MORE INFORMATION
Olympic Peninsula Hiking Tour Itinerary
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
Lake Sylvia and Lake Quinault
Walks – easy to moderate, total of 3-4 hours.
Upon meeting our guides in Seattle, we set out for the Olympic Peninsula, a diverse environment of mossy trees, emerald rivers, wild beaches, and snowcapped mountains. We stop for our first walk at Lake Sylvia, where huge stumps are mingled with new growth in testament to the logging history of the area. We explore a lakeside trail before enjoying our picnic lunch.
This afternoon we arrive at our first lodge on foot, walking along one of its many trails, as our guides introduce us to the special ecology of the forest. We emerge from the forest to our home for the next two nights―a historic, shingle-clad lodge nestled in the rainforest on the shore of Lake Quinault.
Lake Quinault Lodge, Quinault
DAY 2
East Fork of the Quinault River
Hike – easy to moderate, 4-5 hours.
We begin our exploration of the Olympic rainforest with a hike along the East Fork of the Quinault River to the historic Pony Bridge. Beginning in the river valley, we ascend on a well-maintained path through giant ferns and quintessential rainforest – old-growth trees with moss hanging from every branch. We enjoy a picnic lunch at our destination before returning along the same trail.
Later this afternoon, you may choose to borrow one of the rowboats or canoes from our lodge to explore Lake Quinault. Dinner tonight is at the lodge, whose menu features typical regional specialties, including cedar planked salmon and Dungeness crab.
Lake Quinault Lodge, Quinault
Day 3
Ruby Beach and Hoh Rainforest
Walk – easy, 2-3 hours; hike – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours.
This morning, after checking the tide charts, we leave Lake Quinault and head for the Pacific coast. Our exploration of Ruby Beach will depend on the tides, as we aim to be on the beach at low tide to enjoy the many tidepools teeming with sea life, including colorful starfish and anemones. The beach is beautiful at any time, with millions of smooth cobblestone rocks, the soothing sound of the surf, and dramtic sea stacks jutting from the ocean offshore.
We’ll also have time to explore the Hoh Rainforest, choosing a gentle path through the woods and marveling at the enormous Douglas fir, hemlock, and Western red cedar trees, some of which stand up to 200 feet high.
Later this afternoon we arrive at our lodge for the night, perched on a scenic bluff overlooking Kalaloch Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Kalaloch Lodge, Forks
DAY 4
Hoh River and Sol Duc Hot Springs
Rafting – easy (no experience necessary); optional hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours.
We depart our lodge this morning for an adventure of a different kind – floating on the scenic Hoh River. Dense temperate rainforest and fascinating geology make this float a favorite. After a few hours, we arrive at the take-out spot, and depart for the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula. A fun experience along the way is Sol Duc Hot Springs, where those who wish can embark on a four-mile hike to the Sol Duc waterfall, or if you prefer, wile away the afternoon soaking in the therapeutic mineral waters of the springs.
Later this afternoon we arrive at our home for the next two nights, a historic lodge on the shore of Lake Crescent, once visited by Franklin D. Roosevelt while he considered the creation of Olympic National Park in 1938.
Lake Crescent Lodge, Port Angeles
DAY 5
Hurricane Ridge
Hike – easy to moderate with more strenuous options, 4-6 hours.
Today’s hike is into an entirely different landscape than we have experienced thus far. The northern Olympic Peninsula mountains are more dramatic than in the south, and a hike on Hurricane Ridge treats us to tremendous views of the coast, the rainforest, and of course, Mount Olympus itself. We spend the day exploring Hurricane Ridge, looking for signs of the Roosevelt elk and Olympic marmots that make their homes here.
Tonight we enjoy a final celebratory dinner at our lodge, toasting a fine week of hiking, rafting, and soaking in the natural surroundings.
Lake Crescent Lodge, Port Angeles
DAY 6
Marymere Falls
Walk – easy, 1 hour.
Our final day on the Olympic Peninsula begins with a short walk to Marymere Falls, a lovely 90-foot cascade that plunges into a tiny pool at its base.
On our way back to Seattle, we have time to explore the charming Victorian town of Port Townsend. This seaside community has many galleries featuring local artists’ work, and there is time to shop, have lunch on your own, or simply relax in the park and people-watch before saying goodbye to the Olympic Peninsula and departing for Seattle via ferry.