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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.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment, the final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all  Required Forms. For overnight adventures, you will find these forms attached to your confirmation email once you register online, and must be filled out by each member of your party as soon as possible.


TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance, which can provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. We recommend those with “cancel for any reason” clauses included. See reviews of some of the best Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Options presented by Forbes or Squaremouth. Other good student options include InsureMyTrip and Allianz Travel Insurance for Students.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We are happy to provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips when requested. Please keep in mind that when canceling a reservation, you must first contact the company that made your reservation with us.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all backpacking trips. During check-out, you may pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining 50% at least 30 days from departure. If you choose this option, you can either complete payment on your own using 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 within 45 days of the start date must be paid 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% (capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check and are non-refundable. For detailed information, see our Payment Options page.


CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, a credit equal to the total 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 TripAdvisor/Viator, BookYogaRetreats.com, or 57Hours), the policy below does not apply, and you are held to the third-party’s cancellation policy.

Multi-Day Adventures Cancellation Policy

  • More than 90 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
  • Between 90 and 61 days before the start date, we will grant a full refund minus $50/person and a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions.
  • Between 60 and 46 days before the start date, we will retain 25% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
  • Between 45 and 31 days before the start date, we will retain 50% of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the total value paid.
  • Less than 31 days before the start date, or once the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued.


48-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Any reservation can be canceled within 48 hours of the initial booking, and we will issue a full refund, minus a 2.7% processing fee for credit card transactions. 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 trip is booked 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 total amount paid will be issued. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will issue a non-refundable credit equal to the amount for the days not used. In both cases, these credits will be lifetime/transferable but non-refundable.


OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Departing from a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued, 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 is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Guide Service multi-day trips require a minimum of three people.

If we fall short on these minimums, we will reach out to you 30 days before your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a surcharge.

Infectious Illness Policy: Any participant on any program/trip who exhibits any signs or symptoms of a potential infectious illness will not be allowed to participate, and no refund or credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child before participating and contact us to cancel if you or your child shows any signs of illness. Health screenings can be expected in all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is risky and can be made even more dangerous 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 the weather is unfavorable. You will not be allowed to summit with a Lasting Adventures permit if the experienced guide decides the conditions are not favorable.

Booking a trip before permits have been confirmed: All Lasting Adventures trips require permits and/or campsites obtained in advance at specific intervals, depending on the particular park. If you book a trip before these permits and/or campsites are obtained, and for any reason we are unable to gain the necessary permits and/or campsites, we will then work with you to select alternative dates or trips. A cancellation and full refund will always be the final option.


TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

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

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without using porters, stock, or other outside assistance. For this trip, you will be expected to carry your personal gear, a share of the group gear, and food in a backpack. The weight is expected to be 30-50 lb., no more than ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, participants should talk about their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) carrying heavy loads over long distances and on strenuous, uneven terrain. The levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way constitute an objective declaration of difficulty. A regular physical exercise program is recommended before going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

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

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. To provide the best possible experience for our guests and guides, we limit our guides’ daily hours to 15. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless the group agrees to a different period before this standard break. This varies with our summer camp programs, where outdoor educators are always available as needed.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please don’t ask guides for non-time-sensitive assistance during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take 10-minute breaks every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.  We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions.


  • 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.