Olympics High Divide Loop (7 Lakes Basin) Hammockable?

**kayakbuilder** · 07-23-2013, 00:35

I'll be doing the high divide loop with a group very soon. My son and I were planning on using our hammocks and not bringing a tent.

Can the group camps handle two hammocks? Or would it be best to break down and tent it?

It sounds like they are strict about where you camp.

**Curt** · 07-23-2013, 10:04

I was up in the Basin 5 years or so ago. I was a brand-new hammocker back then, so I might see the area differently than I did, but I was fine until I got in the actual Basin. Camps along the trail (either side of the loop) were fine and I found good sites every night that also accommodated the 3 tents that were in the group. In the Basin, though, the trees were too small or spaced to hang in the sites we were at. It was my first experience taking a hammock to the ground since that was all I had.

I did find a super cushy bed of long grass and it was actually incredibly comfortable, but I was not hanging. The Basin is huge and I'm sure there are places you can hang if you have the flexibility to track down the right spot. If, however, you have your mind set on a certain lake in there or the well-treed spots are taken, you might want to be ready to go to the ground.

Hope that helps a bit.

**kayakbuilder** · 07-23-2013, 22:26

We will be in a group and required to stay in the group camps.

1st night - 7 mile camp
2nd night - sol duc camp
3rd night - deer lake camp

I was given a number to call and find out if there are suitable trees at each of the camps. I will report back.

**kayakbuilder** · 07-28-2013, 17:36

Called the Wilderness Information Center. They could not verify that all three group camps could accommodate hammocks. Both my son and I would prefer hammocks, but don't want to sleep on the ground without a tent. Mice and other rodents make that unpleasant.

**kayakbuilder** · 08-04-2013, 17:02

I wish I had brought the hammocks. All three group camps were below the tree line. I could've hung at all three, although the Deer Lake group camp would've been tight. It was a great trip with some of the best scenery in Washington state. Saw some goats up close, but missed the bear and herd of roosevelt elk that were in the area.

**BillyBob58** · 08-04-2013, 22:30

Originally Posted by kayakbuilder

I wish I had brought the hammocks. All three group camps were below the tree line. I could've hung at all three, although the Deer Lake group camp would've been tight. It was a great trip with some of the best scenery in Washington state. Saw some goats up close, but missed the bear and herd of roosevelt elk that were in the area.

Next time this question comes up, depending on the hammock you are using of course, consider using the hammock on the ground as a tent substitute. The old netted hammock as a bivy! A space blanket as a ground sheet, with a pad, and the hammock on top of all of that, you inside the hammock and zipped in under the tarp. That should help with the mice about as well as a tent, in case you can't find usable trees. Sorry I didn't see this and think to remind you of this before you left.

Of course, you will need a netted hammock to zip the little varmints out.