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The Grand Valley

The Grand Valley

Trip Highlights:

Olympic Mountains

Rocky Passes

River Valleys

Subalpine Meadow

Ridge Walking

Three Forks

The Grand Valley Adventure is a journey for those seeking the authentic wilderness backpacking experience in Olympic National Park. Our trail travels from high to low, visiting deep, riparian valleys and high, windy ridges. Engulfed in montane forest and subalpine meadow, this trip offers something for visitors of Olympic National Park that want to see the more rugged side of the peninsula. The Grand Valley is our main destination, and it is aptly named; panoramic views abound from the Olympic Mountains to the Puget Sound. Join us for in some of Olympic’s most spectacular backcountry for a backpacking trip that is nothing less than “grand.”

Mileage & Difficulty

25-31 Miles

Length

6 Days

Price

$2,400

Per Person

Departure Info

12 p.m.
Check Availability

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

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.

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.

2026 Departure Dates by Month

    August Departure Dates  

  • Fri, Aug 7th – Wed, Aug 12th
  • Thu, Aug 20th – Tue, Aug 25th

    September Departure Dates  

  • Sat, Sep 5th – Thu, Sep 10th

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 Grand Valley 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

After making your way up the winding and scenic Deer Park Road, you will meet your guides at Deer Park, one of only two alpine areas that can be accessed by car in the park. After some gear shuffling, you’ll be on your way! Hiking 4.3 miles downhill into the lush Cameron Creek valley. You’ll enjoy the solitude and maybe even a dip in the creek at Three Forks for the evening, dozing off to the sounds of frogs and late evening birdsong.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 4.3 mi / +17′, -3277′

Day 2

Today’s trail takes us slowly up river as it meanders beneath the ridge to the north. It is a slow climb over 4.6 miles and will bring us to the Lower Cameron Creek camping area.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 4.6 mi / +1769′, -301′

Day 3

Today is our significant elevation gain day! We will be climbing out of the Cameron Creek drainage and up over the spectacular Grand Pass (6,420’)! The incomparable views are a well deserved reward, and you have the opportunity to climb even higher to summit Grand Pass Peak (6,700’) the tallest point of our trip and only a quarter mile off our main trail! We will meander past alpine lakes and pitch our tents at Moose Lake (5,072’) for the night.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.6 mi / +2994′, -1519′

Day 4

Today is our layover day at Moose Lake. Instead of packing up camp, we will do a day hike loop up to the ridge above the lake, traversing Moose Peak, getting some big views of the valleys to either side. This adventure is optional. Those who would prefer to relax at camp will be permitted to do so.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.8 mi / +2268′, -2268′

Day 5

Today we will take the Grand Traverse trail to our next campsite at Roaring Winds (6,020’). Aptly named, this campsite is nestled high on the crest of the ridge between Obstruction Point and Deer Park. Views of the Puget Sound and the valley we hiked through, in days prior, open up and we will settle into camp for the night.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.3 mi / +2690′, -1733′

Day 6

Our final hike takes us 4.6 miles back to Deer Park Trailhead and Campground (5,300′). We will hike below the summits of Maiden Peak and Green Mountain through alpine meadows and into dense subalpine forests before returning to where we started. Generally, our goal is to finish between 2-4 p.m., but this can be later due to the human or environmental factors.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 4.6 mi / +2690′, -1733′

 


Late Season (September): For any Hoh, Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin or Grand Valley backpacking trips in September, especially the second half of the month, please be aware that weather conditions can vary more widely. Sometimes we get a warm/dry September, sometimes the rain starts in September, and conditions are always exaggerated in the alpine; that’s the beauty of the Olympics! Be prepared for possible rain and cooler temperatures. If dangerous storms are in the forecast, we may have to alter the itinerary to avoid traveling in exposed terrain during storms.

  • 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.
  • Late Season (September): For any Hoh, Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin or Grand Valley backpacking trips in September, especially the second half of the month, please be aware that weather conditions can vary more widely. Sometimes we get a warm/dry September, sometimes the rain starts in September, and conditions are always exaggerated in the alpine; that’s the beauty of the Olympics! Be prepared for possible rain and cooler temperatures. If dangerous storms are in the forecast, we may have to alter the itinerary to avoid traveling in exposed terrain during storms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, parking is always available close to our first day’s meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the trip. Although parking is free, remember to expect a vehicle fee when entering the park.

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.

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.

To avoid the processing fees associated with online registration, you can pay by check, Zelle, or bank transfer. See more information here: Payment Options. 

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.

  • 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.
  • Late Season (September): For any Hoh, Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin or Grand Valley backpacking trips in September, especially the second half of the month, please be aware that weather conditions can vary more widely. Sometimes we get a warm/dry September, sometimes the rain starts in September, and conditions are always exaggerated in the alpine; that’s the beauty of the Olympics! Be prepared for possible rain and cooler temperatures. If dangerous storms are in the forecast, we may have to alter the itinerary to avoid traveling in exposed terrain during storms.

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.

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All Lasting Adventures Olympic Backpacking trips require trailhead permits, which we receive in mid-April for the following summer season.

If you register for any date before permitting is complete and we are unable to obtain the necessary permits, we will work with you to select alternative dates or trips. A complete cancellation or refund is always the final option.