5-Day Olympic Backpacking – Hoh Rainforest and the Blue Glacier

Experience a true adventure with the 5-Day Olympic Backpacking trip through the stunning landscapes of Olympic National Park. This guided journey takes you through towering old-growth rainforests, pristine high-altitude lakes, and awe-inspiring glacier views, offering an authentic look at one of America’s most diverse wilderness areas.

One of the standout features of this tour is the expert guidance from a top-rated, non-profit operator with a reputation for safety, knowledge, and personalized care. Plus, you’ll be supporting a cause—your participation helps fund scholarships for disadvantaged youth to enjoy similar outdoor adventures.

A potential consideration is the physical demand—travellers should be in good shape, as this trek involves multiple days of moderate to challenging hiking, including elevation gains and several miles per day. However, if you’re an enthusiastic hiker eager to see varied ecosystems, this trip could be perfect for you.

Ideal for experienced hikers who appreciate natural beauty and are looking for a guided, well-organized adventure, this tour balances education, physical activity, and breathtaking scenery in one comprehensive package.

Key Points

• Diverse Ecosystems: Traverse rainforests, alpine meadows, and glacier terrain within Olympic’s varied landscapes.
• Expert Guides: Led by seasoned, knowledgeable guides with stellar reviews—over 1200 five-star ratings online.
• Support a Good Cause: Your participation aids scholarships for disadvantaged youth, combining adventure with giving back.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes permits, campsites, backpacking gear, and all meals, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Stunning Views: Expect spectacular sights of Mt. Olympus and the Blue Glacier, along with abundant wildlife sightings.
• Physical Challenge: Designed for fit hikers; expect several miles of trail, elevation gains, and varied terrain.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Olympic Backpacking Tour

Introduction to the Adventure

This 5-day backpacking trip covers iconic parts of Olympic National Park, offering a uniquely comprehensive experience. From the lush, moss-draped halls of the Hoh Rainforest to the icy grandeur of the Blue Glacier, the journey is carefully crafted to showcase the park’s ecological diversity.

What travelers love most—based on glowing reviews—is the guides’ expertise. Anna, one of the guides, was singled out for her thorough knowledge and friendly approach, making the hike not only informative but also enjoyable. The views, particularly of the Blue Glacier and Mt. Olympus, are described as “spectacular,” and the moss-covered giants in the rainforest provide a surreal atmosphere.

A thing to keep in mind: this adventure is physically demanding. The itinerary involves hiking up to 10 miles on some days, with significant elevation gains, so it’s best suited for those with good fitness levels. If you’re prepared for a challenge and love experiencing wilderness firsthand, this trip delivers on all fronts.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers with a decent fitness level who want an immersive, guided wilderness trek. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate wildlife, as the tour hints at potential sightings of deer, elk, and bears. If you enjoy spending days under the canopy of ancient trees and are ready for varied terrain, this tour will meet your expectations.

Breaking Down the 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Entering the Hoh Rainforest

The trip begins at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center around 2pm, where you’ll meet your guides and gear up. The first hike is an easy 5 miles into the heart of the rainforest, setting a relaxed tone for the days ahead.

Expect to be immersed in a world of gigantic trees, mosses, and nurse logs. Reviewers mention the surprise of seeing elk en route, a nice bonus for nature lovers. Even though the admission ticket isn’t included, most find the hike’s gentle pace perfect for acclimating to the environment.

Day 2: Deeper into the Rainforest

On day two, you’ll hike another five miles further into the lush valley, arriving at Lewis Meadows. Here, the landscape opens up slightly, offering a new perspective on the rainforest’s lushness. Reviewers describe the mosses as “huge” and the quiet as “peaceful,” making this a perfect day for photography and wildlife spotting.

The guide will help you appreciate the plant life and ecological richness—a highlight for botany enthusiasts. Overnight camping in this setting allows you to soak in the tranquility of the forest.

Day 3: Mount Olympus and the Blue Glacier

This is the day you’ll reach the iconic Blue Glacier. Starting from the Olympus Guard Station, the hike to Elk Lake Campground includes a challenging 6-mile stretch with nearly 2,800 feet of elevation gain.

Here, the views of Mount Olympus and the glacier are the main attractions. Some hikers choose to hike to the glacier in the afternoon, while others prefer to do it early before moving camp. The glacier hike is a highlight, with reviewers noting that the impressive ice formations and panoramic views make the effort worthwhile.

Day 4: Descending into the River Valley

Descending 10 miles back into the rainforest valley, this part of the trip offers a chance to reflect on the glacier views and observe new flora and fauna. The journey back provides a different perspective on the landscape, and many find this stretch to be a scenic, peaceful descent.

An important detail: the tour includes a stop at Five Mile Island, where you might spot more wildlife and enjoy the calming river setting. The day ends with relaxation by the campfire, relishing the wilderness experience.

Day 5: Returning to the Starting Point

The final 5-mile walk takes you back to the Hoh Visitor Center, wrapping up your adventure. If time permits, the optional Hall of Mosses loop offers a last chance to see the rainforest’s lush greenery and iconic moss-covered trees. Reviewers have appreciated this gentle walk as a calming end to an active journey.

What’s Included & What You’ll Need to Consider

This tour offers excellent value for the price of $2,400 per person. It covers permits, campsites, backpacking gear (if requested), and all meals—making it a convenient package for those who want a worry-free adventure. The souvenir T-shirt is a nice touch, serving as a memento of your journey.

However, travelers should note the Olympic National Park entrance fee of $30 is not included, so budget for that. Also, guide gratuities are not included, so if you’re pleased with your guides, extra appreciation in that form is customary.

The maximum group size of just five travelers ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience, but it also means booking early is recommended, especially for peak summer dates in 2024 and 2025.

Practicalities

• The tour begins at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and ends back there.
• It’s suitable for those with a strong physical fitness level due to the length and elevation of some hikes.
• The tour runs from mid-June through September, aligning with the best weather and trail conditions.
• The tour is offered on specific dates, so planning ahead is essential.

Authentic Experiences & Real Traveler Insights

Reviewers repeatedly mention the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Anna, who make the experience both educational and fun. One traveler noted, “What a great experience with my guide Anna hiking through WA’s rainforest. I hadn’t experienced such rainforest before, so the huge trees and nursing logs were a great and novel sight.”

Another pointed out that, even after years away from backpacking, the route was manageable thanks to the guides’ support, making it accessible for those with prior experience and those looking to challenge themselves.

The stunning views of the Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus are consistently praised, with one reviewer noting, “The pictures taken here will be plentiful while we eat and replenish the calories we lost on the final uphill stretch.” This highlights how this tour combines physical effort with incredible scenery, rewarding hikers with memorable vistas.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For adventurous souls eager to experience Olympic National Park’s varied ecosystems, this guided backpacking trip offers an ideal balance of challenge, comfort, and awe-inspiring scenery. The expert guides and inclusive setup make it accessible and enjoyable, especially for those ready for a multi-day trek in wilderness terrain.

The opportunity to see the pristine rainforests, high alpine lakes, and the Blue Glacier up close makes it a truly special experience. If you’re a hiker who enjoys learning from knowledgeable guides and wants a well-organized trip that covers diverse landscapes, this tour is well worth the investment.

On top of that, supporting a non-profit operation adds a feel-good factor, knowing your adventure helps fund youth scholarships. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making the journey both intimate and immersive.

In short, this trip is best suited for fit hikers who crave authentic, scenic adventures and are prepared for some physical effort. If that sounds like you, then this Olympic National Park expedition promises memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This trip is designed for those with a strong physical fitness level. While experienced hikers will find it manageable, beginners should consider their fitness before booking, as the hikes involve elevation and several miles per day.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast (4), lunch (5), and dinner (4), making it a convenient all-in-one package.

What gear do I need?
The tour includes the use of backpacking equipment as requested, so you won’t need to bring much beyond personal clothing suited for variable mountain weather.

Can I bring my own gear?
Yes, you can bring your own gear if you prefer, but the tour also provides equipment, which simplifies packing.

How many people are on each trip?
The maximum group size is 5 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance and a more intimate experience.

What are the best dates to go?
The tour runs from June to September in 2024 and 2025. Specific dates are available, so early booking is wise.

Does the tour include park entrance fees?
No, the Olympic National Park entrance fee of $30 is not included.

What is the difficulty level?
It’s considered a moderate to challenging hike, with some days involving significant elevation gains and long distances.

What wildlife might I see?
Potential sightings include deer, elk, and bears, especially in the rainforest and meadow areas.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Cancellations later than that are non-refundable.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenery-packed backpacking adventure in Olympic National Park, this trip delivers on all fronts. From lush rainforests and alpine lakes to icy glaciers, it offers a comprehensive and memorable wilderness experience—perfect for those who love trail, terrain, and a good story to tell.