13-Day Olympic Backpacking Adventure for Teens

Teen Summer Camp in Olympic National Park, Washington: A 13-Day High Country Adventure

Olympic National Park

Trip Highlights:

Teen Adventure Summer Camp

Hoh Rainforest

Backcountry Camping

Sol Duc Falls

Ages 14-17

CO-ED

Our 13-day Teen Adventure Summer Camps are the ultimate gateway to a lifelong passion for the outdoors. This backpacking summer camp for teens combines our coastal and ancient forest adventures for nearly two weeks of skill-building and exploring immersed in Olympic National Park. Designed for teens ages 14-17, this camp begins on the coast, exploring sea caves and marine life along trails that weave on and off the beach. By the end of the journey, campers find themselves traversing the moss-covered terrain of the ancient old-growth forest. Our experienced outdoor educators, who are are trained specifically for the Olympic area, share their knowledge with participants as the group covers between 4 and 8 miles hiking each day. For teens looking to develop their outdoor skills by fully immersing in some of the world’s most majestic wilderness, the 13-day Olympic Teen Backpacking Adventure is the ultimate choice.

Age Range

14-17

Price

$3,500

Length

13 Days

Length

13 Days

Mileage & Difficulty

60-70 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Mileage & Difficulty

60-70 Miles

Moderate-Strenuous

Departure

Fairholme Boat Launch

12 pm

Pickup

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

12 pm

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2023 Departure Dates by Month

Teen Adventure Summer Camps: 13 Day Olympic Backpacking Program

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary only. While we do our best to replicate the itinerary described below, our itineraries and destinations in Olympic National Park are dependent upon a number of external factors, including weather, snow levels, and the ongoing mountain goat removal project. In the event that we must adjust the itinerary, parents will be notified by email with ample notice prior to the trip dates.

Day 1: You will meet your Guides/Counselors and will have time to meet your group as well as learn about your backpacking gear. After a group orientation, we will answer any last parent or participant questions before getting to know each other and spending the rest of the day exploring the geography of beautiful Lake Crescent. The day will end with evening activities strengthening our bonds and learning more about the weeks ahead, before settling into camp for the night at Fairholme Boat Launch.

Day 2: The first half of our journey will take us to the beaches of the Olympic Coast. After taking a shuttle from our camp to La Push, we will begin our hike on the beach with sea stacks towering in the ocean next to us. Today we will hike about 4 miles to Chilean Memorial Campground, where we will relax for our first night of many in the backcountry.

Day 3: After our first day warming up our legs, we continue today hiking about 6 miles along the beautiful Pacific coastline. Today will be our first chance to practice navigating tides, hiking in and out of the coastal forest above the ocean. We will camp on the beach tonight listening to the sound of the ocean waves and watching the stars as we share stories and play games together on the endless stretches of sand.

Day 4: Today we will hike about 5 miles to Yellow Banks campsite while learning about the Olympic Wilderness and history through storytelling. We will have the chance to learn about tidal pools, and perhaps be lucky enough to see ocean life such as sea otters, sea lions, whales, eagles, flocks of pelicans, sea stars, anemones, and much more.

Day 5: Today our destination is about 5 miles further at Cape Alava; a stunningly beautiful camp on the beach and the northernmost part of our journey. Along the way, we will keep watch for historical and culturally significant petroglyphs estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. We will have time today to explore further north along the coast for a day hike and enjoy a sunset over the ocean while relaxing on massive driftwood logs at the westernmost point of the contiguous U.S.

Day 6: On our final day on the coast, we will hike 3 miles through the ancient coastal forest; a dramatic shift from the previous days on the beach. We will pass through coastal meadows and bogs before meeting a shuttle at the Ozette Trailhead and be transported to the Sol Duc Campground where we will celebrate the halfway point of our journey with ice cream and a re-supply of fresh food and a clean change of clothes.

Day 7: Today is a well deserved “Zero Day”. We will rest today and enjoy the area around the campground. There will be an opportunity for some mellow day hiking and we can prepare for the next half of our trip starting tomorrow.

Day 8: After a night of rest, we will have the chance to sleep in this morning! Our hike today will take us 3.5 miles to picturesque Mink Lake high in the mountains and surrounded by deep, dense forest. We will settle in for our first night in the mountainous backcountry with an entirely different perspective of the same national park.

Day 9: After our regular morning circle time we will embark on one of our more strenuous days of uphill as we travel to Deer Lake. By now we will have had plenty of practice in trail games and keeping spirits high as we pass through forests draped in mosses and slime molds. There is an alpine lake at camp today, and after we have had time to set up our camp, we will get to wade in the water and relax as we watch the alpine glow of the mountains reflected in the water.

Day 10: Today will be another long day, hiking over 6 miles to CB Flats Campground. Yes the day will be strenuous, but after more than a week of hiking together we will have found a rhythm to make the time pass. We will have the chance to look back on the valleys and lakes below, where we can see just how far we have come already. We will finish our day with a descent past beautiful Hoh Lake and camp in a more secluded area near meadows of wildflowers.

Day 11: Today we will hike about 5 miles to Sol Duc Park. Along the way, we will hike across the High Divide which provides unparalleled views of the Olympic and Bailey mountain ranges. We will break for lunch at one of the passes and relax near alpine lakes, mountain creeks, and meadows of wildflowers. We might even have the opportunity for sledding and snowball fights! Hiking through the Seven Lakes Basin is an unforgettable experience and our sleep tonight will be well deserved.

Day 12: On our second to last day, we will have an easier hike. Continuing about 2 miles to Seven Mile Group Site, we will have the chance to relax for a good part of the day as we prepare to reenter the front country tomorrow. We will take our time identifying all of the flora and fauna of the forest and spend the afternoon learning about the geological, cultural, and human history of this part of the park as we relax in the shade of giant trees near the river.

Day 13: On our final day we will pass by the famous Sol Duc Falls, reflecting on our long journey, as we descend to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort by noon for pickup.

Other: On all of our summer camps, we have a daily circle time in the morning where youth engage in group games, share highlights, offer encouragement and support to each other, stretch, review maps and day itineraries, and set individual and group goals for the day. Also, whether breaking on the trail or in the afternoon or evening in the campsite, our Guides facilitate additional opportunities for youth to develop a personal connection with nature. Problem-solving and initiative games are common as are smiles. Additional outdoor skills are gained as we practice Leave No Trace principles and promote environmental stewardship throughout the length of the program.

Drop-off/pick-up time & location: Our 13-day program begins at the Fairholme Boat Launch at the west end of Lake Crescent at 12pm on Sundays and ends at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort at 12pm on Friday.

Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

RECREATIONAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Our summer camp programs are purely recreational in nature and should not be confused with a wilderness therapy program. Our staff is trained as summer camp counselors, outdoor educators, and/or guides and they are not required or expected to have training/experience in therapeutic programs. Your child should individually have the desire to participate in this program and should not be sent against his/her will. Additionally all participants should have experience at sleepaway camps and/or being away from their parents/guardians for multiple nights. No refunds will be given for evacuations due to social, emotional, and/or behavioral reasons. In addition, there will be a minimum fee of $500 for any field evacuation due to said concerns.

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 participants on multi-day trips or any participant 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. Travel Insurance through the Protect Group is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip. See more information on this policy HERE. You are also welcome to purchase any other travel insurance of your choice.

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.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Youth Summer Camps. During check-out you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at 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.

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 amount 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 Summer Camps have a four 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. Health screenings can be expected on all youth programs.

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

“From a parent's perspective, Lasting Adventures provided plenty of communication before and during the trip, so I knew he was in good hands. From a kids perspective, this adventure taught him skills he may not have otherwise learned, built up his self-confidence and independence, and fostered a love for the outdoors. He already can’t wait to do this camp again!”

“The guides were so knowledgeable of the area, cooked amazing meals, taught the kids about nature, kept them safe, and most importantly helped each kid prove to themselves they could do it! That built more confidence in my daughter and made her more reliant on herself and trusting of herself.”

“My friends and I (aged 13-15) went on a two-week backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. Our group grew close as a family, and on the last night, we had a very joyous celebration. We joked, messed around, and ate delicious food prepared by the guides. I strongly recommend them if you are looking for a physical and active summer camp, with amazing views along the way.”

“My daughter participated in the 7-Day summer camp in Yosemite and, WOW, is all I can say! I was nervous, but the staff was quick to respond via email to all my questions. She had the time of her life and she can’t wait to do it again next summer!”

“My 15 (Nearly 16) year old son just got home from an EPIC trip with Lasting Adventures on the Outdoor Leadership Expedition. He had such a wonderful time and communicated that his guides were "the best." If you're looking for a journey for your young family members this comes genuinely, very highly recommended. All of the kids were thrilled, and all of the most free and relaxed of smiles!”