Backpacking Washington's Olympic Coast - Alumni

Come along on a NOLS style backpacking adventure along the coast of the scenic Olympic peninsula. This route weaves along the rocky coastline of the Washington coast dodging in and out of one of the lower 48's only temperate rainforests. While there isn't elevation to challenge your cardio endurance there is plenty of scrambling around boulders, and hiking on challenging terrain to make this trip have an element of physical challenge for everyone.

The trip will start north of Seattle in Mt Vernon, visiting out NOLS Campus there for gear issueing, rations, and route orientation. From there, we will head out in NOLS vehicles for the Olympic coast for a week of hiking with full packs at the ocean's edge. During the hike, you will carry everything you need for your time on the trail. Shelters, food and kitchen setups are all provided and will be split up to be carried together by the group. At the end of the trip, we'll drop you at a hotel near the Seattle airport for your homeward journey.

September is an incredible time to be on the Washington coast. The summer heat has started to disipate and occasionally fall colors are poking out. The bugs are at a minimum and the amounts of rain tend to be on the lower side for this very wet climate. We have timed this trip to be at the optimal time of year on the coast and hope that you can get away and join us.

ActivityRating*:

*Full packs are always a challenge but coastal hiking means no real elevation changes.