The Aurora Ridge Trail is a worthy 12.2 mile roundtrip out-and-back leading to the remote Eagle Lakes. The lakes are a set of beautiful deep green pools that drain into majestic Lake Crescent. The Aurora Ridge Trailhead is easily accessible, located just 2.5 miles off of Highway 101 in the Sol Duc Valley.

The Aurora Ridge Trail is almost entirely enclosed in a mixed conifer forest

The first of the Eagle Lakes is also the largest - resting beneath a steep mountainside

While previously logged and containing incredible downfall, Aurora Ridge still retains some impressive fir trees

Salmonberries grow along the first mile of the Aurora Ridge Trail which is more riparian in nature

The incredibly high tree canopy blocks out most light during the ascent to Aurora Ridge

The lower elevation understory is overgrown with vanilla leaf, swordfern and devils club