High Divide loop, Olympic National Park

The last time I was on the High Divide was 1997 as a young teen on an outdoor leadership program. I remember it being warmer; there were more bears and a healthy dose of pubescent insecurity, but equally-beautiful views.

It's another Washington classic that I unfortunately didn't make it to during summer or fall, and it's absurd to be able to do it on foot in February. Thanks to Sir Hikes and Jessica for the enjoyable day out there. 

Friday's snow was heavily windblown, resulting in some bare areas with only old, crusty snow and some fresh drifts a good 4'+. It mostly was just ankle-to-shin deep, with a few knee-deep sections, though. Never used any traction but poles were nice on some of the traversing sections. 

Deer Lake

Tarns above Deer Lake, Sol Duc valley in the background

Sir Hikes and Jessica, above the Bogachiel River headwaters

Approaching the switchbacks before Bogachiel Peak; Jessica's photo

Switchbacks before Bogachiel Peak; Sir Hikes photo

Jessica below Bogachiel Peak

High Divide above Seven Lakes Basin; Sir Hikes photo

Sir Hikes above Seven Lakes Basin with a good example of the snow drifts; trail traverses the slope below the small cliff band and toward the trees on the ridge

Seven Lakes Basin; Mount Appleton (l) and Cat Peak and Mount Carrie (r)

Sir Hikes on the High Divide

Mount Carrie (l), the Bailey Range and the Mount Olympus massif over the Hoh River valley

High Divide above Lake No. 8; Sir Hikes photo

Sir Hikes

Jessica; Sir Hikes photo

Mount Olympus from the High Divide

Descending to Heart Lake; Jessica's photo

Jessica descending to Heart Lake