Hard, 19.04 mi loop
4,911 ft elevation gain
Hiked 9/7/23
At almost one mile of ascent/descent over 19 miles, this epic trail is often done as a 2-3 day backpacking trip, but I did see a couple of other dayhikers also pushing through as I did. Fantastic views throughout the hike, and if you are lucky Mt Olympus will make a rare appearance at the top.
When you finish, it's a great idea to stop by the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort ($20/hour at time of hike iirc) for a much needed soak in the replenishing mineral waters; located just beyond the trailhead.
A 2x2 waterfall flowing down the Sol Duc River into a canyon it is slowly creating. Various shades of green may be seen throughout. A fallen tree lays stretched into the crevice to for scale.
Looking across the seven lakes basin from back on the loop trail as you begin the long descent. I believe the most visible lake is Long Lake, with Sol Duc in the distance. Various peak spires may be seen rising up around the basin and among further ridges under thick clouds barely higher than the trail.
The best view towards Mt Olympus that I saw. A slight break in the thick clouds looks in towards Blue Glacier and the Mid Peak area of the mountain on the opposite side of an unseen valley. Snow fields leading towards the glacier mix in with the clouds.