Lunch Lake Trail

The Lunch Lake Trail is typically accessed as a side trip from the main High Divide Loop within Olympic National Park. Parking is usually available at trailheads that lead into the Seven Lakes Basin area, such as the Sol Duc Trailhead. It's advisable to check the Olympic National Park website for current parking availability and any specific regulations.

The best time to hike is generally late summer, from July through September. During this period, snow has usually melted, and the area is vibrant with abundant wildflowers, huckleberries, and blueberries. The trail is impassable during winter months, with snow often lingering well into summer.

Yes, as the Lunch Lake Trail is located within Olympic National Park, an entrance fee is required to access the park. Additionally, if you plan on overnight stays, a backcountry camping permit is mandatory and must be obtained from Olympic National Park in advance.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on wilderness trails within Olympic National Park, including the Lunch Lake Trail. This is a common regulation in national parks to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check the official Olympic National Park website for the most current pet policies.

The terrain is diverse and challenging. You can expect rocky and hard underfoot sections, consistent elevation gains, and some segments rising about 500 feet per mile. While there's a notable sharp descent to Lunch Lake, it's generally considered manageable for the return ascent. The overall route is classified as difficult.

The route offers staggeringly gorgeous and varied scenery. You'll pass through old-growth forests, beautiful sub-alpine and alpine lakes, and impressive waterfalls like Sol Duc Falls and the Waterfall and Bridge on the Deer Lake Trail. Other scenic spots include Deer Lake, Heron Pond, and the Round Lake and Lunch lake viewpoint. Panoramic vistas of Mount Olympus, Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean are also possible from various points.

Wildlife sightings are common along this route. Hikers frequently report seeing mountain goats, deer, and elk. Black bears are also occasionally sighted, so it's important to be bear-aware and carry bear spray.

No, this trail is classified as difficult and challenging, especially if undertaken as part of the larger Seven Lakes Basin or High Divide Trail. It involves significant elevation changes and rocky terrain, making it unsuitable for beginners or those seeking an easy hike.

Yes, the route is a crucial component of the High Divide Loop and intersects with several other paths. You will find yourself on sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail 03 Washington, the High Divide Trail, the Deer Lake Trail, and the Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail.

Yes, Lunch Lake & Camp is a favorite backcountry camping area within the Seven Lakes Basin. Remember that overnight stays require a backcountry camping permit from Olympic National Park.

The Lunch Lake Trail, especially when done as part of a larger loop like the High Divide, can be a full-day or multi-day endeavor. The specific route to Lunch Lake itself is a side trip, but the overall hike is long and challenging. Plan for a significant amount of time, considering the difficult terrain and elevation changes.