Mink Lake Trail

Mink Lake Trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back from Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to a small subalpine lake. The standard figure is about 2.5–2.6 miles each way, with roughly 1,450–1,500 feet of climbing; allow about four hours on the trail. It’s a good half-day choice for a forest walk and a lake without taking on the longer Little Divide route. The trail climbs steadily, and the reward is a marsh-fringed pool rather than a broad summit view.

Start at the kiosk behind the resort lot, uphill and left of the gated road. Keep right at the first junction for Mink Lake; the other branch is Lovers Lane. After roughly a quarter mile, the path crosses an old logging road, then moves from younger forest into older growth. Sword ferns and shrubs fill the understory beneath large firs; hemlock takes over higher on the cool, damp north-facing slope. This lower forest grew back after logging about a century ago, so the woods change as you climb. The opening stretch is the steepest and can be loose underfoot.

At around 2.5 miles, the trail reaches the lake at about 3,100 feet. Hemlock and silver fir stand around a marshy beargrass meadow, and jumping fish often break the small lake’s surface. Flowers change through the season: Queen’s cup, lilies and bunchberry grow along the route, while coralroot, Indian pipe, beargrass and violets may appear around the lake. This is a quiet forest-and-water stop, not a summit panorama.

The mapped trail continues beyond Mink Lake toward the Bogachiel River and Little Divide junction, and the area connects with longer routes. This hike covers the lake out-and-back only. A short side path at the lake reaches an old shelter and bear wire; campsites there are for wilderness trips. Camping permits are limited year-round, and park-approved bear canisters are required for food, garbage and scented items if you stay overnight.