7 Lakes Basin Loop
7 Lakes Basin Loop
One of the most sought after hikes in the Olympic mountains, the 7 lakes basin loop does not disappoint. A magical hike complete with waterfalls, wildlife and many more than the advertised 7 Lakes.
From Union, we will drive 3.5 hours on the scenic highway 101 to the Sol Duc trailhead. In less than a mile we encounter the first of many wonders – the Sol Duc Falls and from here we continue on through dense forest to our first camp. Hikers often get the opportunity to observe bears moseying across the hill side or snacking on abundant wild blueberries as they traverse across the basin or relax at the viewpoints or one of the many lakes. Spending two nights in the basin gives us plenty of time to relax and a 7 Lakes Basin Trip is not complete without a dip into Heart Lake!
Because of how awesome this trip is, permits to camp in 7 Lakes Basin are limited. For the 2023 season we have permits for 3 trips with 4 guest spaces available on each. If you are interested in joining one of these trips, check out the calendar to find out if there are spaces available.
Summer 2023 7 Lakes Basin – 3 days/2 nights:
July 22 – July 24 (Itinerary 1)
August 9 – August 11 (Itinerary 2)
October 14 – October 16 (Itinerary 3)
RATES:
- 1 Person $2,000
- 2 people $1,200/ person
- 3 people $950/ person
- 4 people $800/ person
Intermediate – Challenging Route
We continue from Sol Duc Falls and in just under 3 miles until we reach our lake-side camp at Deer Lake. On day two we hike 8 miles to our second camp, (Bruce’s Roost* don’t put this on site – just need mileage!) which first takes us high above the basin for epic views of our trail. On our last day we hike on a gentle downgrade the final 9 miles to complete the loop and return to Sol Duc Trailhead.
Daily Mileage:
Day 1: 3.4 Miles
Day 2: 7.4 Miles
Day 3: 8.2 Miles
Most Challenging Route
We Continue from Sol Duc Falls a challenging … miles till we reach our “basecamp” above the picturesque Heart Lake. Day two we will enjoy a full day of pack-free exploring. With many options of trails to explore we are sure to fill the day with a perfect combination of swimming and relaxing lakeside, hiking up to incredible viewpoints and maybe even some wildlife spotting or berry foraging.
Daily Mileage:
Day 1: 7.5 Miles (Clockwise Loop)
Day 2: Exploration Day! (0+ Miles)
Day 3: 11 Miles
7 Lakes Basin is a loop. Groups may choose to reverse the hike (Counter-clockwise) and hike 11 miles on day 1 leaving the 7.5 miles to complete the loop on day 3. To make this route less challenging there is also the option to return in the same direction making day 1 and 3 – 7.5 miles.
Intermediate Route
We continue from Sol Duc Falls and in just under 3 miles until we reach our lake-side camp at Deer Lake. On day two we hike 7 miles to our second lakeside camp at Heart lake. Day two we will have time to explore up to viewpoints and relax at our beautiful site. On our last day we hike on a gentle downgrade the final 7.5 miles to complete the loop and return to Sol Duc Trailhead.
Daily Mileage:
Day 1: 3.4 miles
Day 2: 7 miles
Day 3: 7.5 miles
Our trips are customizable and fitted to you! After you inquire about or request to book a backpacking trip that we offer, we will contact you to talk about some of the trip specific fitness requirements, answer any questions you have and make sure the trip is a great fit for you and your group. After we confirm the booking of your trip, we will send you a detailed itinerary and packing list with some of our recommendations for clothing and other essentials as well as some training tips to help you best prepare for the trip.
Each backpacking trip varies in its level of physical demand but guest pack weights tend to be 35- 45 lbs total depending on the length of trip. We will give “packing light” tips to our guests before the trip to help keep these weights as low as possible.
Additional Porter service
Depending on our availability, we may be able to offer an additional “porter” service on a multi-day trip for individuals or groups who would like additional support carrying gear. A porter will carry up to 35 lbs of gear. The porter Rate: $250/ per day. If you are interested in adding a porter to your trip let us know when you fill out a booking inquiry.
- Fun and knowledgeable guide(s) As HYOH guides, we are stoked to share our favorite places with you and share what we know while experiencing all the lush beauty that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. All our multi-day guides have received Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training and carry first aid kits and satellite devices when we visit wilderness areas. Safety is our number one priority!
- Gear. HYOH will get you set up with a tent, backpacking pack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, eating kit (bowls, utensils, cups) and trekking poles. This is a great way to test out some gear before making a huge investment into your own personal backpacking gear!
- Food. From the morning we pick you up until we drop you off we will take care of keeping you fed! We provide snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trip (except for the last day as we will get you dropped off after one final lunch together.) Your guide will take care of water filtration and cooking set-up! Before your trip, we will check in with you about your diet restrictions and preferences.
- Permits. For our trips that require reservations and permits through the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park – we got you covered!
- Transportation. The trip price that you see includes transportation for 1-4 guests from Union, Washington to the trailhead and back. When you book your trip, we will ask where you would like to be picked up in Union. We can also provide a meeting place in Union if that is more convenient for guests. If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, that works too (just keep in mind that you will have to provide your own vehicle pass and park entry fee when required.) If there are more than 4 guests in your group or you would like transportation from another location inquire about a custom trip and we will work with you directly to plan your trip. We are often able to provide a shuttle service for an additional fee.
- Personal hiking clothing and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Sun protection and insect repellant (depending on season)
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Water bottle(s) or water bladder
- Headlamp + batteries
Tipping your guide is not expected but always appreciated! Industry standard is 10-20% of cost
Our trips are customizable and fitted to you! After you inquire about or request to book a backpacking trip that we offer, we will contact you to talk about some of the trip specific fitness requirements, answer any questions you have and make sure the trip is a great fit for you and your group. After we confirm the booking of your trip, we will send you a detailed itinerary and packing list with some of our recommendations for clothing and other essentials as well as some training tips to help you best prepare for the trip.
Each backpacking trip varies in its level of physical demand but guest pack weights tend to be 35- 45 lbs total depending on the length of trip. We will give “packing light” tips to our guests before the trip to help keep these weights as low as possible.
Additional Porter service
Depending on our availability, we may be able to offer an additional “porter” service on a multi-day trip for individuals or groups who would like additional support carrying gear. A porter will carry up to 35 lbs of gear. The porter Rate: $250/ per day. If you are interested in adding a porter to your trip let us know when you fill out a booking inquiry.
- Fun and knowledgeable guide(s) As HYOH guides, we are stoked to share our favorite places with you and share what we know while experiencing all the lush beauty that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. All our multi-day guides have received Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training and carry first aid kits and satellite devices when we visit wilderness areas. Safety is our number one priority!
- Gear. HYOH will get you set up with a tent, backpacking pack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, eating kit (bowls, utensils, cups) and trekking poles. This is a great way to test out some gear before making a huge investment into your own personal backpacking gear!
- Food. From the morning we pick you up until we drop you off we will take care of keeping you fed! We provide snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trip (except for the last day as we will get you dropped off after one final lunch together.) Your guide will take care of water filtration and cooking set-up! Before your trip, we will check in with you about your diet restrictions and preferences.
- Permits. For our trips that require reservations and permits through the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park – we got you covered!
- Transportation. The trip price that you see includes transportation for 1-4 guests from Union, Washington to the trailhead and back. When you book your trip, we will ask where you would like to be picked up in Union. We can also provide a meeting place in Union if that is more convenient for guests. If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, that works too (just keep in mind that you will have to provide your own vehicle pass and park entry fee when required.) If there are more than 4 guests in your group or you would like transportation from another location inquire about a custom trip and we will work with you directly to plan your trip. We are often able to provide a shuttle service for an additional fee.
- Personal hiking clothing and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Sun protection and insect repellant (depending on season)
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Water bottle(s) or water bladder
- Headlamp + batteries
Tipping your guide is not expected but always appreciated! Industry standard is 10-20% of cost
