Olympic Wilderness Coast Adventure
Featuring some of the most breathtakingly beautiful wilderness coastline in the world, Olympic National Park is a perfect place for beginning backpackers to get their “feet wet.” After a relaxed kayak tour on Ozette Lake, we set out on our backpack of the Ozette Loop, one of the most stunning and accessible routes on the coast. Navigating the dramatic headlands of the wilderness coast, we’ll pause to admire ancient rock art, camp along the coast, pass by an archaeologically significant indigenous whaling village and watch for whales, eagles, seals and other magnificent northwest wildlife on this superb weekend getaway.
Olympic Wilderness Coast Adventure Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today at Noon. Meet your guide(s) at Ozette Campground for group introductions and a trip orientation, including a review of the trip itinerary, and lunch. In the afternoon, look forward to a quick intro to kayaking and then a relaxed evening kayak tour around the north end of the beautiful and historic Lake Ozette. After we’re through paddling, we return to Ozette Campground for a warm and healthy bite to eat before settling into a cozy sleeping bag. Lunch & Dinner included.
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Day 2
We wake to coffee and a hearty breakfast before breaking down camp and packing our backpacks. Our hike leaves from the Ozette Ranger Station and quickly crosses the Ozette River before turning southwest towards Sand Point. We hike atop a long boardwalk, keeping us clear of the often muddy and difficult terrain through a maze of salal, shrubs, and a few cedar trees. This first part of our backpack trip is relatively easy going most of the way to Sand Point, where we’ll stop for views and lunch. After lunch we turn north on the open coast as we navigate towards our first of two headlands. After pausing to admire the petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks we move through tide pools as we continue on to Cape Alava and establish our backcountry camp for the evening. When time permits we often establish camp around a stand of large sitka spruce, then continue north to the site of a former Makah whaling village which many now claim to be one of the most important archaeological digs in North America. Hiking distance: 6 miles. All meals provided.
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Day 3
We wake to the sound of waves crashing on the beach, enjoy breakfast and then leisurely break camp today as we enjoy more gorgeous coastal views. After a few last beach photos we turn east and once again travel along the boardwalks to complete our loop, passing Ahlstrom’s Prairie, at one time the westernmost homestead in the United States. Hemlock, spruce and deer fern line our path as we make our way back to the Ozette Ranger Station and our vehicles for lunch and good-byes. Hiking distance: 3 miles. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on the final day; 2-person tents (we highly recommend sharing tents to reduce pack weight); group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite & permit fees; kayaks and kayaking equipment.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Major: Seattle-Tacoma International, Seattle, WA, 200 miles, 4.5 hours
Smaller: William R. Fairchild International, Port Angeles, WA, 70 miles, 2 hours
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is rated Moderate [3] as we plan to kayak 2-4 hours on Day One on flat water, then the following morning we’ll set out for the coast wearing packs weighing 30-40 lbs, hiking 3-6 miles per day. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 80o F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 40s - 50s. It often rains on the Olympic Coast so adequate raingear is important.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Olympic Wilderness Coast Adventure
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.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 80o F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 40s - 50s. It often rains on the Olympic Coast so adequate raingear is important.
Gear Checklist
- Tents (3 season, 2 person)
- Cooking gear
- Stoves and fuel
- Bear canister
- Water filter
- Group first aid kit
- Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000 – 6000 cu”)
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Sleeping bag (rated at 20°-25° F)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof, breathable, and expedition quality
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) no jeans!
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- 1-2 T-shirts, synthetic
- 2 changes of underwear
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
- Sock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots: Lightweight, waterproof trail hikers
- Old tennis shoes or water-sport sandals (for kayaking and camp shoes)
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Plastic bowl, spoon, travel mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock, small amount not the whole bottle, min SPF 25
- Lip balm (unscented)
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (small)
- Head net for mosquitoes, especially in July
- Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
- Pack towel and/or washcloth
- Personal first aid kit, small and light with personal medication
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks
- Bic lighter
- Travel size wet-wipes
- Orange plastic trowel
- TP system: toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 Ziploc quart baggie & 1 Ziploc gallon baggie and orange plastic trowel
- 1 large plastic garbage can bag
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Pocket knife or small multi-tool
- Ear plugs
- Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
- Journal & pen
- Camera and film—think weight
- Small paperback book
- Swim suit
- Down vest or jacket
