There was an error with your log in
Options
Summary
Checkout

Backpacking Tours in Olympic National Park

Itinerary
Guide(s)
Lasting Adventures
Trip options

Booking for a group?
Reserve spots for 5 or more people, and get $34 off for each

Add-ons

Departure dates

Please note that all 2024 dates remain tentative until permits are received after April 15th.
Please refrain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if your guides are unsuccessful in obtaining the exact dates listed above.

If you need to rent backpacking equipment, your guides provide it at no extra cost. Check the boxes below.

Choose cancellation flexibility option

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our cancellation flexibility options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Flexible
  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Itinerary
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
4 day
Guide(s)
Lasting Adventures
Reserve deposit (50%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0
  • This tour grants you with the unique opportunity to explore coastal regions on some of the most northwestern points in the continental U.S.! You will traverse coastal forests to reach the beach, where teeming tide pools and rugged cliffs await your presence. By the time you finish the tour, you’ll have mastered the art of tide tables, tide timing, and headland conquests. The logistics are taken care of—you’ll have a fantastic guide, who will cook the meals, take care of the permits, and provide you with camping equipment should you need it. Ready for a coastal adventure in the pristine wilderness of Olympic NP?

    • Meet your guides at the Rialto Beach Backpackers Parking Lot, where you’ll also get acquainted with your group, pass and pack gear, and cover trip logistics. Shuttle over to Ozette Trailhead for approximately 2 hours. At the Ozette trailhead, stop for a quick lunch before embarking on a 3-mile hike to the Sand Point Campground.

      Breeze through this hike with easy terrain across mostly boardwalk that weaves through minty coastal forests until you reach the beach and the camp. Sand Point offers campsite choices of either under the forest canopy or on the beach. This is also a great spot to explore tidepools and look for wildlife.

      Hiking: 3 miles / 4.8 km
      Elevation: +150 ft / +45 m | -150 ft / -45 m
      Meals: Lunch and dinner

      Hikers on the Olympic NP shore
    • Rise with the sun and kick-start your day with a delicious breakfast prepared by your guide. Begin your hike with a stroll along the beach, heading toward your initial tide restriction. If the tide is at its lowest and time permits, take in some of the coast’s finest tide-pooling experiences at Yellow Banks.

      After passing through the optional but incredibly fascinating cliff tunnel, continue walking along the beach until you arrive at a rugged section of cliffs and panoramic views of sea stacks. Your seasoned guide will assist you in navigating the rocky terrain and seaweed-covered rocks, so keep your eyes out for any enchanting anemones and vibrant sea stars. The day culminates with a warm welcome at Norwegian Memorial Camp, where you can savor a hearty dinner while enjoying the sunset at a white sandy beach.

      Hiking: 7.2 miles / 11.6 km
      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      Olympic North Coast backpacking
    • Set out early to prepare for a full day filled with conquering tide restrictions and headlands! You’ll cover 6 miles of incredible cliffs, rocky tidepools, and untouched beaches while going through seaside boulder fields and coves.

      Once you’ve made it over the legendary Cape Johnson, take a well-deserved break at Chilean Memorial Camp, know that you’ve just made it over the most challenging segment of the hike. Delight in a beachside campfire and soak in the breathtaking sunset views as the soothing sound of waves lulls you into a peaceful slumber.

      Hiking: 6 miles / 9.7 km
      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      Olympic NP beach
    • Last day! Continue your journey, traversing captivating cliffs and headlands bustling with a vibrant sea life, until you reach the Hole in the Wall, an iconic coastal gem. Traverse the sea stack’s arch, where you can marvel at tide pool ecosystems and stunning vistas of distant sea stacks.

      On the opposite side, discover the beauty of Rialto Beach. Savor the final miles, all while witnessing the graceful spectacle of pelicans skimming the crashing waves and colossal driftwood logs forming impressive stacks.

      Hiking: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
      Meals: Breakfast

      Hiker on the Olympic North Coast backpacking
    • 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.

      Some days on this route may involve very early starts due to tide restrictions, so be prepared to wake up with or before the sun! The direction of the route may follow either the northbound or southbound route, depending on permit availability and tides. Regardless of the direction, necessary transport to/from Rialto Beach will be provided.

      Keep in mind that this route includes tide-restricted sections, meaning certain areas can only be passed at a given maximum tide. This means that the route is only safe and available during certain tide windows—but your guides use NOAA tide predictions for the most accurate predictions.

    • 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
    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

Have more questions? Read our FAQ
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona