At a Glance
A perfect Pacific Northwest story awaits! Write a new chapter in your adventure memoir by exploring the waterways, lush forests, and misty trails of the mesmerising Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island. Immerse yourself in the captivating natural wonders of this 6-day hiking adventure filled with enough awe-inspiring moments to fill a storybook. Hike Washington’s Olympic National Park and marvel at sublime marine life, all on an adventure of a lifetime—your “once upon a time” starts here.
Your exciting adventure begins in Seattle, where we take the ferry to Bremerton and journey across Puget Sound. Hike through old-growth forests, catching views of Hood Canal. Visit the Olympic National Park for a hike along Hurricane Ridge, one of the park’s most notable vantage points. Explore a verdant rainforest and discover Sol Duc Falls. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- 5 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at noon at the Seattle Ferry Terminal on the Seattle Waterfront at Pier 52 in Seattle, WA. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodations). Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Following our meeting in Seattle, we board the ferry to Bremerton, Washington, famed for its naval and maritime heritage as home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. We disembark and shuttle to the Alderbrook Resort & Spa, our majestic oceanfront retreat, seated on the banks of the Hood Canal and offering awe-inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains. |
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We begin cycling along a peaceful forest trail peppered with huckleberries and Devil’s Club, an important medicinal plant in Native/First Nations traditional and contemporary culture—be careful of the spikes! The hike takes us through a second-growth forest and across charming wooden footbridges with streams flowing below—the perfect introduction to this stunning region! For a few extra kilometres, continue on a shaded loop before returning to the resort, where you can get comfortable in your room, explore the grounds, or relax by the pool. Later, we convene for dinner, demonstrating an infusion of the Washington State flavours with artistic flair, including fresh seafood and seasonal produce on the property. |
Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union, Washington
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Join a shuttle from the Hood Canal along the Olympic Peninsula up to Olympic National Park to hike one of its most renowned locations: Hurricane Ridge. Most of our route, which takes us along the upper spine of the Elwha Ridge to Hurricane Hill, winds through open meadows scattered with subalpine conifers. These meadows come alive in early summer with brilliant wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, columbine, and mountain asters. If we have clear skies, we are spoiled with swapping vistas of the Olympic Range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island from the hilltop—our whole trip is visible from this lookout point. If you prefer a longer and more technical hike, head to Klahhane Ridge for more breathtaking views and meadows carpeted with wildflowers. Watch for wildlife, including mountain goats, marmots, and even black bears. |
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Following the hike, we shuttle to our historic national park lodge, nestled among giant hemlock and fir trees on the shore of Lake Crescent in the shadow of Mount Storm King. Settle in and savour dinner at your leisure in the lodge’s lakefront dining room overlooking the panoramic Lake Crescent. |
Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Prepare to traverse Olympic National Park’s Sol Duc River Valley! With over 900 kilometres of trails, the park houses the largest remaining undisturbed old-growth and temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest. The area gets more than 3 metres of rain annually (be sure you have your rain gear handy!), creating an environment for Western hemlocks, Douglas Firs, and Sitka spruce trees to flourish. Ferns and moss cover the trees and forest floor—even the air seems green here! Journeying to Sol Duc Falls, one of the park’s largest and most panoramic waterfalls, pass through a forest of timber giants and cross the river on a bridge over the falls. As you continue on Lover’s Lane Trail, navigate the woods and fern glasses along footbridges made from ancient fallen logs. If you’re looking for a challenge, conquer the rocky trail up to Deer Lake, which rises steadily to 518 metres. Aptly named, the Alpine Lake is the summer home of the black-tailed deer and the occasional black bear. After the hike, we head to the lodge to relax and freshen up before dinner, which features a robust menu of delicacies. |
Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft) For a peaceful start to the day, follow a trail adorned with sword ferns, trilliums, hemlocks, cedars, and firs to Marymere Falls. The route offers two different viewpoints of the scenic 27-metre falls. Then, soak in stunning views of the Olympic Mountains as we say goodbye to the Evergreen State and ferry across the fast-moving Juan de Fuca Strait to Victoria, B.C., which marks our official passage into Canada! We take a shuttle from Victoria to our elegant and boutique hideaway on the Salish Sea, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. |
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As we paddle in the bay in the afternoon, we have the best introduction to this enchanting community and its idyllic setting. You’re also welcome to relax in the mineral pools or unwind at the hotel’s renowned spa. (Spa treatments are at own expense). Later, savour dinner on your own at the hotel or in Victoria. |
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, CanadaBreakfast, Lunch |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: We begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading for our trailhead in Mount Work Regional Park. We navigate verdant forests until we reach Mount Work’s summit, taking in breathtaking views of Mount Baker on the way up and the Olympic Range on the way down. The vistas alone are worth the journey! In the afternoon, we hike a serene forest trail to McKenzie Bight, a sole fjord on southern Vancouver Island. Under filtered sunbeams, we tread a consistent downhill over a creek before finding ourselves at sea level, travelling alongside its winding current all the way to the ocean. As we get closer to the rocky beach, the gorgeous views that await us start to reveal themselves through the trees. After crossing the bridge, feel free to wander out to the water and spend some time touring this remote slice of the island. When you are ready, take a gradual climb back the way you came. If you’d prefer to skip the hike, you can return to our luxurious oceanfront retreat. Relish a relaxing afternoon with a book, a dip in the mineral pools, or a trip to the hotel’s spa. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Reservations are recommended.) Tonight, we celebrate our trek through the Pacific Northwest with a farewell reception and dinner. |
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC, CanadaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy breakfast before deciding whether to embark on a historical walking tour of the lively city of Victoria, starting at the Wharf and ending in Chinatown. Afterward, we return to our hotel, where we say our goodbyes. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Seattle, Washington
- The finish point is Victoria, British Columbia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Seattle. The closest airport to Seattle is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located about 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of downtown Seattle.
Temperatures tend to be mild to warm in Olympic National Park but can vary—sometimes by at least 10 degrees within one day! Weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations, and rain is always a possibility. Rain and overcast, cool or even cold days are likely at some point during the week, so bring quality waterproof, breathable rain gear. Also pack warm layers for our ferry rides, as it can be chilly on the water. Because it is sheltered by the Olympic Mountains, Victoria often escapes clouds and rain, offering some of British Columbia's finest weather. Keep in mind that while the summer tends to be relatively dry, West Coast weather is variable, and rain is always possible.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
