Wednesday, May 31

Prep Day: Welcome, gear preparation, and overnight in Port Angeles

Port Angeles is the epicenter to explore Olympic National Park and is about a 3-hour drive from SeaTac Airport. Arrive at the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles between 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM for check-in. Walk over to the Olympic Hiking Co. tour office for introductions, a pre-trip orientation, and gear packing session. We will conclude the evening with a group dinner at 48 Degrees North at the Red Lion Hotel.

Thursday, June 1

9.1 miles | 375 feet of elevation gain

Hoh River Trailhead to Olympus Guard Station

After an early breakfast, our goal is to hit the road by 7:30 AM in order to get a head start on the trail at the Hoh Rain Forest, which is a 2-hour drive west of Port Angeles. The first day of hiking will be 9.1 miles and primarily flat to the Olympus Guard Station wilderness campsite, gaining about 375 feet of elevation. The highlights on trail include towering ancient old-growth evergreen trees, scenic moss-laden terrain, and camping alongside the mighty glacier-fed Hoh River.

Friday, June 2

6.0 miles | 1,652 feet of elevation gain

Olympus Guard Station to Elk Lake

After a backcountry breakfast and packing up camp, our group will face more moderate elevation gain, especially after crossing the picturesque High Hoh Bridge. After arrival and setting up camp at Elk Lake, group members can day hike to explore around the lake, go for a swim, or simply relax at camp.

Saturday, June 3

4.6 miles | 1,573 feet of elevation loss

Elk Lake to Lewis Meadow

Plus: optional sunrise day hike toward Glacier Meadows (3-6 miles out & back)

For those looking for extra mileage and a good morning challenge, your backcountry guides will lead an optional 4-hour out and back day hike toward Blue Glacier, as trail/snow conditions permit. The best part? The heavy backpacking gear will be left at camp. Upon returning, our group will pack up camp and begin making the return trek along the Hoh River Trail, stopping at Lewis Meadow for the final overnight of wilderness camping.

Sunday, June 4

10.5 miles | 454 feet of elevation loss

Lewis Meadow to Hoh River Trailhead:

Time to make our return to civilization! Enjoy a healthy 10.5 mile day hike to return to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, where your return shuttle back to Port Angeles awaits. Upon arrival at the Olympic Hiking Co. tour office, the group will do a “backpack explosion” to sort through and return all of the loaned backpacking gear.

We’ll have one more group dinner with our guides, on Team RWB, before heading back to the hotel or departing for home. For those with longer distances to travel, a night of lodging at Red Lion is available.

Monday, June 5

Breakfast is served at Red Lion. Depart on your own schedule or with your ride to SEATAC.