descent down the ridge the High Divide Trail ends at a junction with Cat Basin Primitive Trail and further on Sol Duc River Trail at Heart Lake.

Lupine, indian paintbrush, dirty sox, partridge foot, blueberries. Deer, goats, bear, grouse.