Hike of the Week: Bogachiel Peak

Spectacular scenery along the High Divide

Bogachiel Peak

Panoramic portal to the High Divide

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: North Olympic Peninsula, Sol Duc Valley
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 16.0 miles
Elevation gain: 3,450 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; http://www.nps.gov/olym
Green Trails Map: Seven Lakes Basin/ Mt Olympus No 133S
Notes: Dogs Prohibited, National Park Entry Fee
Access: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 29 miles, passing Lake Crescent. About 2 miles beyond the Fairholm Store turn left onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. Follow this road for 14 miles to its end at a large trailhead parking lot.


An all day challenging grunt to perhaps the most beautiful viewpoint in the entire Olympics, Bogachiel Peak sits along the famed High Divide, a land of sparkling alpine lakes, resplendent alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring alpine views. Usually reserved for backpackers with time to explore, strong and tenacious hikers can make the journey to this 5,474-foot former lookout site in a day.
The hike starts off easy enough on a .8 mile nearly level saunter through spectacular old-growth forest to pretty Sol Duc Falls. But after crossing the Sol Duc River the trail gets serious. On a steep, sometimes rocky path make your way up a dark ravine housing Canyon Creek. After expending much energy and sweat reach Deer Lake (el. 3550-feet). Nestled in a forested and grassy bowl, it’s a pretty and serene spot, but don’t rest too long for you still have a way to go.
Continue past the lake bearing left at a junction. Winding through heather fields, sub-alpine forest and by a dozen pothole tarns the trail works its way up to a high ridge. Undulating between groves of mountain hemlock and open meadows, the trail continues to climb. Far-reaching views across rainforest valleys all the way to the Pacific can now be had.
The trail soon rounds the ridge crest above a high isolated basin, headwaters of the Bogachiel River. Mount Olympus peaks its icy head over the next ridge. Bogachiel Peak still a ways away beckons.
Now drop into a big rocky depression where a trail descends to Seven Lakes Basin, one of the prettiest spots in the park. Continue on the main trail angling up steep open slopes. After a series of tight switchbacks attain the ridge crest. Bogachiel Peak is reached by a short side trail a short distance left on the High Divide Trail.
While you clamber to bag the 5,474-foot summit, the emerging views will probably bowl you over before you reach it. They are beyond breathtaking. The alpine jewels of the Seven Lakes Basin shimmer below. The snow-capped Bailey Range stretches across the eastern horizon. The emerald swath of the Hoh Rainforest spreads out nearly one vertical mile below. And rising above it all staring you right in the face is Mount Olympus. Its glaciers and snowfields are blinding on a sunny day. Doesn’t get much better than this, uh?

For information on lodging and other attractions near Bogachiel Peak visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula