Mink Lake

Mink Lake – 5.2mi / 8.4km

A short trail with a moderate amount of elevation takes you to this quaint, marshy lake with plenty of birds and fish. The trail leaves the cabins at the busy Sol Duc Resort and steps into an enchanted forest of moss, ferns and large trees.

The Mink Lake Trail breaks from the Lover’s Lane Trail and begins climbing up the ridge. It switchbacks up a lush, ever-changing forest gaining almost 1,500ft/500m in less than 3mi/4.8km. As you approach the lake, you come alongside its outlet stream as it clamors over black rocks through the green vegetation.

The lake appears and you drop down to its grassy shoreline backdropped by the wooded ridge. Explore an old, wooden sleeping quarters before heading back down or continue up to Low Divide (see Low Divide for description).

Trailhead: Just east of Lake Crescent, turn onto the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road from Hwy 101. Turn into the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. The trail begins at the northwest corner near the cabins. 

Elevation Gain: 1,700ft / 510m – Elevation Loss: 1,700ft / 510m

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