Wild Olympic Coast Traverse
Guided Backpacking Trips
4 Days, 3 Nights 19MI / 31KM
Trip Highlights
This Wild Olympic Coast backpacking trip in Olympic National Park offers an extremely unique opportunity to explore a dramatic coastal backcountry environment. It requires a flexible attitude and adventurous spirit and in return rewards guests with truly remarkable moments in stunning wilderness settings. We explore the edge of the United States on this rugged 4 day expedition through Washington’s coastal wilderness. We’ll hike past dramatic wave-carved rock spires, explore sea life in tidal pools, and traverse headlands at low tide.
This trip starts on the Makah Reservation in the furthest northwest corner of the contiguous US. We’ll weave our way through coastal forests until we reach the beach, and then traverse southward past ocean-carved arches, abundant sea-life, and rugged bluffs. These aren’t the sandy beaches of tropical dreams–these are the epic beaches of Washington. Driftwood fires will keep us warm at night, and we’ll let the tides dictate our schedule–sometimes we’ll scramble over boulders around the edge of a headland at low tide, other times we’ll take advantage of steep footpaths and ropes to climb up and over ridges in our way.
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Coastal Thru-Hike
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Amazing Beach Camps
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Marine Wildlife
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Native Rock Art
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Towering Sea Stacks
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Lush Rainforests
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
3-6 mi -
Group Size
1-5 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip has easy to moderate hiking distances and elevation gains/losses. What makes this trip Level 4 Difficulty is the terrain. Parts of this trip are on well-maintained trails, and some rugged stretches are off-trail across rocky beaches and steep overland crossings with ropes.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 4.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Loss: 200 feet
This multi-day Olympic National Park hiking trip begins with a pickup at your hotel in Olympia, followed by a scenic drive to the trailhead at the very tip of the Olympic Peninsula. We’ll drive alongside the picturesque Hood Canal, enjoying views of Vancouver Island across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. After a delicious picnic lunch, we’ll put on our packs and hike through a coastal forest for two miles until we reach Shi Shi Beach, where we’ll catch our first dramatic glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
We’ll hike south along the beach and set up camp with stunning views of sea stacks, cliffs, and crashing waves. As the sun sets over the ocean, we’ll enjoy a hearty backcountry dinner and then fall asleep to the soothing sound of the surf.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Elevation Loss: 1100 feet
Our second day promises some of the best scenery—and the most exciting challenges—that Washington’s coast has to offer. We’ll hike south along the beach, stopping to explore caves, sea stacks, tidal pools, and coastal forests along the way. We’ll ford small creeks, and when the tide is low, we’ll move quickly across tidal flats around headlands that obstruct our path. Sure footing is essential, as we’ll be navigating wet boulders covered in kelp and barnacles.
When the tide is high, we’ll scramble up steep overland routes, using handlines to assist our climb. After about 4 miles, we’ll reach Seafield Creek and set up camp for the night. While it’s a shorter mileage day, it will be filled with challenges and stunning views. We’ll have time to relax and enjoy another delicious backcountry dinner before settling in for a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Elevation Loss: 500 feet
On day three, we’ll continue our coastal traverse, tackling one more big headland before fording the Ozette River at low tide. Be prepared to get wet, so don’t forget your water shoes! After crossing the Ozette River, we’ll leave our biggest challenges behind and head south to Cape Alava, the westernmost point of the contiguous United States. We’ll catch views of Tskawahyah Island to the west while keeping an eye out for marine life. In the evening, we’ll enjoy one last dramatic sunset on the beach, making for a memorable end to the day.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 6.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Elevation Loss: 350 feet
Shuttle to Olympia: 4.5 hours
On our last day we’ll head south past Wedding Rocks, and search for ancient Petroglyphs left from the Makah habitation of the area. Eventually we’ll reach Sand Point and turn inland. Boardwalks will take us back through coastal forests until we reach Ozette Lake, and our vehicle, where we’ll enjoy one last lunch together before driving back to Olympia.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Olympia and back
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All entrance fees, permits and passes
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 3% national park fee that passes through directly to Olympic NP
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact approximately 10 days before your trip start date.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Olympia, WA.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Olympia
The most common way to reach Olympia is by flying into Seattle and renting a vehicle or shuttling to Olympia (approximately 1 hour). SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma) Airport is one of the most easily accessed destinations in the country. Many major cities in the United States and internationally offer direct flights into Seattle.
The shuttle to Olympia is provided by Premier Airport Shuttle. Go to https://premierairportshuttle.com/olympia/ or call 800-962-3579 to make reservations.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Erin J
1 year agoAbsolutely Amazing First Experience
I had an absolutely amazing first experience with Wildland Trekking! The Olympic Coast, the hikers I met and especially our guide Nick G. exceeded all expectations!! I’m already planning and looking forward to the next trip!!
Vanessa D
1 year agoWhat an amazing experience it was!
This adventure on the Olympic Coast is a must! The gorgeous beaches and landscapes, the delicious meals, and the rewarding challenge of this rugged hike all make it worth it. And if you have the privilege of having Lindsey as your guide, you’ll be in the best hands.
Carolina A
1 year agoVery Impressed
Worth every penny. An amazing experience in every way.
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