Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek
Experience the wonders of the Hoh Rainforest and hike the Hoh River to its source, the Blue Glacier!
The abundance and diversity of natural beauty experienced on this trip make it perhaps the most complete and rewarding trekking experience we offer in the Northwest. This trail winds through the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States providing a truly unique experience. Its characteristics and beauty has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO- we’re talking a place that stands proud among the world’s most amazing places!
If you’ve always wanted to get up close and personal with Mount Olympus, but not climb the peak, this is the perfect option to take it all in.
As you pass through temperate rainforest, stands of towering old growth trees surround you. The forest soon gives way to the alpine and splendid alpine lakes. From the final camp at Glacier Meadows the massive Blue Glacier is a stone’s throw away, slowly moves down the mountain. This is a true, one-of-a-kind wilderness experience, a trek that caters to a wide range of abilities and has something for everyone.
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Trip Perks
While it may be debatable if this is a perk, you will travel through the town of Forks, where the infamous vampire series “Twilight” was filmed. Aside from that, the rainforest, glaciers, alpine meadows, and absolute solitude might just exceed your expectations. At the beginning of your trek into the mountain you’ll enter Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rain Forest where you might find yourself wondering if you’ve suddenly become a 2” tall sprite in a fairy tale. But then you’ll realize that no, you haven’t shrunk – it’s the world around you that’s become supersized: Shelf lichen as big as serving platters, 20-story tall trees, sword ferns up to your chest! But other things are hard to put words to. The green that surrounds you is profound. Springy moss silences your steps. The quiet feels total, but also pulsing with life – is there anything not photosynthesizing here? Are you starting to photosynthesize? It’s not out of the question. Are the plants…talking? You’ll find yourself wanting to learn how to speak Tree.
The magic is real! Olympic National Park is one of the rarest and most biologically diverse areas in the world. It has the distinction of being both a World Heritage Park and an International Biosphere Reserve, with 95-percent of its nearly 1 million acres being designated wilderness. Let us introduce you to this world-caliber natural treasure!
Not to mention you’ll be camping Mountain Madness style:
- We’ll drive you to the trailhead and back!
- Give you shelter from the storm — tents are provided!
- Provide meals and the culinary skills of your guide — food and cooking are on us!
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Description
This incredible adventure takes you into the Olympic Mountains through one of the last remaining true old growth rainforests in the continental United States.
The Olympic National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such is in the company of such wonders as the pyramids of Egypt, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our journey begins by hiking through impressive old growth forest, eventually arriving at a view of the heavily glaciated summit of Mount Olympus. The hike along the Hoh River is long but virtually flat, giving us ample opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the surrounding terrain and slowly get away from all the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
It is recommended that you have some camping and hiking experience prior to this trip.
This trip involves the following:
- Backpacking with loads of 40 – 45 lbs.
- A very long, multi-day trek (40+ miles round trip)
- Excellent physical condition and an ability to move steadily for a full day is required
On this trek we will cover:
- Selection and use of personal equipment
- Learn new wilderness and backpacking skills while hiking
- Camp construction, camp management, and cold weather camping skills
- Proper clothing and climbing gear for survival in the high mountains, mountain weather, alpine ecology, avalanche hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace ethics
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek
$1,375 – 5 Days - Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
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Price Includes (Complete List)
- Guide services
- Ground transportation
- All meals while on the trek
- Tents
- Group camping equipment
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Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Transportation within Seattle
- Hotel accommodations
- Restaurant meals
- All personal equipment
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $400 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $200 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 90 days prior to departure
- The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek 2025
- Jun 23, 2025 — Jun 27, 2025
- Jul 7, 2025 — Jul 11, 2025
- Jul 21, 2025 — Jul 25, 2025
- Aug 4, 2025 — Aug 8, 2025
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Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek 2026
- Jun 22, 2026 — Jun 26, 2026
- Jul 6, 2026 — Jul 10, 2026
- Jul 20, 2026 — Jul 24, 2026
- Aug 3, 2026 — Aug 7, 2026
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
For scheduled courses and climbs, you should fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). You are responsible for your transportation to downtown Seattle. You will meet as a group with your guide(s) early morning on Day 1 for an orientation meeting and equipment check.
Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek Day by Day
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Day 1
Elevation: 600 ft / 183 m
Drive from Seattle to the trailhead on the Hoh River. Including the ferry ride, it is about 5 hours to the trailhead. The trail through the Hoh Valley gains elevation very slowly and we usually cover 9 – 11 miles this day. As we hike, Giant Cedars, Sitka Spruce, Hemlock and Douglas Fir tower above us. The lushness of the Hoh Rain Forest is rather overwhelming. It boasts a thousand shades of green and is home to several thousand plant species. The Northwest temperate rain forests are believed to have more biological material than any ecosystem in the world: as much as 1 million pounds per acre! -
Day 2
Elevation: 4300 ft / 1310 m
The trail ahead steepens as we pass out of the rain forest and into a temperate forest. By mid-afternoon we should reach our base camp near timberline at Glacier Meadows (5−7 miles). Small streams, mosses, wild flowers, and stands of silver fir give way to the rock and ice of the nearby alpine zones. As visitors to these most fragile zones, our group will strive to practice good wilderness etiquette and environmental responsibility. -
Day 3
Today is a rest day! Take time to walk down to the foot of the spectacular Blue Glacier and explore the surrounding areas. You will have amazing views of jagged Olympic Mountains from the heart of the National Park.
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Day 4
Exploration of the Glacier Meadows ecosystem and the lower Blue Glacier area are priorities for this morning. We usually pack up and begin the trek back through the rain forest by noon.
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Day 5
Depending on how many miles we cover the evening before, we usually have a relatively short distance to the cars. Most of the group is ready for a restaurant meal (not included in the cost), and we try to arrive back in Seattle by early evening. On the way back to the city, stopping for a soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs is optional but certainly a treat to consider!
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
Equipment for Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Large capacity climbing pack (65-75L)
approximately 4000-4500 cubic inch (65-75 liters) capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight
Examples:
Black Diamond Mission 75, Osprey Ariel 65
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Sleeping Gear
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (15-20F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from 15-20°F /-9 to -7°C
Examples:
Marmot Helium, Marmot Trestles, Western Mountaineering Apache, North Face Guide 20
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Climbing Gear
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Balaclava or neck gaiter (optional)
lightweight
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Hands
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Feet
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Liner socks (optional)
1-pair lightweight and thin
Examples:
polypropylene or wool
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Syntheric or wool socks
check boot fir to make sure they work together
Examples:
Smartwool ,Patagonia
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Light trail shoes, camp booties, or sandals (optional)
Trail shoes for when at campgrounds and booties/sandals/Crocs for basecamps when weather and season allow
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Hiking boots
One pair medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
Examples:
Salomon Quest 4D
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Bear Bag/Bear Canister
Bear bag or bear canister to protect your food from both bears and smaller critters
Examples:
Ursack AllMitey, BearVault,
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Hand sanitizer
enough to last trip length
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Water purification (NW)
Purifies drinking water while on the climb
Examples:
Steri Pen, water filter, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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Large plastic bowl
Bring a 2-4 cup camping bowl or a plastic "Rubbermaid" style container for your mountain dining
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Insulated cup (12-16oz)
A 12-16 oz (350-500 ml) mug with an attached lid will help keep you hydrated
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Lexan spoon or spork
Lightweight and strong
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Large plastic bags
heavy duty trash compactor bags recommended
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Nylon stuff sacks
for food and gear storage, large ziplocs are useful
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Soap, shampoo, towel (optional)
for use at campground showers when on itinerary
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Olympic National Park Hoh River Backpacking Trek
$1,375
5 Days - Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
Cumulative Elevation Gain
5,400ft / 1646m
Distance
37 miles / 60.5km
Client to Guide Ratio
6:1
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Trekking involves 4-5 hours of walking per day with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet / 305 meters. You should be in good physical shape and participating in 3-4, 1-hour minimum cardiovascular workouts per week before the trek. Participants are encouraged to walk several hours or more a week leading up to the trek.
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