I’m looking for a small group of artists (painters, sketchers, and more!) who are experienced with backpacking to join me on a three day trip to the seven lakes basin loop in Olympic National Park. This is on of the most popular trails in the park where we’ll get to spend time connecting, creating, and camping with new friends. The loop is 19 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain over 3 days so we’ll have plenty of time to create and enjoy ourselves.

Schedule

Friday October 6

We’ll meet at the Sol Duc trailhead (meeting time TBD) and hike 8.4 miles to Heart Lake to set up camp.

Saturday October 7

Move camp to Lunch Lake (less than 3 mile hike) and spend the day exploring and creating in Seven Lakes Basin.

Sunday October 8

Sunday morning we’ll pack up camp, hike (7.8 miles via Canyon Creek) out to the cars, and say goodbye to everyone.

The Details

People

I’m aiming for a group of 3 to 6 people who are outdoor artists (painters, sketchers, etc.) and experienced backpackers. I’m seeking positive vibes over large numbers and individually reaching out to people in the creative community. If I reached out it means I think you’d be a good fit and if you know someone else we should include please let me know!

You should have past backpacking experience, have your own gear, be open to meeting new people, and comfortable creating art outdoors without guidance. You’ll need to be physically capable of making the hike to camp with your pack and participating in day hikes with elevation gain. It does not mean you have to be the greatest artist, have a certain body type, or be the fastest hiker.

Permits + Parking

I have a backcountry camping permit for up to 6 people. The permit requires everyone start on the reserved date and stay at the campsites specified above. Although it’s possible to leave early it’s a group adventure and I want people able to stay the full time so everyone can enjoy as much time together as possible.

Any vehicles parked at the Sol Duc trailhead need a national park pass like the America the Beautiful Pass. The trailhead is close to both Sol Duc and Klahowya Campgrounds if anyone wants to camp the night before or after the trip.

Gear + Food

To keep things simple, each person will be responsible for their own backpacking gear, water filtration, food, and art supplies. Of course, if you want to bring extra snacks or drinks to share no one will complain :) If you’re interested in sharing a tent or other supplies to lighten your pack please coordinate with other people individually.

Bear canisters are required in Olympic National Park. I’ll confirm with park rangers whether hanging wires are available at our camp locations as an alternative, but you should plan to rent or bring a bear canister for this trip. More info here.

Communications

Once we have the group finalized we’ll share contact info and make a WhatsApp group to coordinate for the trip. It’ll also serve as a place to share ideas and ask any questions I forgot to include here.

Cost

FREE. The permit is already paid for and all I ask is for everyone to bring good energy and creative excitement. If you end up carpooling with another person please give gas money to the driver - fuel is expensive right now.

Safety

Each person will be responsible for the medical kit, bug spray, and medications / safety items they personally need. I am a trained wilderness EMT so if you’re comfortable sharing allergies, an emergency contact, and relevant medical conditions before we leave then we’ll both be prepared in case of emergency.

Weather in early October can be variable. I will keep an eye on the forecast prior to the trip to ensure we’re safe and everyone is prepared for the weather. Weather in the Olympic National park can be unpredictable - if it looks too rainy to create outdoors we’ll change plans or cancel.

Other Questions? Send me an email or DM me at @fishercreates on Instagram and I’ll do my best to answer!