|
|
|
6 Day $1585pp.
Surrounded by a rocky coastline, glacial
mountains and North America's only temperate rainforest, the Olympic
Peninsula is a land of remarkable diversity. No setting is better
suited
to smile-inducing outdoor activity, perfect for our multi-sport
adventure. We'll hike through old growth rainforests, wildflower-strewn
meadows and along sandy beaches, glide in sea kayaks through the Strait
of Juan de Fuca, raft through demi-gorges and dense rainforest, and
mountain bike through thick forests of hemlock, fir and cedar. At day's
end, we'll relax in luxurious historic lodges, dine on a bounty of
fresh
seafood and unwind beneath the stars.
Includes: All lodging, meals,
equipment and guides. Bike rental available.
Dates: July & August Difficulty: Easy |
|
| Day 1 | After meeting in Seattle, Washington and a scenic shuttle, we enjoy a full afternoon of sea kayaking -- the perfect way to enjoy the unique wildlife-rich marine environment of the Olympic Peninsula. Traveling at a leisurely pace, we explore the shorelines and hidden coves coast and enjoy the beautiful backdrops provided by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Tonight, we settle into Manresa Castle, a century-old castle set in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend. |
| Day 2 | Recently designated as a World Heritage Site, Olympic National Park is an area of exceptional beauty and scenic splendor. Signature features include virgin temperate rain and coniferous forests, spectacular coastline, alpine tundra and glacier capped mountains. Today, we ascend into the park and onto the broad summit of Elk Mountain where we enjoy a grandstand view into the heart of the Olympic Mountains, including the ice-bound mass of Mount Olympus itself. |
| Day 3 | Today we begin our hike amid enormous old-growth conifers, over the flower-laden alpine tundra of Appleton Pass and ending at Olympic Hot Springs. This cluster of steaming springs and pools lies sandwiched between a lush forest of fir and hemlock and the whitewater rapids of Boulder Creek. |
| Day 4 | With paddles in hand, we begin our day with inflatable river kayak trip on the beautiful Hoh River. Fascinating geology and a dense rainforest atmosphere keynote this mild whitewater trip. No experience is necessary -- we'll provide you with instruction covering everything from basic paddling techniques to the art of wave surfing. That afternoon, we bike along the Olympic Coast, a National Marine Sanctuary that encompasses some of the world's richest marine habitat above and below the surf. |
| Day 5 | Queets Rainforest, one of the only coniferous rainforests in the world, provides the backdrop for today's hiking and biking activities. Discover enormous old-growth firs and keep your eyes open for wildlife -- black bears and cougars are known to inhabit these forests. |
| Day 6 | For our finale, we hike in the incomparable Quinault Rain Forest. This is a true temperate rain forest, with each downed log supporting a beard-like understory growth of mosses and seedlings, ferns and vine maples. Our backcountry route follows the Quinault River up to a spectacular open basin famous for its waterfalls. After our hike, we enjoy a scenic shuttle back to Seattle for our trip's conclusion. |