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Deer Lake

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
47.9277, -123.8240 Map & Directions
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,650 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate/Hard
The waters of Deer Lake. Photo by wanderingrobin. Full-size image
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Established campsites
  • Rivers
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The hike to Deer Lake is a great day hike, or beginners overnight. Continue reading

Rating
2.69 out of 5

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Hiking Deer Lake

Visit the lush forest near Sol Duc for a day hike or an overnight. Begin heading down the popular, well-maintained trail to Sol Duc Falls. Soon, pass the entrance to the Lover's Lane Trail, where the route begins climbing up to Deer Lake.

While many refer to the lake in the singular, it should be noted that there are actually two lakes side by side, though one is much smaller than the other. Along the way to the lake, hikers parallel Canyon Creek, which has several waterfalls. Stop to admire these and take some photos.

Once at the lake, you can stop to rest, or find the trail going around the lake to the campsites, if you're planning on spending the evening.

Deer Lake

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.9277, -123.8240 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Take 101 west from Port Angeles for 29 miles, passing Lake Crescent and the Fairholm store. Turn left on the Sol Duc Road and continue 14 miles. Pass the hot springs and continue to the big parking lot at the end of the road. Once here, walk 1 mile to the falls and then veer right after the main bridge overlooking the falls. The lake is 3 miles from there.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast

Deer Lake (#37)

Olympic National Park

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula (Romano - Mountaineers Books)

Buy the Green Trails Seven Lakes Basin/Mt Olympus Climbing No. 133S map

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Deer Lake

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