Lunch Lake Trail

Lunch Lake Trail is a 0.6-mile one-way spur from High Divide to the lake in Seven Lakes Basin. Turn around at the shore for a 1.2-mile out-and-back, dropping and regaining about 350 feet. The lake and its designated campsites make the descent worth adding if you are already on High Divide. The distance and about 1 to 1.5 hours here cover only this spur, not the long approach from the road.

There is no road access at the start. The spur begins where Seven Lakes Basin Trail leaves High Divide; reach that junction on foot from Sol Duc Falls Trailhead at the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, via a long wilderness approach. The full High Divide circuit is 18.2 miles, but this entry covers only the lake side trip. Pets are not allowed on Olympic wilderness trails.

Lunch Lake is one of the designated overnight camps in Seven Lakes Basin, with multiple campsites and a vault toilet. A wilderness permit is required for an overnight hike, and camping is limited to designated sites. Store all food, garbage and scented items in a park-approved bear canister; campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Treat water from lakes and streams before drinking. Elk and bears are commonly seen in the basin, though sightings are never guaranteed. At the water, the lake framed by the open rocky slope makes the most distinctive view.

This is a short walk with a steep finish: the trail drops from about 4,800 to 4,450 feet, then you climb the same 350 feet back to High Divide. Expect rough footing, including boulder patches and stone steps. It is a harder add-on than the distance suggests.

Snow can remain on High Divide's steep slopes into mid-July or later. When the route is snow covered, an ice axe and self-arrest skills are recommended. Check the current wilderness conditions before setting out; seasonal snow is the main reason this short spur can become a serious choice.