Olympic Backpacking - High Divide

Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning at our Seattle area host hotel. After brief introductions we hop in our shuttle van and beginour three-hour transfer to tonight's established front country National Park Campground. This evening our guides walk through the daily itinerary, outline Leave No Trace principles and distribute group gear. We enjoy a delicious camp meal before tucking ourselves into our tents for the evening. Lunch and Dinner included.

Hiking mileage: minimal; transfer 4 hours.

Depending on our backcountry permit access, we'll either start from the Sol Duc Falls trailhead or straight from camp. Either way, our walk takes us from the lower elevations of the Sol Duc watershed handrailing either the Sol Duc River or Canyon Creek tributary. We will pass beautiful, plunging falls and fern choked understories while trees hundreds of years old provide cool shade along the trail. As we part ways with the diverse ecosystem of the rainforest, we start a steady ascent through alpine forests and meadows. Our views open up across the gorgeous Sol Duc Valley and we finish the day at a picturesque backcountry camp. All meals included.

Hiking mileage: up to 7 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: around 2,000'

Today we journey along one of the most iconic backpacking trails within the National Park system. The High Divide, offering 360-degree viewsof Mount Olympus, the Hoh River Valley and down into the Seven Lakes Basin. Lunch will be on the trail where we take our time to enjoy a well-deserved break as we take in the expansive mountain views. Back on the trail to this evening's camp, we'll be camera-ready in the hopes of spotting the plentiful wildlife that calls the area home. Once we've made camp we share highlights from the day and enjoy our last back country dinner. All meals included.

Hiking mileage: up to 9 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: around 2,000'

We savor our final miles on the trail back to the trailhead. After loading our gear and bodies into the van, we'll have lunch before setting out forour 3.5-hour drive back to Seattle. We anticipate arriving back into Seattle later this afternoon, though this time may change based off group pace, trail conditions, weather and other elements beyond our control.

Hiking mileage: 3-7 miles; transfer 4 hours.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

We provide

• All Group Cooking Gear
• Bear Canister
• Group First Aid Kit
• Stoves and Fuel
• Tent(s)
• Trekking Poles
• Water Filter

What to pack

Required gear

• Backpacking Pack (Extended, 65-75L)
• Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
• Fleece/Wool Gloves
• Fleece/Wool Hat
• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
• Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
• Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
• Insect Repellent
• Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
• Pack Rain Cover
• Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
• Personal Mess Kit (Bowl/Plate, Cup, Utensils)
• Prescription Medications
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
• Sleeping Pad
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System
• Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Whistle

Recommended gear

• Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
• Camera and Accessories
• Gaiters (Low)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Head Net
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Large Plastic Garbage Bag
• Sun Hat
• Swimwear
• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
• Toiletries
• Trowel

You might also consider

• Camp Towel
• Casual Shoes for Camp
• Ear Plugs
• Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
• Eye Mask
• Face Mask
• Liner Socks (Synthetic)
• Reading and Writing Materials
• Small Multitool

Weather
The weather in the high alpine regions of Olympic National Park can vary greatly. It's not unusual to encounter rain, sleet, fog, and intense sun during a short stay of just a few days. Typically summer temperatures average between 65 - 75 during the day with evening lows in the 40'sand low 50's, although variations outside this range are not unusual. Visitors should plan accordingly and follow the recommended gear list for this trip closely.

Single Travelers

Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. As campsite space and permitting allows, wecan also accommodate a limited number of single tents for this trip. Single tents are provided at no additional charge and assigned in the order they are requested. Please inform us of your preference on sign-up.