Best of Olympic Adventure
Olympia, WA
5.0 (10 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Diversity of Hikes
- Sea Kayaking
- Historic Lodging
- Dramatic Coastlines
- Alpine Hiking
- Pristine Rainforests
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure through the wild beauty of Olympic National Park! This expertly curated hiking vacation features guide-selected trails, a scenic morning of sea kayaking, and cozy, comfortable lodging—perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Throughout the journey, we’ll explore the park’s remarkably diverse ecosystems: High alpine ridges offering sweeping views of mountains and ocean, lush temperate rainforests alive with waterfalls and moss-draped trees, and rugged coastlines shaped by wind, waves, and time.
While most of our exploration will be on foot, we’ll also paddle the tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca on a guided sea kayaking excursion—keeping watch for seals, eagles, and other wildlife along the way. Each evening, we’ll return to our charming lodge to relax and recharge. Join us for a Pacific Northwest experience that will stay with you long after the trail ends.
$740 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 5.5 miles
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1300 Feet
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Olympic National Park hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
PRIVATE TRIPS
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
"*" indicates required fields
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private Trips"*" indicates required fields
ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to the trailhead: 3 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet
This Olympic National Park hiking tour begins with a pickup at your hotel in Olympia. Our first day features a scenic drive to the Olympic Peninsula, followed by a hike through the alpine wonderland of Hurricane Ridge.
We’ll start by driving north along the Hood Canal, taking in beautiful early morning views of the islands and the narrow stretches of Puget Sound. Once we reach Port Angeles, we’ll climb up to Hurricane Ridge. After soaking in the stunning vistas from the Visitor Center, we’ll leave the crowds behind and begin our ridge hike. On a clear day, we can see across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and beyond to the north.
After ample time to explore these extraordinary mountains, we’ll drive back down to sea level and settle into our accommodations at Lake Crescent Lodge or Sol Duc Resort, charming century-old cabins steeped in history. Showers and comfortable beds await, along with opportunities for shorter hikes just out the back door—or you can simply relax and enjoy the views! We’ll wrap up the evening with a delicious dinner at the resort.
Day 2
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 feet
Day 3
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 ft.
On Day 3, we’ll head southwest to the famous Hoh Rainforest. With over 140 inches of rain per year, this is one of the nation’s largest temperate rainforests, 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, exploring all that the rainforest has to offer. As we investigate this remarkable ecosystem, we may encounter elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, fascinating banana slugs, and more. The immense cushions of moss absorb sounds, contributing to the Hoh River’s reputation as “The Quietest Place in the U.S.”
After we’ve soaked in the beauty of the rainforest and enjoyed one last gourmet trail lunch, we’ll make our way back to the trailhead and return to our cozy lodge for the evening!
Day 4
- Shuttle: 45 minutes
- Kayaking Mileage: varies
- Hiking Mileage: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 feet
Today is a special day as we combine a morning of kayaking on the Strait of Juan de Fuca with a stunning waterfall hike on our way back to the lodge. After breakfast, we’ll shuttle to Port Angeles and meet our local kayaking guides at Elevate Outdoors. We’ll get geared up, go through an orientation, and then kayak along the majestic, rugged shoreline of Freshwater Bay. From the comfort of our stable kayaks, we’ll paddle across the water, keeping an eye out for raptors (including bald eagles) and marine life like harbor seals and otters—and who knows, we might even spot a whale! Freshwater Bay is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, beach walking, and exploring the tidal zones for sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, and more. After paddling back to our starting point, we’ll enjoy a late picnic lunch with serene views of the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch, we’ll hop back in the car and return to our lodge. But our day isn’t quite over! We’ll stop at the Sol Duc River and stretch our legs on a short yet stunning walk through the rainforest to Sol Duc Falls. A delightful dinner and a relaxing evening will cap off this extraordinary day.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1300 feet
- Shuttle to Olympia: 4 hours
Today we’ll rise early for breakfast and check out of our lodge. Upon arrival to the trailhead, we’ll hike along the East Fork Quinault River Trail, gradually climbing as we hike through the forest until we reach Pony Bridge. At Pony Bridge, we’ll cross the dramatic Quinault River canyon—a stunning highlight of the hike. Just beyond the bridge, we’ll pause for a scenic lunch, savoring both the meal and the breathtaking views one last time before heading back.
After our hike, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Olympia. Fond farewells will mark the end of our 5-day adventure, leaving us to dream about the next one!
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 4 nights of double occupancy lodging at nature immersed lodging locations (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Top-of-the-line daypack and trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- 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.
- Guided, fully-outfitted sea kayaking tour with a third party provider (kayak guide gratuity included)
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Olympia, Washington to Olympic National Park and back
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
- Mandatory 3% national park fee that passes through directly to Olympic NP
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. For dinners, we’ll visit local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy!
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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 no later than 7 PM.
Safety Precautiouns
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Weather in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park covers a dramatic diversity of terrain from seashores to rainforests to alpine peaks and glaciers. The weather will be largely dependent on which trip you sign up for and which ecosystem you will be hiking in. Read below for average high and low temperatures in different parts of Olympic National Park:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||||
|
Month
|
Coast
|
Mountains
|
||||||
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
|||
|
June
|
66°
|
47°
|
3.8 in
|
53°
|
36°
|
3.9 in
|
||
|
July
|
70°
|
50°
|
2.8 in
|
62°
|
42°
|
2.1 in
|
||
|
August
|
72°
|
50°
|
2.8 in
|
63°
|
43°
|
2.2 in
|
||
|
September
|
69°
|
47°
|
4.4 in
|
57°
|
39°
|
4.7 in
|
||
|
October
|
42°
|
59°
|
11 in
|
47°
|
32°
|
8.5 in
|
||
Accommodations
Lake Crescent Lodge
2 nights
Historic Lake Crescent Lodge was built in the early 20th century and is a perfect base camp for our Olympic hikes. With a lakefront location and comfortable, spacious rooms, it’s a guest favorite!
Due to limited availability at Lake Crescent Lodge, at certain times we will be using Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Located within Olympic National Park, Sol Duc offers rustic cabins nestled along the Sol Duc River in the heart of a vibrant rainforest. The resort features natural hot mineral-spring pools, scenic hiking trails, a restaurant, gift shop, and a convenience store
Klalaoch Lodge
2 NIGHTs
Nestled between scenic beaches and lush, evergreen forests is the amazing, historic Kalaloch Lodge, offering wonderful accommodations, a laid-back charm and stunning natural setting. (no wifi)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Ren W
Memorable trip
This was a truly wonderful experience—well-planned and organized from start to finish. From the pre-trip meeting and hotel pickup to five active, eventful days and the final drop-off, everything ran smoothly. We had an excellent guide, Betsy, who was incredibly accommodating to our requests. She prepared many delicious breakfasts and lunches, and her deep knowledge of plants and wildlife brought us even closer to nature. We also appreciated her safe and confident driving throughout the journey. A memorable trip is always shaped by breathtaking sights, pleasant and friendly companions, and a guide who is both enthusiastic and engaging. Betsy created those special moments that made this adventure unforgettable
Neil B
Hikes were Brilliant
Our guide to the Olympic National Park was Betsy! And Betsy was a guide who not only knew her way around a Sitka Spruce but also loves the forest we were immersed in so much that you couldn't help but let her joy rub off on you!
Marisa L
Loved the trip!
Best of Olympic Peninsula was outstanding! Our guide, Lindsey, kept us organized, fed and moving. We saw so much! Thank you!
Leave a Reply