Hoh Rainforest & Blue Glacier
Hoh Rainforest & Blue Glacier
The Hoh Rainforest is the most visited location of the Olympic National Park. On this 5 day, 4 night challenging backpacking trip we find out why as we hike our way past the crowds at the visitor center and deep into the largest and wettest temperate rainforest Washington. Receiving over 10 feet of rain annually, the Hoh Rainforest is a forest from a fairytale. Big Maples covered in thick moss tower above the forest floor thick with ferns and downed trees which have fallen to become “nurse logs,” and are now rich ecosystems of their own. After … miles of vibrant green, we climb high above the tree line to a lookout point which actually towers above the largest of the … remaining glaciers on Mt. Olympus, the “Blue Glacier.” Our hard work is rewarded with epic views of this glacier and the peaks of Mt. Olympus which at 8000 ft above sea level is the tallest point in the Olympic Mountains.
From Union we drive 3.5 hours to the Olympic National Park Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. From here we set out on the Hoh River Trail which, like its name suggests, takes us strolling along the Hoh River. An important waterway for fish like the migrating King Salmon, the river is given its impressive blue color from glacial silt. Our first camp will be near the river after 9 gentle and mostly flat miles from our trailhead. On day two we continue further on the same trail for 6 miles, the last 2 of which are up, up, up! Our second camp is often busy with mountaineers either preparing for or returning from the technical summit of Mt. Olympus. On our third day, we will pack our daypacks with snacks and water and head up to view the Glacier for ourselves, we may even spot a few of our campmates on their way up the mountain! On our fourth day we will begin our return descent down the trail that we hiked on days before returning to the dense old growth forest until we reach our 4th camp, where we enjoy one last special evening on the Hoh River. Our final day will feel like a breeze as we make our way the 5 miles back to the Hoh visitor center where we will enjoy a final lunch before heading back to Union (or your other drop off location).
The length of this trip combined with some serious elevation gain and long mileage days make this trip a challenging one. This is a great trip for people who have excellent physical health, and are very physically active – or able to dedicate a few hours a week to training months in advance. We do not recommend this as a hike for people who have a fear of heights as on one of our days we will be using a hand line to climb up and down a fixed rope ladder about 100 feet.
RATES:
- 1 Person $1,800
- 2 people $1,050/ person
- 3 people $800/ person
- 4 people $700/ person
*For groups larger than 4 please fill out a Custom Trip Request
TRIP OVERVIEW
- Length: 5 days / 4 nights
- 37 miles
- Elevation gain:
- Trip meeting point: Union, Wa
Daily Mileage:
Day 1: 9 miles
Day 2: 6 miles
Day 3: 6 miles
Day 4: 10 miles
Day 5: 5 miles
Our trips are customizable and fitted to you! After you inquire about or request to book a backpacking trip that we offer, we will contact you to talk about some of the trip specific fitness requirements, answer any questions you have and make sure the trip is a great fit for you and your group. After we confirm the booking of your trip, we will send you a detailed itinerary and packing list with some of our recommendations for clothing and other essentials as well as some training tips to help you best prepare for the trip.
Each backpacking trip varies in its level of physical demand but guest pack weights tend to be 35- 45 lbs total depending on the length of trip. We will give “packing light” tips to our guests before the trip to help keep these weights as low as possible.
Additional Porter service
Depending on our availability, we may be able to offer an additional “porter” service on a multi-day trip for individuals or groups who would like additional support carrying gear. A porter will carry up to 35 lbs of gear. The porter Rate: $250/ per day. If you are interested in adding a porter to your trip let us know when you fill out a booking inquiry.
- Fun and knowledgeable guide(s) As HYOH guides, we are stoked to share our favorite places with you and share what we know while experiencing all the lush beauty that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. All our multi-day guides have received Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training and carry first aid kits and satellite devices when we visit wilderness areas. Safety is our number one priority!
- Gear. HYOH will get you set up with a tent, backpacking pack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, eating kit (bowls, utensils, cups) and trekking poles. This is a great way to test out some gear before making a huge investment into your own personal backpacking gear!
- Food. From the morning we pick you up until we drop you off we will take care of keeping you fed! We provide snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trip (except for the last day as we will get you dropped off after one final lunch together.) Your guide will take care of water filtration and cooking set-up! Before your trip, we will check in with you about your diet restrictions and preferences.
- Permits. For our trips that require reservations and permits through the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park – we got you covered!
- Transportation. The trip price that you see includes transportation for 1-4 guests from Union, Washington to the trailhead and back. When you book your trip, we will ask where you would like to be picked up in Union. We can also provide a meeting place in Union if that is more convenient for guests. If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, that works too (just keep in mind that you will have to provide your own vehicle pass and park entry fee when required.) If there are more than 4 guests in your group or you would like transportation from another location inquire about a custom trip and we will work with you directly to plan your trip. We are often able to provide a shuttle service for an additional fee.
- Personal hiking clothing and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Sun protection and insect repellant (depending on season)
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Water bottle(s) or water bladder
- Headlamp + batteries
Tipping your guide is not expected but always appreciated! Industry standard is 10-20% of cost
Our trips are customizable and fitted to you! After you inquire about or request to book a backpacking trip that we offer, we will contact you to talk about some of the trip specific fitness requirements, answer any questions you have and make sure the trip is a great fit for you and your group. After we confirm the booking of your trip, we will send you a detailed itinerary and packing list with some of our recommendations for clothing and other essentials as well as some training tips to help you best prepare for the trip.
Each backpacking trip varies in its level of physical demand but guest pack weights tend to be 35- 45 lbs total depending on the length of trip. We will give “packing light” tips to our guests before the trip to help keep these weights as low as possible.
Additional Porter service
Depending on our availability, we may be able to offer an additional “porter” service on a multi-day trip for individuals or groups who would like additional support carrying gear. A porter will carry up to 35 lbs of gear. The porter Rate: $250/ per day. If you are interested in adding a porter to your trip let us know when you fill out a booking inquiry.
- Fun and knowledgeable guide(s) As HYOH guides, we are stoked to share our favorite places with you and share what we know while experiencing all the lush beauty that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. All our multi-day guides have received Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training and carry first aid kits and satellite devices when we visit wilderness areas. Safety is our number one priority!
- Gear. HYOH will get you set up with a tent, backpacking pack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, eating kit (bowls, utensils, cups) and trekking poles. This is a great way to test out some gear before making a huge investment into your own personal backpacking gear!
- Food. From the morning we pick you up until we drop you off we will take care of keeping you fed! We provide snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trip (except for the last day as we will get you dropped off after one final lunch together.) Your guide will take care of water filtration and cooking set-up! Before your trip, we will check in with you about your diet restrictions and preferences.
- Permits. For our trips that require reservations and permits through the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park – we got you covered!
- Transportation. The trip price that you see includes transportation for 1-4 guests from Union, Washington to the trailhead and back. When you book your trip, we will ask where you would like to be picked up in Union. We can also provide a meeting place in Union if that is more convenient for guests. If you prefer to meet at the trailhead, that works too (just keep in mind that you will have to provide your own vehicle pass and park entry fee when required.) If there are more than 4 guests in your group or you would like transportation from another location inquire about a custom trip and we will work with you directly to plan your trip. We are often able to provide a shuttle service for an additional fee.
- Personal hiking clothing and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Sun protection and insect repellant (depending on season)
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Water bottle(s) or water bladder
- Headlamp + batteries
Tipping your guide is not expected but always appreciated! Industry standard is 10-20% of cost
