It’s that time of year when we all start to dream of long, sunny days spent frolicking in an alpine meadow or on a beach…if you’re wondering where to send your child for summer camp to have their dream outdoor experience, look no further! Our suggestions for the best summer camp locations in Washington will have them packing their bags and counting down the days. Come explore the beauty and diversity of Olympic National Park with us!
Washington Coast
Olympic National Park protects 73 miles of coastline in Washington–the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower 48! This incredible Pacific wilderness contains breathtaking rock formations, once-in-a-lifetime tidepooling opportunities, and jaw-dropping ocean sunsets. Learn about the unique ecological landscape where temperate rainforest and ocean meet; observe the ebb and flow of the tides while drinking hot cocoa around a driftwood campfire; fall asleep under the stars to the soothing sound of waves. Your child will not want to come home after experiencing the wonder and excitement of exploring the Olympic coast!
Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the world’s most unique and remote wilderness areas. Designated as a World Heritage Site and Bio Reserve by UNESCO, its remarkably lush ecosystem has remained unchanged and teeming with life for thousands of years. As we guide your child through this wondrous temperate rainforest, they will learn all about endless varieties of moss, observe the Roosevelt Elk in their natural habitat, come face to face with ancient conifers, and revel in the vastness and quietude alongside the magnificent, glacially-fed Hoh River. The best part is that the Hoh River Trail leads all the way up to the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus, one of the most remote and sought-after viewpoints in the park!
Seven Lakes Basin
You’ve probably heard about the magnificence of the Seven Lakes Basin; known for its pristine collection of sparkling alpine lakes, an abundance of wildflowers, and stunning views of Mount Olympus; there’s no better place to experience the joy of the mountains in Washington. Your child is guaranteed to have an amazing time observing black bears munching on wild blueberries, relishing in the clear, cool water of Hoh Lake, and naming more flower species than they can count.
Eastern Olympics
A lesser-known gem of the Olympics, the park’s east side offers something a little different. Although still heavily forested, the eastern areas, such as the Staircase area and the Dosewallips River Valley see less rain, which results in a more open forest floor carpeted with conifer needles instead of moss and shrubs. The best part? Endless towering Douglas Firs, a famous tree species native to western Washington. Let us guide your child through the incredible experience of hiking joyfully with the giant trees to the headwaters of the eastern rivers as they emerge into an incredibly beautiful and untouched subalpine landscape teeming with marmots, huckleberries, lakes, and mountain views.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational adventure for your child, look no further than Lasting Adventures’ Olympic National Park Summer Camps! Choosing between locations is difficult so there is the option of a 13-day Backpacking Adventure that goes to the coast and the mountains. We don’t want to leave the young ones out so there’s a trip for them too! Whether you send your child on a mountain or coastal adventure, or both, they’re guaranteed to have the trip of a lifetime with Lasting Adventures!