Backpacking Tours in Olympic National Park

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 4 or 5-day backpacking adventure in Olympic National Park
    • Backpacking permits
    • All meals once you’re in the backcountry, as listed in the itinerary
    • Backpacking equipment (upon request)
      • Backpacks
      • Single-person tents
      • Sleeping bags & pads
      • Trekking poles
      • Eating utensils
    • Group camping equipment
    • Group cooking gear and water filtration
    • First-aid kit
    • Overnights at camping sites
    • Insect repellant, toothpaste tablets, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and toilet paper (if you require a unique type, bring only as much as you need for the trip)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    • Travel insurance — recommended
    • Park entry fee
    • Accommodation before and after the trip
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about these Olympic guided backpacking trips is that they are open for beginner backpackers! However, even though no prior backpacking experience is necessary, you should actively engage in regular physical activities (such as hiking). Additionally, having a passion for the outdoors, exploration, and getting a little dirty are also good considerations. Depending on the adventure you choose, you’ll have 3 or 4 hiking days in a row, covering anywhere between 4 and 11 miles daily. Since there are no porters on these trips, you also have to be comfortable carrying a backpack weighing at least 20-25% of your body weight. Keep in mind that weather can vary greatly throughout the park and that it can be unpredictable. Still, summer is the best season for hiking with mostly pleasant, mild temperatures.

  Sol Duc and the Seven Lakes Basin Tour and Hoh Rainforest and the Blue Glacier Tour are both considered strenuous. You can check out the more detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary for the Sol Duc and the Seven Lakes Basin Tour here, and for the Hoh Rainforest and the Blue Glacier here. The North Coast Backpacking Trip is considered a bit less challenging, and it’s rated as moderate to strenuous.

  For more day-to-day details, mileages and elevation gains, check out the itineraries.

  If you’d like to explore a larger area, check out this guided hiking tour of Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Personal medication
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)
    • Cards, small games, book and other things for entertainment at the camp — optional

  Here’s a list of clothing we recommend you bring:

  • • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Camp sandals or shoes
    • Underwear (synthetic preferred for hiking) and long underwearSpare clothes for layering
    • Light waterproof rain jacket, fleece or wool jacket, and warm synthetic jacket for mornings and evenings
    • Lightweight hiking pants and shorts
    • Sunhat, beanie, bandanas/buffs, mosquito head net
    • Swimwear, camp pillow and towel

  Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, camp pillows, bowls, mugs and sporks are all included in the price of the trip. If you have gear that you are comfortable using, it is recommended that you use your own gear.

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Plan on additional warm layers for trips in May and late September-October trips, as the weather can fluctuate and may be below freezing at night.

• Can I rent equipment?

  Everything is included in the price of the trip! Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, camp pillows, bowls, mugs and sporks—it’s all taken care of, just let us know on time that you need it. Insect repellant, toothpaste tablets, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and toilet paper are also included in the price of the trip.

  If you have gear that you are comfortable using, it is recommended that you use your own gear. And if you require a unique type of toiletry items, bring only as much as you need for the trip.

• What about the wildlife?

  Olympic National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Raccoons, beaver, and mink live mostly in the lowlands, while deer, elk, cougars, and bears are to be found in valleys and mountain meadows. Despite their abundance, viewing wildlife is often a matter of luck and diligence.

  Keep in mind that you’re a guest in the animals’ natural habitat, meaning that you must follow a set of rules—one of the Leave No Trace principles. You should observe wildlife from a distance, never feed them, never chase them, or disturb them for a better photo. As long as you respect them, no problems should arise. Carrying bear spray is not advised in Olympic NP—instead of it, make sure that you never leave food unattended and use a bear can if necessary.

  Regardless of the local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of their trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

• What’s the food like and what about my dietary requirements?

  You can expect excellent food throughout your backpacking trip in Olympic NP!

  Typical breakfasts might include burritos, oatmeals, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. For dinner, your guides will prepare a variety of pastas, risottos, beans, couscous, meats, vegetables, etc. Lunch will consist of trail food with fruits, vegetables, pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, trail mix, energy bars, etc.

  A variety of dietary choices (including, but not limited to vegan, vegetarian, peanut and/or tree nut allergy, lactose intolerant, celiac’s or gluten free, kosher) can be easily accommodated, just let your guides know in advance!

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For these backpacking trips in Olympic National Park, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. The average group size is between 5 and 10 people.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Backpacking in Olympic NP can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  Depending on the tour you choose, the meeting point is either the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center or Sol Duc Campground within Olympic National Park. To get there, the nearest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). From there, renting a car is the easiest option to reach the meeting point and it will take you around 4 hours.

  Regardless of which adventure you choose, you’ll meet your guide at the given point at 4 pm on Day 1.

• Covid measures in Washington

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Olympic NP, Washington, please refer to Washington’s COVID-19 travel status.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. If booking 45 or less days before departure, full amount is required upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
    • For cancellations sixty-one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $50 per-person processing fee.
    • For cancellations forty-six (46) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by twenty-five percent (25%) of total trip cost. Alternatively, Client may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
    • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to forty-six (46) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund lessened by 50 percent (50%) of total trip cost.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

  Please note that all dates remain tentative until permits are received after April 15. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until the dates are confirmed. We will contact you if your guides successfully obtain the permits for the exact dates above.