Olympic Mountains Backpacking -
SUMMER
May 31 - Jun 05, 2023 | HOH RIVER TRAIL, WA
6
Trip Length (Days)
10
Group Size
3.0 / 5.0
Activity Level
About
This trip is a great opportunity for less experienced backpackers as well as seasoned outdoors-Eagles.
15.1 miles one-way, 2,600 feet of elevation gain, 32.2 miles roundtrip (plus optional day hiking)
The Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest located in Olympic National Park in Washington State. The Olympic National Park Backpacking Eagle Expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this place of unparalleled beauty. Eagles can expect to hike 30 miles roundtrip through lush vegetation and towering canopies over gradual terrain. They’ll spend 3 nights in the backcountry along the Hoh River and in subalpine meadows. What’s more, participants will get to visit the One Square Inch of Silence. It’s one of the quietest places in the lower 48 with no human-made sounds or audio interference. That’s right! It’s just you and the sounds of nature.
All backcountry meals, gear, shuttle, guides, and hotel stay before and after the trip are included in the $200 registration fee. Eagles can fundraise the fee, or fundraise more to support the Expeditions program, or simply pay out of pocket.
Learn more about the packing list here.
Hoh River Trail
Overview
May 31 - Jun 05, 2023
3.0 / 5.0 This trip is rated 3.0 out of 5 from leisurely to strenuous.
LOCATION:
Hoh River Trail, Washington State
TRIP LENGTH:
4-Days, 3-Night Backpacking Trip
COST:
$200 per participant
Apply for the Olympic Mountains Backpacking Expedition
The application window for this expedition is 5-14 April 2023.
Information Session
Start the Adventure
Backpacking through remote wilderness
Awe-inspiring views
Abundant wildlife
Visit the One Square Inch of Silence
Camping alongside the Hoh River
Swimming at Elk Lake
Group meals
Connecting with fellow Eagles
Trip Highlights and Activities:
At a Closer Glance
6-week training plan
All meals on the trail
All backpacking gear for those who need it
All group camping gear
Professional backcountry guide
Hotel lodging before and after the hike
Return shuttle back to Port Angeles
Expedition Includes:
Itinerary:
The below itinerary is a good representation of what the group will experience in terms of miles, elevation, and trail experience.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Monday, June 5
Breakfast is served at Red Lion. Depart on your own schedule or with your ride to SEATAC.
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