The North Coast

North Coast Backpack Trip

Olympic National Park

Trip Highlights:

Coastal Trek

Navigate Tides & Headlands

Beach Camping

Amazing Sunsets

Scenic Sea Stacks

Marine Wildlife

The Olympic North Coast Backpacking Trip offers a unique opportunity for guests to intimately explore the coastal regions along some of the most northwestern points in the continental United States. Traverse coastal forests to reach the beach, where wave-carved rock formations, teeming tide pools, and rugged cliffs await your presence. These shores are far from typical tropical beaches; they are the awe-inspiring, epic rocky shorelines that you see in the movies. While this trail lacks strenuous elevation gain, it far makes up for it in its rocky obstacles. Our expedition offers a distinctive experience mastering the art of tide tables, tide timing, and headland conquests. This adventure demands a flexible attitude and adventurous spirit, promising remarkable moments of awe in pristine wilderness.

Mileage & Difficulty

20-25 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Moderate-Strenuous

Length

4 Days

Price

$1,600

Per Person

Departure Info

Rialto Beach -or-

Ozette Trailhead

TBD

Check Availability

48-Hour Risk-Free Booking

You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.

Lifetime Credit Policy

Book with confidence knowing you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before your trip date and receive a transferable lifetime credit that is good for use on any of our programs.

Free Date Changes

Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so at least 30 days before the current and new trip dates.

All dates remain tentative until confirmed in mid-April each year.

See HERE for more info.

2026 Departure Dates by Month

All 2026 dates remain tentative until permits are received after April 15th. Please refrain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining the exact dates listed above. Feel free to contact us after April 15th if you would like to confirm.

The North Coast Backpacking Trip

For a detailed map with an elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map. This route may also be done in reverse.

Day 1

Meet your guide(s) at the Rialto Beach Backpackers Parking Lot. It is at this location that you will get acquainted with the group, pass and pack gear, and cover our trip logistics. After completing our logistical introductions, we will shuttle over to the Ozette Trailhead via Lasting Adventures transportation (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). At the Ozette trailhead, we will stop for a quick lunch and restroom break before embarking on our 3-mile hike to our coastal refuge for the night. Breeze through this hike with easy terrain across mostly boardwalk that weaves through the refreshing misty coastal forest until you reach the beach and our camp at either Sand Point or Cape Alava. These offer campsite choices of either under the forest canopy or on the beach and provide a great spot to explore tidepools and look for wildlife.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.4 mi / +369′, -395′

Day 2

Rise with the sun and kick-start your day with a delectable breakfast skillfully prepared by your guide. Begin your hike with a leisurely stroll along the beach, heading toward your initial tide restriction, with an optional stop at the Wedding Rocks petroglyphs. If the tide is at its lowest and time permits, take in some of the coast’s finest tide-pooling experiences at Yellow Banks. After passing through the optional but incredibly fascinating cliff tunnel, continue your journey along the beach until you arrive at a rugged section adorned with breathtaking cliffs and panoramic views of sea stacks. Your seasoned guide will assist you in navigating the rocky terrain and seaweed-covered rocks, so keep your eyes out for any enchanting anemones and vibrant sea stars! The day culminates with a warm welcome at Norwegian Memorial Camp, where you can savor a hearty dinner while relishing the sunset from the pristine, white sandy beach.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 10.3 mi / +120′, -129′

Day 3

Set out early to prepare for an eventful day filled with conquering tide restrictions and headlands! You’ll cover six miles of captivating cliffs, rocky tidepools, and untouched, secluded beaches while threading your way through entertaining seaside boulder fields and coves. Once you’ve triumphed over the legendary yet splendid Cape Johnson, take a well-deserved break at Chilean Memorial Camp, knowing that you’ve just conquered the most challenging segment of the hike! Delight in a beachside campfire and soak in the breathtaking sunset views as the soothing sound of waves lulls you into a peaceful slumber.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.15 mi / +150′, -151′

Day 4

Continue your journey, skillfully traversing captivating cliffs and headlands bustling with vibrant sea life, leading you to Hole in the Wall, an iconic coastal gem! Traverse the sea stack’s arch, where you can marvel at tide pool ecosystems and stunning vistas of distant sea stacks. On the opposite side, discover the beauty of Rialto Beach. Savor the final miles filled with the briny essence of the sea, all while witnessing the graceful spectacle of pelicans gracefully skimming the crashing waves and colossal driftwood logs forming impressive stacks.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.8 mi / +77′, -65′

North Coast Additional Info/Disclaimers:

Early Starts: Some days on this route may involve very early starts due to tide restrictions. Be prepared to wake up with or before the sun!
Direction of Route: The direction of the route may follow either the northbound or southbound route, depending on permit availability and tides. (i.e., you may start at either Ozette or Rialto). Regardless of direction, we will provide the necessary transport to/from Rialto Beach on either side.
Tide Changes: This route includes tide-restricted sections, meaning certain areas can only be passed at a given maximum tide. Therefore, this route is only safe and available during certain tide windows. We use NOAA tide predictions for the most accurate and up-to-date predictions. However, please be aware that the advertised dates for this trip are subject to change due to the potential for changes in tide predictions (especially prior to April 15th). We advertise dates based on the tide predictions available to us at the time; however, factors such as winter storms can change the predictions. Dates are also not guaranteed until we obtain permits. Expect dates to be more solidified based on tides and permits after mid-April. If the dates you booked for this trip are no longer available, we will work with you to choose other dates and/or cancel/refund if necessary.
Although specific ending times will depend on the tides and speed of our group, it’s always safe to plan for a midday ending between 11am-1pm (knowing that many times we will end earlier).

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See here for our Frequently Asked Questions, Olympic Transportation Options, and/or Olympic Lodging Options.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability which we gain on April 15th of each year. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
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, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

I have never backpacked before. Can I still join this trip?

Yes, our backpack trips are perfect for both those who are new to backpacking and those who have backpacked before and are looking to explore new areas.

I am booking as a solo participant. Is that okay?

Yes, overall, most of our clients travel solo, and everyone always leaves with new friends. Often these new friendships return and join us in different parks and/or on different itineraries. Solo participants will be offered single-person tents.

How big are the backpacking groups?

On backpacking trips, our average group size is 8-10 people with at least two guides, however, often groups are much smaller. We strive for a 1:5 guide to client ratio at most on all trips. We also appreciate small group sizes to maximize your experience.

Is there a Packing/Equipment List?

Yes, see here for our Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List.

How much weight will I be required to carry?

You can expect to carry anywhere from 30-50 pounds, but no more than ⅓ of your body weight. You will carry all your personal gear and, if possible, a share of the group gear. Within the group, bigger people carry more and smaller people less. For over 30 years now, this process has worked to everyone’s advantage.

Will there be parking available?

Yes, parking is always available close to our first day’s meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the trip.

Are there public transportation options available?

Due to the remote trips we offer in Olympic National Park, a rental vehicle is advised. However, you can find more information on transportation options here: Olympic Transportation Options.

Where can I leave my extra/other luggage and/or belongings I will be traveling with?

You can store your valuables and/or extra gear/luggage either locked in your vehicle or our guide’s vehicle for the duration of the trip.

Can you accommodate dietary requests?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of most all dietary restrictions and even some very complicated ones. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to give us a brief picture of your needs. Later, you will complete a more detailed Medical Form, which you can use to include additional information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and, when packing the food/gear for the trip, will go over your needs and modifications in more detail. Although we have many options in stock, we respect it if you ultimately decide to bring your preferred substitutions.

What's your cancellation policy?

Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy, with lifetime transferable credit always an option up to 30 days prior to the trip. For a full description, visit our Terms and Conditions page.

See here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See here for our Frequently Asked Questions, Olympic Transportation Options, and/or Olympic Lodging Options.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability which we gain on April 15th of each year. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
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, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.