Explore the varied ecosystems of Olympic National Park while enjoying the cozy comfort and hospitality of Lake Crescent Lodge. Hike the longest stretch of coastal wilderness in the lower 48 states and witness fascinating tidal pools, scenic beaches, and amazing sea life. After a day or two of exploration, you'll understand why Olympic National Park is internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. The old growth forests of Sitka spruce, western red cedar and hemlock are magical places. These massive trees soar to the heavens while protecting thick carpets of mosses, ferns and wildflowers. Watch elk and black-tailed deer while listening to the listening for the whistle of the Olympic marmot. Trek up "Hurricane Ridge" and view majestic Mount Olympus--still covered with glistening white glaciers. Bring your camera; the scenery will take your breath away!

Sample Itinerary

Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.

DAY 1: Drive from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula and settle in at Lake Crescent Lodge. Built in 1916, this scenic lodge is the ideal base for exploring Olympic National Park. Take an afternoon hike on the "walk through time" trail among towering old growth forest, then enjoy dinner and get to know your trip mates as you go over the rest of your itinerary.

DAY 2: Drive to Lake Ozette and hike about three miles through coastal forest to a lovely spot in the trees, next to the wild beach and pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean. Walk the beach, investigate the sea stacks, look for seals, and do some birdwatching before returning to the lodge.

DAY 3: Go to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and hike in the mountains. You will be amazed at the change from the coast to 6,000 feet elevation. These mountains are rugged, and beautiful!

DAY 4: Spend the day hiking among old-growth spruce, cedar and hemlock in the Hoh rainforest. This place is magical. If you love big trees you will love the Hoh! There are many trails to choose from--both high and low elevation--we'll decide when we are there. This place will blow you away!

Day 5: After breakfast, pack up, do one last morning hike, and leave for our return to Seattle.

Travel, Terrain, Etc...

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Olympic National Park has varied terrain. Walking the coast is sandy, with intermittent boulders, headlands, and seastacks. The rainforest trail is fairly gentle, with mud and tree roots to negotiate. The six miles of boardwalks are more interesting than they sound, passing through woodlands that would be destroyed if not for the boardwalk system. You will enjoy several different ecosystems as you go from sea level to 6,000 feet.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: We will travel moderate distances each day (3-6 miles), with plenty of opportunities for exploration. The hiking is not strenuous, although walking the 3-mile stretch on the beach can burn a few extra calories. The group carries cameras, water, and lunch in day packs. To protect the environment, WI uses "Leave No Trace" camping techniques.

WEATHER: Temperatures range from 45 F to 75 F. Rainfall can vary and you should expect rain. The Hoh rainforest gets over 140 inches of rain annually. The coast gets less rain but still a significant amount. Good rain gear is essential, but don't be surprised if it is sunny every day.

LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: You will stay in the scenic and comfortable Lake Crescent Lodge on the north side of Olympic National Park. This lodge has all modern amenities in a setting that invites you to linger--don't be surprised if you want to linger there all day! You will stay two people to each room. Single supplement available for an additional $250--call us.

Meals are provided from dinner the first day through lunch on the last day. Alcoholic beverages are only allowed at the lodge, and they are extra--you will pay for those on your own.

GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 6 to 9 participants, plus 1 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.

GROUP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where needed, such as preparing lunch or carrying an extra water bottle.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing, hiking boots and a day pack. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: This is a moderately challenging adventure. The trails are fairly accessible and make this an ideal introductory hiking trip.

Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.

[ Dates & Fees ]      

From the Olympic National Park's web page:

Olympic National Park welcomes you to a diverse and stunning world--a fog-shrouded coast with booming surf and wave-manicured beaches, spectacular alpine country dotted with sparkling lakes, lush meadows, glaciers, and North America's finest temperate rain forest.

American Indians have lived here for thousands of years, both along the coast and in the interior reaches of the peninsula. Their primary form of subsistence came from the sea and rivers, as well as berries, roots, and land mammals. Cedar was the most important material resource, used for everything from house planks to canoes. The bark was used for clothing and baskets, even towels and diapers.

In 1592, the first European, Juan de Fuca, may have come along these shores. Reliable information of European penetration, however, is not available until 1774 when Juan Perez sailed along this coast. In the next 25 years a bevy of British, American, and Spanish explorers visited the area. The most enduring work was done by Robert Gray, an American, and George Vancouver, an Englishman. Both men explored the area thoroughly, establishing rival claims to this land for their own countries.

Although American Indians utilized and traveled throughout the mountains of the peninsula, it was not until 1885 that the first systematic documented exploration of the interior of the Olympic Peninsula was made. That year Lt. Joseph P. O'Neil led the first documented expedition into the interior. In 1889-90 the Press expedition led by James Christie made a north-south crossing in five and one-half months. In 1890 Lt. O'Neil returned and made an east-west crossing. Slowly a movement got underway to set aside some of the peninsula as a national park.

In 1897 President Grover Cleveland created the Olympic Forest Reserve, a portion of which President Theodore Roosevelt designated a national monument in 1909. In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating Olympic National Park and in 1988 nearly 96 percent of the park was designated as wilderness. Olympic is a place for the soul to expand and for the mind to be refreshed with the beauty of life.

 

For more information, visit these links:

National Park Service - Olympic National Park Website

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park Field Guide

Visitor Guide to the Olympic Peninsula

[ Dates & Fees ]

2011 Dates		Fee
08/14/2011 - 08/18/2011		$895	Register Now
08/21/2011 - 08/25/2011		$895	Register Now
Transportation This trip officially begins at Lake Crescent Lodge at 4 PM of the first day listed. By car, it is 3 hours west of Seattle, WA. You can take your own transportation or use WI's van transportation from Seattle to Lake Crescent Lodge. Most people meet us in Seattle the afternoon of the first day of the trip. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
Meeting Places:		Additional Round-trip Fee:
Seattle		$75 per person
Olympic National Park - Lake Crescent Lodge		$0 (No charge)