Get ready for one of the most spectacular backcountry adventures in the Olympic Peninsula. The Seven Lakes Basin is the heart of a stunning 19-mile loop trail that takes you through ancient forests, across subalpine meadows, and along a high ridge with breathtaking views of Mount Olympus. This is a multi-day backpacking trip, typically taking 2 to 4 days, starting from the Sol Duc trailhead. You'll want to secure your wilderness permits well in advance to camp beside the pristine alpine lakes that give the basin its name. If you did not secure your spots in advance and you are in a good shape, you can hike it in one day as well, but be prepared for a long and tough day.

After about four kilometers, the campsites began—almost every kilometer, another one appeared. At first, we couldn’t understand how not a single campsite had been available, given how many there are along the trail. But as time went on and we kept meeting more and more hikers, it made perfect sense. Of course, we also passed plenty of people hiking light, just like us, so we assumed they were doing the loop in one day as well.

From Heart Lake onward, the trail becomes truly spectacular—lakes stretching out on one side, glaciers rising on the other. It’s no surprise this is one of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park.