Seven Lakes Basin and the High Divide Loop

Thanks for the report

No, the Enchantments are the best hike in Washington.  I’ve done both.

But, this requires more testing : )

Daniel, you lucky pup! Living so close to this beautiful country.

I spent a week working well up into the Hoh rain forest doing trail repair. It was summer. It rained the whole time.

I grew up around Seattle, so this was nothing new. Your being able to scan the weather reports and head out for a good couple of days must be priceless! Your pictures bring me straight back to my youthful days in those wonderful green mountains.

I also worked over some years in the Cascades, and have hiked there afterwards. East of the mountains is another story, weather wise, entirely.

are there places east of the cascades, generally east of Seattle, that don’t get so much frickin rain?

For Portland, you can go to the Deschutes River or maybe the Metolius River or the Mill Creek Wilderness in Ochocos that are much drier.  Not the best wilderness backpacking, but good enough.

Sorry to derail the high divide loop discussion – that is an excellent place to go if you can get a permit.  My only complaint it you have to reserve a particular campsite for each night, and they’re very small sites, which is required because it’s so popular.

Nice write up Daniel. We’ve had some great weather up there this Summer for sure. The bears are a staple commodity =) to the loop. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Divide though, I need to make my way there again. Can also do the hike into the natural hot springs, which, either way is relaxing.