Hoh Rainforest and the Blue Glacier
Highlights:
This hike is an Olympic National Park favorite! Explore a beautiful old-growth temperate rainforest, view pristine high alpine lakes and meadows, and climb to the breathtaking overlook of the Blue Glacier. On this hike you will have the opportunity to hike through different ecosystems within the park and see the variety of plants and wildlife that inhabit them. You may see deer, elk, and bears. Your hiking efforts will be awarded with spectacular views of Mt. Olympus and the Blue Glacier.
Check Out the Blue Glacier Experience!
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet your guide at the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center at 12 pm. We will take some time to get acquainted with gear as well as the logistics of the trip before beginning our hike. The hike begins on the Hoh River trail. This first day is a wonderful 9 mile day of gradual uphill through the rainforest.
Day 2: After a delicious breakfast, pack up camp and move 6 miles further up trail. Pass through old growth temperate rainforest and be rewarded with views of Lewis Meadow and the Hoh River. The evening of day two, we will arrive at Elk Lake Camp, our base camp for the next 2 nights. We will set up camp, eat dinner, and relax.
Day 3: On day 3, we have carry only small day packs and leave our base camp for a hike to the Blue Glacier overlook. This is a wonderful day to take our time and take plenty of photos as we climb. This 6 mile round trip hike will provide breathtaking views of the massive Blue Glacier.
Day 4: Our 4th day rewards us with a downhill hike! We will travel 6 miles back down hill, the way we came, eventually reaching the Olympic Guard Station Camp. This will be a more relaxing day where we can enjoy lunch at the river while soaking in the views.
Day 5: On Day 5 we finish our hike along the route we came in on. We will return to the Hoh Rainforest Visitors Center. This last day’s hike is approximately 9 miles.
In the trip cost we include backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles, and eating utensils at NO EXTRA COST as needed. Lastly, all profits from our guided trips go towards our non-profit youth summer camp program.
Note: All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Although our success rate is 98%, should we not obtain the exact trail-head, a trip of equal quality will be obtained. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, itineraries may be changed to mitigate risks.
*All trips are pending permit availability which we gain in mid-February. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates.
