olympic backpacking adventure with queer mountaineers
A backpacking adventure through the incredible Hoh Rainforest!
TRIP DATES:
August 20 – 24, 2026
$2995 Per Person
This journey takes you into the lush Hoh Rainforest with a scenic hike through incredible landscapes, where you’ll establish basecamp and learn about the unique temperate ecosystem along the way. A full day of exploration follows, with optional hikes to higher elevations to explore lakes and meadows and opportunities to spot local wildlife. After hiking back out, you’ll enjoy a comfortable night in Port Angeles with hot showers and a celebratory farewell dinner. The trip concludes with a guided transfer back to Seattle for afternoon departures.
(See the complete itinerary below!)
Activities
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
Included
- Medically trained, naturalist guides
- Round-trip transportation from Seattle
- Tent accommodations (double occupancy)
- One night at a hotel (double occupancy)
- All activities as outlined below
- All meals as outlined below
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights
- Gratuity for your guides
- Single occupancy accommodations: Inquire for pricing
WEather
Late August in the Hoh Rainforest is typically mild and relatively dry. Expect daytime highs around 60–70°F (15–21°C), cool nights, and fewer heavy rains than other seasons—though light drizzle is always possible. Trails can still be humid and damp, so you may want to bring layers and rain protection.
Intensity – Moderately hard
Expect to hike up to 10 miles over the course of a day while carrying a pack with food, water, and camping gear.
Accommodations
You’ll spend your first night at Sol Duc Campground. The next two nights will be at base camp in the back country of the Hoh Rainforest. All tents are double occupancy. Your final night will be spent at Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles (double occupancy in double queen rooms).
Flights
Please book a flight into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that arrives before 11 am on August 20th. For your departure, please book a flight that leaves SeaTac after 2:00 pm on August 24th to ensure you have enough time to check-in.
Embark on an adventure to uncover the enchanting beauty of Olympic National Park. Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems, pristine wilderness, and breathtaking landscapes of this Pacific Northwest gem.
Day One
The adventure begins! You will meet your Good Trip guides at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. You’ll then be transferred ~3 hours to your front-country campsite in Olympic National Park! Your guides will help you understand your gear, pack your pack, and answer any questions you may have about the adventure ahead! This evening, you’ll settle in and get to know your fellow adventurers over a delicious campfire meal.
Meals: D
*Suggested Flight Arrival Time before 11AM
Day Two
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up and heading to the Hoh Rainforest. You’ll set out for Lewis Meadow, hiking about 10 miles with minimal elevation gain throughout the journey. Your guides will share information about all the incredible things happening overhead and underfoot in this temperate rainforest, as well as tips and tricks for comfortable backpacking. You’ll set up basecamp and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
Today you’ll leave your basecamp and head up into higher elevation. We may choose to hike to Glacier Meadow, Elk Lake, and beyond, depending on the group’s interests for the day. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for black bears, deer, and more as we continue exploring this spectacular rainforest. This afternoon we’ll return to camp for our final night of camping under the stars.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Today, we’ll pack up and make our way back the way we came to the Hoh visitor center. We’ll then travel to Port Angeles, where we’ll take some well-deserved showers before heading into town for a final farewell dinner to celebrate our accomplishments!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Your guides will transfer you to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for your departing flight
Meals: B
**suggested flight time departure after 2pm.
*Itinerary is subject to change due to park conditions, trail and road closures, safety concerns, and timing adjustments. Your guide will always work with you to provide the best experience and keep you informed of any changes in plans.
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Day pack (60 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Hiking poles
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel 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
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
who else will be there?
Good Trippers can be any age and everyone is welcome!
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 group multi-day trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
do i need to tip my guide?
Tipping is a common way to say thanks to your guides for all their hard work. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated! A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the total trip cost, split among the guides. Alternatively, many guests choose to tip $25-$50 per day, per guide. You can either autopay gratuity when checking out, or you can pay the guide in person. Ultimately, the amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. Whatever you choose, the guides will appreciate it!
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!