Deer Lake Trail

 

The Deer Lake Trail is a little more than 3 miles long, one way, and can only be accessed by hiking .8 miles up the Sol Duc Falls Trail or 3 miles on the Lovers Lane Trail. The trail is very steep and rocky but the payoff is a beautiful mountain lake and a chance to see wildlife. This trail in unrelenting with it’s constant uphill grade and rocky terrain. There are several designated campsites along the way as well as at Deer Lake. Trekking poles are definitely recommend to negotiate that rocky terrain.

Keep in mind this is an out and back hike with all totaled from the Sol Duc Falls Trail and the Deer Lake Trail will be over 8 miles round trip. I hiked this leaving at about 7:30am and didn’t see anyone until my final portion of the Deer Lake Trail around 10am.  The Deer Lake Trail crosses a branch of the Sol Duc several times over well constructed bridges. You can hear the water cascading all the way and glimpses of waterfalls can be seen. Unfortunately, there are no good view points for these other waterfalls.

After my 4 mile hike to Deer Lake, I continued on the social trail to the far end of the lake. This provides a different view and just as scenic from either end. However, the highlight at the lake for my trip was spotting a Blacktail Deer and a fawn trailing along. I could still make out the tell tale sign of white spots on the fawn. The Deer were on the other side of the lake but I was able to get a few photos as they walked the shoreline of the lake.  Very special to see so early in the morning. It was a great reward and only wish I had a telephoto lens with me.

Give yourself enough time to complete this trail comfortably. It is a nice day activity with some nice locations for lunch at the lake.

Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots, water and trekking poles.