Sol Duc Hike

Sun 23 Oct: A chilly start today with a low of 1.8°C, so it was lots of layers on to start the hike. There is a popular hike starting from here called the Seven Lakes, however it is recommended due to the distance to do it as an overnighter, looking at the map we saw a smaller loop that went past two lakes, Deer Lake and Mink Lake, so thought we would tackle that one today. In hindsight, we should had done the Seven lakes, I found our one quite boring with nothing really exciting on it, and it was still long. When we got back I added up the miles of each - the Seven Lakes was 18.4 miles, our loop was 15 miles - so only an hour or so longer, however we won't know if it was more interesting. It also remained chilly all day - Doug didn't take his track pants or jacket off so that's how cold. At our quick lunch stop at Mink Lake my watch read 10°C. The track came out by the hot springs so we went and checked them out to see if it was worth going back too, however at $18 each for entry decided not too. So carried on down the track called Lovers Lane and finally made it back to the van. Hike stats: 26.32 km, 6 hrs 12, gain 1077 m, highest altitude 1266 m. Decided might as well stay here another night. It is now 20:15, temperature is 5.7°C and its just started raining - I think it will be a chilly night - at least there is no van next to us running it's generator until 22:30 like last night - the sound of the rain will be more pleasant to go of to sleep too. Steps V 40772.Read more