Best of Olympic and Rainier Tour
Olympia, WA
5.0 (31 reviews)Trip Highlights
- 2 Amazing National Parks
- Dramatic Diversity
- 3 Historic Park Lodges
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- Beautiful Coastlines
- Alpine Lakes & Wildflowers
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
Experience the very best of two of Washington’s incredible national parks on this epic six-day tour. This trip perfectly blends challenge, adventure, history, and comfort. From high alpine ridges and glaciated volcanoes filled with dramatic waterfalls and vibrant wildlife—to moss-draped giant trees, rugged coastlines, and lush rainforests—this trip truly has it all. To top it off, we will be lodging and dining in style at the iconic historic lodges, staying three nights in the Olympics and two nights in paradise on Mount Rainier.
Day by day highlights include—a classic ridge traverse along the Olympic mountain range, over a mile above sea level; a stunning coastal hike to Shi Shi Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches; a trek through the renowned Hoh Rainforest, home to some of Washington’s largest and oldest trees; an iconic hike on Mount Rainier past the famous Reflection Lakes, offering breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding peaks; an alpine meadow hike through a wildflower wonderland with panoramic views of a majestic glacier; and a visit to an unforgettable waterfall.
$925 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
Many of our hikes on this tour are on well-established trails, but we do hike in areas (such as coastlines) where trails are not established. Hiking can be rocky, muddy, on slick moss-covered rocks, and other types of rugged terrain. Although we’ve rated the max elevation at 1,800 feet, our hike to Camp Muir on Mount Rainier can include as much as 4,600 feet of elevation gain if we’re able to reach the famous mountaineer’s camp.
Hiking Distances:
4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1800-4600 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking in snow may be required in the early season
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
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 3 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet
- Accommodations: Lake Crescent Lodge
This Northwest hiking tour begins with a convenient pick-up 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, enjoying beautiful early morning views of the islands and the narrow stretches of Puget Sound. After reaching Port Angeles, we’ll ascend to Hurricane Ridge. After soaking in the vistas from the Visitor Center, we’ll leave the crowds behind to hike Klahane Ridge toward Mount Angeles. On a clear day, we’ll be treated to stunning views: to the north, Vancouver Island across the Straits of Juan de Fuca; to the east, the snowy cap of Mount Baker rising from the North Cascades; and to the south, glaciated Mount Olympus, all framed by vibrant alpine wildflowers.
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
- Hiking Mileage: 6-8 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet
- Accommodations: Lake Crescent Lodge
On day 2, after a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we’ll head west towards Neah Bay and the Makah Reservation. After parking near our trailhead, we’ll descend through coastal forests for two miles until we reach Shi Shi Beach, one of the most dramatic and beautiful beaches that Washington has to offer. Pounding waves, rugged cliffs, and towering sea stacks await, as well as tidal pools filled with marine life.
We’ll soak up sweeping views of the pacific ocean and coastal forest, and intimate details of tidal pools crawling with sea creatures as we continue southward towards the Point of Arches. Your guide will prepare a picnic lunch on the beach, and eventually we will bid farewell to the ocean and hike back to the vehicle. On our way back to our hotel we’ll have a chance to stop by the famous Makah Museum and learn more about the cultural history of the native Makah tribe.
Our incredible day concludes at our warm and cozy lodge, where you can freshen up before enjoying a wonderful, luxurious dinner at the resort.
Day 3
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
- Accommodations: Kalaloch Lodge
On day 3 we’ll say farewell to our lodge, load up our bags, and head southwest towards the famous Hoh Rainforest. With over 140 inches of rain per year, this is one of the nation’s largest temperate rainforests, and includes ancient trees towering up to 300 feet in height, moss-draped nurse logs, incredible biodiversity, and abundant wildlife.
We’ll hike up the wild Hoh River and explore all that the rainforest has to offer. Elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, fascinating banana slugs, and more await us as we investigate this incredible ecosystem. Immense cushions of moss absorb sounds, contributing to the Hoh River’s title as “The Quietest Place in the U.S.”
When we’ve had our fill of hiking, we’ll make our way back to the trailhead and head further southwest to our destination for the night, Kalaloch Lodge, right on the Pacific coast. We’ll enjoy a casual stroll down the beach or just relax with a view of the ocean, eat dinner, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.
Day 4
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1150 feet
- Accommodations: National Park Inn
Day 4 marks our transition from the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Today we explore shimmering alpine lakes, abundant wildflower blooms, and tumbling waterfalls on the shoulders of North America’s most famous volcano. Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet tall, and is the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.
We will start our hike near scenic Narada Falls, before climbing gradually through gentle forests and abundant blueberry bushes. We’ll hike past the iconic, beautiful Reflection Lake, aptly named for their stunning mirror image reflection of Mount Rainier, up to Faraway Rock with panoramic views of lakes and mountains below.
After wrapping up our hike we’ll check in to our accommodations at the historic National Park Inn, and then have time to stroll down the Wonderland Trail just outside the door, or to relax on the veranda with views of Mount Rainier. After a delicious dinner, we’ll enjoy the stars outside or take in a ranger talk at the Longmire or Paradise visitor center.
Day 5
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 20 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 6+ miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,800+ feet
On Day 5, we’ll hike through the renowned Paradise Meadows of Mount Rainier, a sub-alpine wonderland teeming with vibrant flowers and delicate meadows. We’ll ascend the Skyline Trail toward Glacier Vista, where we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Nisqually Glacier before continuing our trek. Our goal is to reach the stunning vistas at Panorama Point and, if conditions allow, get as close to Camp Muir as possible, the famed mountaineering basecamp.
As we hike, we’ll keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, mountain goats, and more, all while soaking in breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. If the weather cooperates, we might catch glimpses of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams, three other prominent stratovolcanoes in the Cascade range. The Paradise area is rich in human history, and we’ll have the opportunity to explore some of it as we wander around the Paradise Lodge and the Visitor Center.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1250-2150 feet
- Shuttle to Olympia: 2 hours
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
- 5 nights of double occupancy lodging at historic national park lodges (Lodging Details) (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.
- Transportation for the duration of the trip starting from and ending at your hotel in Olympia, Washington
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- 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
- 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 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 The Pacific Northwest
This trip covers a dramatic diversity of terrain from seashores to rainforests to alpine peaks and glaciers. The weather will be largely dependent on which ecosystem you’re at the moment hiking in, so it’s best to be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions. Read below for average high and low temperatures in different parts of the Pacific Northwest:
| 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 centry and is a perfect base camp for our Olympic hikes. With a lakefront location and comfortable, spacious rooms, it’s a guest favorite!
Kalaloch Lodge
1 NIGHT
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)
National Park Inn
2 NIGHTS
Nestled in the trees of the historic Longmire District on Mount Rainier, and a short distance from the Paradise area, this iconic lodge offers a tranquil place to relax and unwind after our hiking excursions.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
William S.
Great Guide, Need Better Screening of Guests
Our, Lexi, guide was outstanding. Knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic about the experience as a whole. We did feel that the trip could be improved by better scoring of all segments of a trip(rather than a rough trip average) and greater contact pre-trip to insure that participants were fully aware of the trip requirements. We've noticed this with other tour companies as well and this invariably leads to restricted hikes do to inability or unwillingness of one or more participants to complete hike itineraries.
Kathleen H
Excellent
Darrek and Kyle were excellent guides, able to educate us on the diversity of environments, from rain forests, to beaches, to mountains, and glaciers! When unforeseen circumstances arose, they were quick to adjust and provide excellent alternatives. Great guide made meals, all very healthy! Also, both were very knowledgeable, sensitive and caring when my husband developed a health condition, ensuring proper medical care was recommended and sought out.
Art S
It was a great tour!!
Our guides, Darrek and Kyle were great. The tour gave you everything including lunch on an almost private beach, a rain forest, beautiful waterfalls and lots of hiking. The only thing I really needed was a new set of legs😃. It was a great tour!!
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