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Peaks and Paddles in Olympic National Park
Destination: Olympic National Park, Washington
| Activities: Hiking and Kayaking
Can't decide whether you prefer mountains or beach, boats or hiking? Experience all of these - and more - as we spend a week exploring the beauty of Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park, one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest, is beloved for its spectacular scenery and amazing array of ecosystems. Often referred to as "three parks in one," Olympic National Park encompasses miles of beach along the wild Pacific Coast, the towering peaks of the Olympic Mountains, and an incredible variety of old-growth and temperate rain forests. In August, it's one of the best places in the country to visit! The temperatures are pleasant, some wildflowers are still in bloom, and the usually omnipresent rain abates for a while. On this adventure, we'll use kayaks, rafts, and our feet as we sample the best the park has to offer. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Hiking the astounding diversity that is Olympic National Park: sandy beaches and shore-side cliffs; giant trees in the ancient temperate rainforest; and snow-capped peaks and mountain lakes
- Kayaking on Lake Crescent, a fjord-like lake, and also with the seals, seaweed, and saltwater in the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Relaxing to the sound of the crashing waves at the Quileute Oceanside Resort
- Staying at a national park lodge that has welcomed guests since 1916
Departures and Prices
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Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights double occupancy lodging
- All meals from dinner on Saturday through lunch the following Saturday, except for one dinner
- Guided kayaking trips in both fresh and saltwater
- All transportation once you arrive at our hotel near the airport, including two ferry rides
What's not included: Travel to and from Seattle, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities, one dinner and travel insurance.
Trip Documents
Trip Intro
This trip is rated a 3 and is at the upper level of that rating. The hikes range from range from 5-9 miles. The terrain is hilly, and the trail is uneven in sections. As each day usually includes 4 to 6 hours of activity and the variety of activities (e.g. hiking and kayaking) require a good all-around fitness level. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5
Olympic National Park is made up of diverse ecosystems, and we'll explore it in diverse ways: kayaking on a large lake and later in saltwater; and hiking in the Hoh River Rain Forest, the largest temperate rain forest in the U.S., and in the mountains around Grand Lake. Being comfortable in water is important; no experience is needed for any of these activities - we'll teach you what you need to know.
We spend the first night at a hotel by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also referred to as Sea-Tac, SEA). Our hotel will have a free airport shuttle. Rooms
have 2 queen beds and en-suite bathrooms.
The next 2 nights are at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park. Rooms will have 2 queen beds and en-suite bathrooms.
(https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/accommodations/lake-crescent-resort.aspx)
We will spend the next 2 nights right on the Coast at the Quileute Oceanside Resort. At this location we will have motel units with two beds, an ensuite bathroom, kitchens or kitchenettes, and an oceanside view.
The final 2 nights at a hotel in Port Angeles (Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles or similar). Rooms will have 2 queen beds and en-suite bathrooms.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
4.6
(28 reviews)Yes. It was my first trip with AGC and I will be going on other trips. The guides were great. The other women were great. I was comfortable spending time with everyone. I was glad I was able to be in the slow hiking group so I didn't slow anyone down. The best hike was to Obstruction Point. Mountains are my favorite.
I did not like the overnight in Forks. The accommodations were lacking, no air conditioning , holes in window screen, no glasses or eating utensils. I think this stop should be replaced. There is no charm to this town. Everyone is over the Twilight movies. The hike to the dam was a waste since path washed out or what ever. Wasted day.
I signed on to this trip in large part to travel with a friend. I am not a kayaker (she is), but I was excited to hike in a national park I had not yet visited. Although the beach day hike wiped me out, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment having finished it. I also loved hiking at altitude with the fabulous views of the Olympics. I did not commit to doing this hike in its entirety because I wanted to get a look at the descent to the lakes before making a decision. Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication here as the group split into two well before the descent was reached. I confess to a little disappointment; however, in retrospect, I'm not sure I could have kept up with the pace given the ground that had to be covered.
I enjoyed the variety of the hikes and also the kayaking that was included.
Excellent leaders, very nice group of women, varied itinerary.
Good variety of activities. Good accommodations and food. Great guides
Third beach and Hurricane Ridge to Moose Lake hikes.
Scenery and activity level. Did not expect to love kayaking so much! I went for the hiking and also found a new activity.
I loved the meals together, the guides were amazing and full of knowledge! I always felt safe. The beautiful hikes in the rainforest and down to beach! We could have kayaked longer on Lake Crescent, I felt. The bay kayaking was a blast and we felt we were in qualified kayaking hands with Liz and Stephanie. We had one day where it was a little slow, but we probably needed the slow!
Location and itinerary were best. A whale watching day would have enjoyed if it had been included but may to extend trip time to do that. I enjoyed the number of hikes planned. Wished the ocean kayaking day had been a full day of kayaking. Accommodations in Forks,WA were lacking. I did not complain directly to my guide because honestly the company outweighed the lacking accommodations but they were really lacking. Bathroom floor was sunken due to a prior leak. The travel times between the locations was a bit of a bummer but I don't think that could be avoided. Thats why we had to be ready by 7:30 each morning. The diversity of the hikes was the BEST.
The hikes were the highlight of the trip for me - I loved hiking through the Douglas Fir forests, the mountains and to the ocean. The hikes were challenging and gave me a feeling of accomplishment when I finished them. The kayaking was also fun and I must admit that the accommodations and food well exceeded my expectations. The guides took very good care of us and made the trip fun - they even baked us a wild blackberry pie!
The weather far exceeded my expectations: I expected dreary, rainy weather -- all we had was sunshine! The food (from restaurants and from the guides) was very good. Nice selection; all healthy. The Lake Crescent Lodge was terrific, the Red Lion Inn was very nice. The Olympic Suites Inn at Fork was a disappointment in terms of condition of the room, but the size and amenities were good (nice to have a kitchen).
The variety of environments was wonderful. On the coast hiking one day, and then later in the week in the mountains.
The hikes seemed harder than other trips I have taken that were rated the same. I was uncomfortable either the fast pace, leaving very little time to appreciate the surroundings.
Challenging pace of activities, but not overwhelming. Good company. Great guides.
The beautiful scenery, the diverse hikes and kayaking, and fabulous guides.
Beautiful part of the country. Hiking was challenging but not overwhelming.
Highlights include the first night's dinner at Alki Beach, ride on Washington State Ferry, late afternoon visit to Hurricane Ridge, and hike to Strawberry Beach. Also, Olympic Raft
I really enjoyed having the local guide that knew the local fauna and flora. I also liked the variety of the trip.
The hikes, just challenging enough! I was disappointed to miss the rafting, but I totally understand conditions.
The outdoors and the hikes were terrific. The group size required long waits and large vehicles.
It was an incredibly diverse trip. It could not have been better!
The beach hike was great.
Where do I begin. The guides were great. All had excellent knowledge of the area and were very easy going. The weather was great. The hiking and kayaking had awesome views. There worst part was knowing I had to leave and go back to work!
Highlights were: Crescent Lake Lodge hiking to sue and point guides amazing guides were both incredibly competent no idea they had never met -- they worked really well together, very profession. Every step of way they were taking care of us -- everything. There is always one in every group that doesn't fit in but did not happen on this trip -- wonderful levels. Kayaking was highlight for me -- many others liked the hiking more.
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Where do we eat?
Most breakfasts and dinners will be in restaurants where you can order off the menu. The guides will cook meals during the time you are in Forks. Before you start the day, the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch or occasionally lunch will be picnic style. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant if we know well in advance. Although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, ie. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging. - I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?
This is the perfect trip for new and more experienced kayakers who are comfortable in water. The first day there will be instruction on safety and basic kayaking strokes. The guides are experienced kayak instructors and will teach you everything you need to know.
