Wild Olympic to Mount Rainier Snowshoe Adventure
Olympia, WA
4.5 (2 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Winter Solitude
- Alpine Wonders
- Frozen Lakes & Rivers
- Winter Wildlife Opportunities
- Cozy Lodging
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
Explore the majesty of Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks in winter on this five-day hiking and snowshoeing inn-based adventure.
Our daily excursions through the Olympic coastal range and the prominent Cascade volcano of Mount Rainier showcase the diversity and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Experience deep rainforests, ocean views, frozen mountain lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, turbulent rivers, and snow-blanketed meadows. You’ll explore low valleys and ascend to stunning viewpoints of high peaks and impressive glaciers. Your guide will lead you on a journey through the region’s geological stories, Native American histories, and the resilient wildlife that call these breathtaking ecosystems home. This trip promises to challenge and delight everyone, from novice hikers and snowshoers to seasoned winter explorers.
We provide all meals, lodging, local transportation, and an expert guide, allowing you to relax and soak up the magic of a Washington winter. Join us for an exciting journey through these national parks, enjoying a different hike or snowshoe trek each day, and unwind in the comfort of a cozy lodge each evening!
$690 Single Supplement
The single supplement on this trip is $450 for the 4-day tour, and $600 for the 5-day tour.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip follows established tracks some of the time, and at other times we will be breaking trail. Snowshoeing, especially when breaking trail, can be strenuous. Be prepared for a mix of more and less challenging forays into the Mount Rainier winter wonderland.
Hiking Distances:
4-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1800 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing in a variety of snow conditions
- Following established trails and breaking our own trails, which is more strenuous
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Olympic and Mount Rainier winter tour a solitude 3. You can expect several 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 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: 3.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet
This Pacific Northwest adventure begins in Olympia, where we’ll say farewell to our hotel, load up our bags, and head northwest toward 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. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, and fascinating banana slugs as we investigate this remarkable ecosystem. The immense cushions of moss absorb sound, earning the Hoh River its title as “The Quietest Place in the U.S.” After a day of exploration, we’ll make our way back to the trailhead and continue further north to our destination for the night on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Day 2
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 30 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet
With minimal driving today, we can enjoy a more relaxed morning. We’ll savor the tranquil morning views of Port Angeles before ascending to Hurricane Ridge to begin our snowshoe hike for the day. After soaking in the breathtaking vistas from the Visitor Center, we’ll leave the crowds behind and hike along Klahhane Ridge toward Mount Angeles. On a clear day, we’ll be rewarded with stunning views: to our north, the Straits of Juan de Fuca leading to Vancouver Island; to our east, the snowy cap of Mount Baker rising from the North Cascades; and to our south, the glaciated Mount Olympus, all framed by alpine wildflowers.
After plenty of time to explore these extraordinary mountains, we’ll descend back to sea level and head to our accommodations at Olympic Lodge by Ayres, where you can freshen up before we make our way to a favored restaurant for dinner reservations.
Day 3
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 4-5 hours (depending on conditions)
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet
After breakfast, we’ll pack our bags and hop into the van for the scenic journey to Mount Rainier. Our first stop will be the Narada Falls trailhead, where we’ll begin our hike to Reflection Lakes. After a short climb, we’ll reach Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed to cars for the winter but open for us to traverse on our snowshoes.
We’ll follow the road past Inspiration Point, taking in stellar views of the jagged peaks in the Tatoosh Range to the south. While Reflection Lakes may be covered in ice, we can still admire the stunning vistas of Mount Rainier that make these lakes famous. As we continue on to Louise Lake, keep an eye out for the gregarious gray jays and the brilliantly blue Stellar’s jays that frequent this area in winter. Once we’ve soaked in the beauty of this winter wonderland, we’ll head back to our vehicle and enjoy the warm comfort of our lodge, along with a welcomed hot meal.
Day 4
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 25 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 5+ miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1800 feet
Day 5
- Shuttle to Mount Rainier: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 2-3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet
Our last hike of the tour begins in Longmire on the Wonderland Trail, the 93-mile loop that circumnavigates Mount Rainier. We’ll venture out on a short section, giving us a taste of what this iconic trail has to offer in winter. For the first two miles, we’ll trek through beautiful old-growth forests, following the turbulent Nisqually River upstream.
If conditions are favorable and we’re feeling adventurous, we’ll cross the footbridge over the Nisqually and ascend into the narrow Paradise River Valley. As the landscape opens up, we’ll reach a pair of stunning waterfalls, which make for a perfect turnaround spot for the day. From there, we’ll retrace our steps back to Longmire, load up the van, and head back toward Olympia to conclude our memorable trip.
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
- Double-occupancy lodging at a seaside hotel in Olympic and a historic lodge in Mount Rainier National Park (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Top-of-the-line backpacks, snowshoes, 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 tour (beginning and ending in Olympia, WA)
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
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 most 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 enjoy lodge and/or restaurant meals.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Snowshoes
- 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 6 and 9 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
Winter Weather on Mount Rainier
This trip travels between the alpine zones and valleys around Mount Rainier. The average temperatures below are for the alpine zone, while the valleys may be several degrees warmer.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (FAHRENHEIT)
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 34° | 22° |
| January | 33° | 21° |
| February | 35° | 22° |
| March | 37° | 22° |
Accommodations
Olympic Lodge by Ayres
2 Nights
With a backdrop framed by the Olympic Mountains, and the majestic Strait of Juan de Fuca in the foreground, this wonderfully located hotel puts us right in the action for our daily adventures in Olympic National Park.
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 very cozy place to relax and unwind after our snowshoeing 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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Brent T
Enjoyed It
Good snowshoeing trip and a chance to have a good winter trip.
Cindy Z
Very Organized
Our tour guide Kyle and Drew are very professional and the schedule were very organized. We had a very good snowshoe hiking and unfortunately experience. We booked another tour with Wildlland already. Looking forward to next hike.
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