Olympic Basecamp Tour
Camping Hiking Tours
5 Days, 4 Nights 17+MI / 27+KMTrip Highlights
This Olympic National Park camping tour offers a chance to hike and explore two lush temperate rainforests and the rugged Pacific coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, all while enjoying the comforts of a front-country basecamp right on the ocean. Each day brings new sights and adventures as we discover old-growth forests, dramatic sea stacks, stunning blue-green rivers, ever-changing tide pools, and long stretches of sandy beach right at our campsite. You’ll be free to relax and let us handle everything, allowing you to immerse yourself in this unique region, photograph wildlife, search for elusive banana slugs, identify vibrant wildflowers, or simply unwind on the beach.
Each morning, we’ll embark on a variety of select day hikes to explore the incredible ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, rich in cultural and natural history, breathtaking views, and remarkable biodiversity. From glacier-fed rivers and towering western red cedar forests to steep sea cliffs carved by the ocean, we’ll have the opportunity encounter whales, otters, bald eagles, and more! In the afternoons, we’ll return to our camp along the Pacific Ocean to unwind—whether that means swimming, reading on the beach, or strolling along the bluff. At night, we’ll savor a delicious outdoor meal as we watch the sun set over the ocean, followed by a cozy campfire where we can share stories of our daily adventures.
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Pristine Rainforests
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Rugged Coastlines
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Waterfalls
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Wonderful Outdoor Cuisine
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Comfortable Beach Camping
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Fascinating Natural & Cultural History
Book This Trip
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Camping Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
2-6 mi -
Group Size
2-10 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 follows well-maintained trails through the rainforests; the hikes along the beach are on soft, loose sand, hard-packed sand, or small rocks, depending on the tides; some rocks along the beach may be slippery as they are often wet and/or covered in algae or seaweed. Depending on the specific trails chosen by the guide(s), some short sections on the beach may require upper body strength for stabilizing or climbing over and around large boulders or climbing up and down steep headlands using fixed ropes. These sections are not required for any of the hikes, but are optional based on the interests and abilities of the group.
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 Duration: 5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 ft.
Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Olympia, followed by a scenic drive north along the Hood Canal. As we wind our way toward the Olympic Peninsula, enjoy tranquil morning views of forested islands and the shimmering waters of Puget Sound. Our first major stop is Hurricane Ridge, a breathtaking alpine area above Port Angeles. After a visit to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center—where panoramic vistas stretch across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island—we’ll leave the crowds behind and set off on a ridge hike through wildflower meadows and subalpine forests. On clear days, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Once we’ve explored the ridge and soaked in the mountain air, we’ll return to the van and continue westward to the Pacific Coast. The day ends at a serene campsite, where we’ll settle in for the night after an incredible first dinner prepared by your guide.
Day 2
- Shuttle Duration: 3 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 ft.
After a hearty breakfast at camp, we’ll embark on a day of adventure along the breathtaking Pacific coastline. Our journey begins with a forested trail leading to a staircase that descends onto one of the most pristine stretches of beach within Olympic National Park. This protected area showcases some of the most untouched coastal landscapes in the country—where crashing waves meet rugged cliffs, sea stacks rise dramatically from the surf, and tide pools teem with vibrant marine life. We’ll have ample time to hike along sandy and pebble-strewn shores, splash in the surf, marvel at sweeping ocean views, and peer into intimate tidal pools—all while keeping watch for seals, sea lions, and other large marine mammals. Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty or the quiet moments of discovery, this coastline offers something for everyone.
On our return to basecamp, we’ll stop at the renowned Makah Museum to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Makah people—an inspiring conclusion to a day filled with natural wonder.
Day 3
- Shuttle Duration: 2.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 ft.
Today promises a perfect blend of ocean exploration and rainforest serenity. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll shuttle to Port Angeles to meet our expert kayaking guides from Elevate Outdoors. Once we’re outfitted and briefed, we’ll launch into the calm waters of Freshwater Bay, paddling along its rugged, forested shoreline. From the comfort of our stable sea kayaks, we’ll glide across the strait, scanning the skies for bald eagles and the water for harbor seals, otters, and—if we’re lucky—a passing whale. Freshwater Bay is a haven for wildlife and a treasure trove of tidal wonders, where we might spot sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, and more along the rocky intertidal zones.
After returning to shore, we’ll enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, soaking in the salty breeze and the sounds of the surf. But the day isn’t over yet. On our way back to camp, we’ll stop at the Sol Duc River for an enchanting hike through lush rainforest to the iconic Sol Duc Falls. The trail winds beneath towering evergreens and over mossy footbridges, culminating in a dramatic view of the cascading falls. Before returning to camp, we’ll soak in the Sol Duc hot springs, followed by our one and only chance for showers.
Day 4
- Shuttle Duration: 2.5 hour
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 ft.
On Day 3, we’ll hop in the van after breakfast and head north to the renowned Hoh Rainforest. With over 140 inches of rain annually, this is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the nation, featuring ancient trees that tower up to 300 feet, moss-draped nurse logs, incredible biodiversity, and abundant wildlife. We’ll hike along the wild Hoh River, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the rainforest. As we explore, we may encounter elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, fascinating banana slugs, and more. The immense cushions of moss absorb sounds, adding to the Hoh River’s reputation as “The Quietest Place in the U.S.” After enjoying another gourmet trail lunch and soaking in the sights, we’ll make our way back to the trailhead and return to camp for rest, relaxation, and a wonderful dinner.
Day 5
- Shuttle Duration: 3.5 hour
- Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 80 ft.
On our final morning, we’ll break camp and head north to the Quileute Indian Reservation and the village of La Push, WA. Just across the Quillayute River lies the wild beauty of Rialto Beach, where we’ll set out on a scenic coastal hike. As we walk along the shoreline, we’ll keep watch for whales breaching offshore, playful sea otters, sunbathing sea lions, and a variety of seabirds soaring overhead. Offshore, waves crash dramatically against sea stacks and small islands like Gunsight Rock and James Island, creating a truly cinematic backdrop. After a couple of miles, we’ll arrive at the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall—a natural arch carved by the relentless power of the Pacific. If the tide is low, we’ll have the chance to climb through the arch and explore the other side or take the overland trail for panoramic views of the rugged coastline.
We’ll enjoy a final picnic lunch by the sea, soaking in the last sights and sounds of this unforgettable landscape. Then, we’ll make our way back to the car for a scenic three-hour drive to Olympia, where we’ll say our goodbyes—carrying with us the memories of a truly extraordinary adventure.
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack
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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
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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
Premier Campgrounds
3 NIGHTS
On our basecamp tours we hand pick wonderful campgrounds that put us right in the action for exceptional hiking and camping vacations. They may be national park, state park, or private vehicle-accessible campgrounds. They may vary by trip date depending on availability and seasonality.
Fantastic Meals
11 MEALS
Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.
Comfortable Camping
CAMPING AMENITIES
What amenities do basecamp tours include? Cold and hot drinks, campfires (where/when allowed), camp chairs, fresh food, roomy tents, comfortable sleeping pads, comfy sleeping bags, camp pillows and more! Camp comfortably, eat like royalty, and hike til your heart’s content!
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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Fran F
2 years agoUnforgettable Trip
This 4-day hiking-camping trip could not have been better. We lucked out with a terrific guide who I would follow anywhere, plus a great group of people of all ages --23 to 75-- who were just plain fun to be with. I was the only one who had camped before, but the others caught on fast. The gorgeous scenery and perfect weather made for an unforgettable trip, but it was the positive chemistry that the five of us shared that made it really unique. The challenge of the hiking was at the right level for all of us, who were in good shape, so no one felt like a laggard. Great experience!!
Denise B
2 years agoWonderful Trip
I just came back from my in based hiking trip in Olympic National Park. Our guide Daniel was very informative, prepared and passionate about what he does. I would recommend this trip to anyone.
Sarah A
2 years agoAnother Amazing Trip
Rach was an amazing guide! She cooked great meals, provided awesome information about the landscape along the trails, and she was just a joy to be around. She has a vast knowledge of foraging and also is a mountaineer. We truly enjoyed our time with Rach and would recommend anyone do a trip with her. Definitely will be reaching out to her when we are back in the area. Thanks for another amazing trip, Wildland!
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