Washington $1,800 (inclusive*) • September 23-28, 2012
Rugged peaks that harbor the largest glaciers in the lower 48 states rise above lush rainforests of gigantic conifers and berry-filled meadows. Despite the high annual precipitation, early autumn on the Olympic Peninsula usually produces great weather with abundant sunshine (most of the precipitation falls from late autumn through spring). This area forms the far northwest extremity of the contiguous 48 states, a million acre national park that’s almost entirely roadless and wild, with jaw-dropping scenery. The glacial mass on Mt. Olympus is visible from many vantage points, and the high ridges of subalpine meadows teeming with black bears and huckleberries are a true wilderness delight. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound and the Straits of Juan de Fuca. There are also plenty of ups and downs, so we rate this trek fairly strenuous and its base is Seattle.
Although the overall elevations above sea level are low compared with the Rockies, local vertical relief is huge, so there are always some big ups and downs. Our route varies from year to year, but always includes both forested valleys with huge trees and open alpine meadows with big awesome views.
Trek Base: Seattle, Washington. Sleep Inn, 20406 International Boulevard, SeaTac, WA , 98198; 206-878-3600. The motel is next to the Seattle airport. For summer trips, make motel reservations as early as possible because all motels near the airport quickly fill.
Transportation: Fly to Seattle, call motel upon arrival for short shuttle (24 hour service).
Meeting Time: Pre-trip orientation including food and gear handout plus safety talk at 6 PM the evening prior to day one of the trip. Meet in motel lobby.
Trip Rating: This trip is Fairly Strenuous, and although most or the entire route is on well-maintained trails, the Olympic Mountains are rugged with big vertical rises, so there will be some big ups and downs.
Elevations: 1,000 to 5,500 feet above the nearby sea. Maximum one-day elevation gain with backpack will be about 2,500 feet.
Weather: The valleys on the west side of the range support true rainforest, so yes, when it rains it pours and seasonally it rains often. But the rainy season is late autumn through winter and into spring. By contrast, summer and early autumn are usually sun-drenched with mild temperatures. Unlike the Rocky Mountains, afternoon thunderstorms are rare here.
Fishing: Most of our route will be high above the fish.
Special Features: True rainforests with gigantic trees, some of the largest on Earth! Wildflower (summer) and berry-filled (autumn) mountain meadows. Huge glaciers drape Mt. Olympus and adjacent peaks. Views of the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound. Mountain goats, Roosevelt elk, blacktail deer and spotted owls. This is a unique maritime mountain range, and despite its proximity to Seattle, it’s really wild.
Special Tips: Eschew unnecessary gear that will hamper you on the big up and downs. Make sure you have good rain-gear, just in case an unusual summer or early autumn storm sets in for a day or two.
Status: The Olympic backcountry is designated Wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. It’s over a million acres of roadless wilderness in one tract.
Itinerary: Most of our routes are “point A” to “point B”, and the trailheads are roughly 2 hours from the motel.
Note: Mileages and vertical foot estimates are approximate, because we vary the route from year to year, depending upon local conditions such as stream crossings, snow-filled passes and other dynamic natural factors.
*All trip prices include equipment (backpack, day-pack, tent, sleeping bag and pad, eating utensils), food and cooking (3 meals/day plus snacks), cooking gear, trip planning, comprehensive safety instruction, all user/permit fees, transportation from town to and from the trailheads, and our professional guide/naturalist staff. There is a $200 discount if you bring your own equipment.
