Wild Olympic Coast Traverse
Seattle, WA
5.0 (12 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Coastal Thru-Hike
- Amazing Beach Camps
- Marine Wildlife
- Native Rock Art
- Towering Sea Stacks
- Lush Rainforests
Description
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.
$1870 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
3-6 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Extremely Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
200 ft
Heights Exposure:
Significant
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on extremely rugged terrain
- Ascending steep slopes by hiking up while moving hand over hand up fixed ropes
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Olympic National Park hike a solitude 3. You can expect hours of solitude at a time.
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 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Shuttle to the trailhead: 4.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
- Elevation Loss: 200 feet
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.
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
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of 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.
- Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Olympia and back
- All entrance fees, permits and passes
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- 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
- 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
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- 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.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
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 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.
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 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 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
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 Reviews
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Erin J
Absolutely 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!!
Carolina A
Very Impressed
Worth every penny. An amazing experience in every way.
Vanessa D
What 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.
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