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 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Length

4 Days

Price

$1,600

Per Person

Departure Info

Rialto Beach Backpackers Parking Lot

10am

Book Now

2024 Departure Dates by Month

“All 2024 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.”

Olympic National Park- North Coast Backpacking Trip

This is a sample itinerary only.

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 the Sand Point Campground. 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 Sand Point. Sand Point offers campsite choices of either under the forest canopy or on the beach. This is also a great spot to explore tidepools and look for wildlife. Today’s Mileage: 3 mi / +150′, -150′

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. 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: 7.2 mi

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: 6 miles

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. Todays mileage: 3.6 miles

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 April 15th. 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).

All trips are pending permit availability which we gain in mid-April. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. Should we not obtain the exact trailhead, we will make an effort to offer a trip of equal quality or provide other options. 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 risk management. In this regard, itineraries may be changed to mitigate risks.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any guests on multi-day trips or any guest who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience accomodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

Vegan and Vegetarian
Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
Lactose Intolerant
Celiac’s or Gluten Free
Kosher

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without the use of porters, stock, or other outside assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control prior to its start date a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period. This varies on our summer camps, where our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and should not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please refrain from requesting non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take off 10 minutes every four hours, as well as 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

FIREARM POLICY

Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We do recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included and see here for a review of some of the Best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. Please note that when canceling a trip, your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Backpacking Trips. During check-out, you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. If choosing this option, you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email, or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30-day interval for the remaining amount. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45 days in advance will be required to pay in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. When registering online, expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. For detailed information, see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

The following cancellation policy is only for trips booked directly through our official website, lastingadventures.com. If you have booked via a third-party website, such as The Clymb, TripAdvisor/Viator, or bookyogaretreats.com, the below policy does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund.
Between 90 and 61 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days prior to the start date, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Less than 31 days prior to the start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.

48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of any trip can be made without penalty within 48 hours of the initial booking. After 48 hours, our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. In this case, you will be required to submit proof of the purchase of said travel insurance. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the number of days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable.

Other Considerations

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips have a two-person minimum. (Yoga trips have a three-person minimum.) Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30 days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Disease Policy (including COVID): Any participant, on any program/trip, with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate, and no refund/credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is a risky activity which can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits, and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. Changes within 30 days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

"My son and I (both tax accountants) recently enjoyed a three-day private guided backpacking trip with Last Adventures. The trip met all our expectations; we had a great time! The guide’s love of her work and knowledge of Yosemite National Park made the trip a success. She planned all the details, provided excellent gear, and made sure everything worked out as planned"

"Lasting Adventures made my trip to Yosemite a dream vacation! It was stress-free because every detail was covered from food and transportation to clear meeting instructions and itinerary. Our guide took a hike that would have been fun and made it magical by explaining the history and ecology of the area we were hiking. He matched our pace and often let us lead. I can't say enough good things about Zachary and Lasting Adventures!”

“I did the Yosemite yoga 3 day backcountry camping. It was amazing! I would definitely do it again. The food was great! The scenery was superb camping in high country aside a mountain lake, and the guides and yoga instructor were fantastic!!!”

"We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), and for all of us it was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all had such an amazing yet challenging experience! Our guides’ spirit, cooking, and knowledge were great!”

“We backpacked with a group of 7 other people from 'Backpacker's Camp' to Mae Lake, up to Mt Hoffman, Cloud's Rest, and finally completed the trip with an amazing last day, summiting Half Dome at sunrise! It. Was. Incredible!! Our guides immediately made us feel comfortable and excited. Their passion for the wilderness, people, and their career as a guide is contagious. If you have the chance to go on a Lasting Adventures trip - please do it!”