Olympic National Park Backpacking
FALL | September 18 - 22, 2024 | HOH RIVER TRAIL, WA
In Partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association
Overview
Difficulty Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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 thru-hike 26.5 miles roundtrip from the Sol Duc valley to the Hoh Rainforest, traversing lush vegetation and towering canopies, past alpine lakes and along ridgelines over steep terrain. They’ll spend 3 nights in the backcountry along the Hoh River and in subalpine meadows.
Please Note: This Eagle Expedition will challenge participants and will be physically demanding. Eagles who are experienced backpackers or are seeking a physical challenge should join this trip.
WHO
10 Eagles
WHERE
Sol Duc to Hoh Rain Forest
WASHINGTON STATE
WHEN
Wednesday, Sept 18 -
Sunday, Sept 22, 2024
Sol Duc to Hoh Rain Forest
4-Day, 3-Night Backpacking Trip
About
This Eagle Expedition will challenge participants and will be physically demanding. Eagles who are experienced backpackers or are seeking a physical challenge should join this trip.
This Eagle Expedition is led by Team RWBs very own trained volunteer Expedition Guides. This trip includes all gear, shuttles, permits, meals on the trail, guides, and #EagleFire
Starting in the Sol Duc valley, Eagles will pass waterfalls, wetlands, old growth trees and make camp alongside sub-alpine meadows. The group will continue on, watching the ecosystem change with every step of incline where the forest gives way to open skies, heath covered slopes, and views of picturesque alpine lakes, Mt. Olympus, and even glaciers. The hike will be tough, the perfect opportunity to reflect and implement Resilience building techniques. After topping out on Bogachiel peak, Eagles will descend, at times steeply, towards Hoh lake - cold plunge, anyone? The last 24 hours will be spent in an unforgettable place - the Hoh rainforest with the charismatic, glacier fed Hoh river cutting through. Experience massive, ancient giants of cedar, fir, and spruce in a place lost in time. This will be the time to reflect on the journey. From the beauty to the sore muscles to the friendships to the realization that with the support of your team, you accomplished something rare and difficult.
All backcountry meals, gear, shuttle, guides, and hotel stay after the trip (for those flying) are included in the $250 registration fee. Eagles are encouraged to fundraise the fee and beyond to support the Expeditions program and earn gear, or simply pay out of pocket.
Learn more about the packing list.
Registration Open for Applications.
2024 Information Session:
Cost
$250 with a $50 deposit due at time of acceptance. The remainder may be fundraised with the help of an easy, ready to use fundraising platform!
Included in Registration
All meals from arrival to the Lodge through departure
Airport shuttle to the Lodge
Lodging
Gear rentals
Why Attend?
Backpacking through remote wilderness
Awe-inspiring views
Abundant wildlife
Hiking along the Sol Duc River
Visit the Iconic Seven Lakes Basin
Group meals
Connecting with fellow Eagles
Trip Highlights and Activities:
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
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, September 18
Arrive in Port Angeles, WA and move to group camp near the Park
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, September 19
Day 1 of Backpacking
7 miles | 2,253 feet of elevation gain | Sol Duc Trailhead to Sol Duc Park
After an early breakfast, our goal is to hit the road by 8:00 AM in order to get a head start on the trails at the Sol Duc Trailhead, which is a 1 hour 15 minute drive west of Port Angeles. After hiking to Sol Duc Falls and following relatively flat terrain along the Sol Duc River, our group will begin to make a steady ascent up to the Sol Duc Park wilderness campsite, gaining much of the day’s elevation.
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Friday, September 20
Day 2 of Backpacking
5.4 miles | 885 feet of elevation gain, then 1,200 feet of elevation loss | Sol Duc Park to CB Flats
After a backcountry breakfast and packing up camp, our group will face the highest amount of elevation gain and loss for the trip on Day 2. The good news? Our group will hike alongside the iconic Seven Lakes Basin, and the pinnacle of the day will be reaching the highest point along the High Divide — this overlooks the Hoh River Valley and Mount Olympus. At this junction, our group will hike south past Hoh Lake and to our overnight wilderness campsite at CB Flats.
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Saturday, September 21
Day 3 of Backpacking
9.1 miles | 3,300 feet of elevation loss | CB Flats to Five Mile Island
Extend those trekking poles and brace your knees, as Day 4 will feature a steep descent into the Hoh River Valley, eventually reaching the Hoh River Trail junction by Olympus Guard Station. From there, our group will enjoy the return of flat elevation hiking along the Hoh River Trail throughout the remainder of the trip. Our final night of wilderness camping will take place at Five Mile Island along the Hoh River.
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Sunday, September 22
Day 4 of Backpacking | 5 miles | 227 feet of elevation loss | Five Mile Island to Hoh River Trailhead
Exit the park, celebrate. Those who drove have the option to head home after group dinner. Hotel arrangements will be made for those who fly in.
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Monday, September 23
(Optional): This is a travel day for those who traveled by plane.
Have a Question?
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