src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1483400425336571&ev=PageView&noscript=1"

Backpacking in Olympic National Park with Halle Homel

An adventure from the shores of the Pacific, through the rainforest, to the foot of a glacier with Halle Homel

Trip Length

4 Days

Intensity

Mild – Moderate

Group Size

8-10 Persons

Trip Dates

August 4 – 7, 2023

Activities

Backpacking

Included

Medically-trained, naturalist guides
All transportation in passenger van
Camping fees & backpacking permits
Tent, sleeping pad, and group camping equipment
All meals indicated in itinerary
Park entry fees

Not Included

Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag (Available to rent for $50)
Flights to destination

$695

 

Trip Info

The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most dramatic and dynamic landscapes in the country. Alongside your knowledgable backpacking guide, we’ll explore its rocky coasts, venture into the heart of the lush rainforest, and admire its glacial volcanos.

Weather

The Olympic Peninsula in August is relatively mild in terms of temperature, with highs in the 70s to low 80s during the day and overnight lows in the 50s, occasionally dropping lower. The region is known for its rain, though August is one of the driest months. Be prepared for rain, though it is less likely during this time than the rest of the year.

Group 

Good Trippers can be any age but most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s.

We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have hiking trips for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip.

All public trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.

Intensity – Mild to Moderate

Hiking days will usually include about 6 total hours on the trail, covering anywhere from 8-10 miles on the day with weight. This trip includes four days of backcountry hiking, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day, multiple days in a row. Some hiking experience is recommended. Backpacking experience is not required.

 

Accommodations

  • Three nights backcountry camp

Flights

If you are flying, please arrive into Seattle by 10AM for pick up. If you’d prefer to arrive a day earlier and arrange your own lodging, we can also arrange pick up from Seattle locations.

If you’d prefer to drive, please email us so we can arrange the best location to meet based on your starting point.

Your guide will transport the group to the airport on Day 4. Please plan a departure after 8PM or be prepared to find personal transportation to the airport from the hotel if your flight departs earlier or much later.

You can also opt to add on a hotel stay and enjoy a celebratory group dinner (not included in trip cost).

 

Backpacking Olympic with Halle Homel Itinerary

Day 1

Plan to arrive in Seattle by 10 AM. After meeting your adventure-mates upon arrival, we’ll load up and head out to the Western Olympic Peninsula (taking a lunch break along the way). Our starting point is the dense, lush Hoh Rainforest where we’ll begin our walk along the Hoh River Trail.

Our mileage today is about 3 miles and the trail is almost entirely flat, which will give us time to find our hiking legs. Our destination tonight is the Mount Tom Creek camp, where we’ll set up and debrief about the day, its challenges, and its rewards.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 2

Hopefully feeling into our groove, a big day awaits us! We’ll have about 6-7 miles of flat hiking before starting uphill as we head toward Elk Lake. Our total mileage for the day will come in at about 12, but we’ll take it slow over some challenging elevation gain. After a big day, we’ll eat dinner and spend some time chatting about the changes we all saw in both the landscapes and ourselves today.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3

If we’re feeling strong, we may leave our gear at camp this morning and continue with light packs to the foot of the Blue Glacier on the mammoth Mount Olympus (another 2.5 miles up). After an exciting hike, we’ll say goodbye to the alpine zone and head back down to the forest along the Hoh River Trail.

Now descending, we’ll have time to really soak up the beautiful wildlife on our 3 miles to Olympic Guard Station. Camp tonight is beside the Hoh River which will provide the perfect soundtrack for meditation and reflection on our last night on the trail.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4

We’ll wake up to the sounds of the river and pack up camp before heading 9 flat miles back out to the trailhead. After some high fives and celebrations, we’ll load up to drive back to Seattle. Airport transfers will be available for those with evening flights (please book a departing flight for 8PM or later), or you can opt to add on a hotel stay and enjoy a celebratory group dinner.

Meals: B

Backpacking Olympic with Halle Homel Packing List

  • Required Gear
    • Backpack (45-60 L recommended)
    • Duffel or suitcase (to be left in the vehicle when backpacking, 1 small suitcase or duffel per person)
    • Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 20 degrees or below
    • Pack cover
    • Headlamp
    • Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
  • Recommended Gear and personal items 
      • Hiking poles
      • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
      • Camping pillow
      • Sunscreen
      • Earplugs
      • Insect repellent
      • Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
      • Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
      • Small, quick dry towel
      • Personal plate, mug, and utensils (your guide will have these items if you don’t have your own)
  • Required Clothing
      • Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
      • Rain jacket or shell
      • Rain pants
      • Breathable wicking base layers
      • Lightweight hiking pants
      • Warm clothes to sleep in
      • Warm hat
      • Light gloves
      • Sun hat with a brim
      • Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
      • Hiking boots
      • Sunglasses

    Recommended Clothing

        • Buff or neck scarf
        • Comfortable clothes for camp
        • Sandals or camp shoes
        • Clothes for dinner on final night
Packing list for Guided Yosemite Backpacking Trip

Backpacking in Olympic National Park with Halle Homel

Not seeing what you’re looking for?