Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expedition
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
From the mountains to the sea, explore the varied ecosystems of Olympic National Park while enjoying the cozy comfort and hospitality of an Olympic National Park lodge resort. Hike the longest stretch of coastal wilderness in the lower 48 states and witness fascinating tidal pools, scenic beaches, and amazing sea life. After a day or two, you’ll understand why Olympic National Park is internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. The old-growth forests of Sitka spruce, western red cedar and hemlock are magical places to explore. These massive trees soar to the heavens while protecting thick carpets of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers below. Watch for elk and black-tailed deer while listening for the whistle of the Olympic marmot. Trek up Hurricane Ridge and view majestic Mount Olympus, still covered with glistening white glaciers. Bring your camera; the scenery will take your breath away!
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy meals & snacks
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Olympic National Park!
Set on the shores of Lake Crescent, this scenic area is the ideal base for exploring Olympic National Park. Take an afternoon hike on a nearby trail among towering old growth forest, then enjoy dinner together.
Day 2 – Enjoy hikes to the Lover’s Lane Loop and Marymere Falls.
After breakfast with great coffee, drive to the Sol Duc Valley and hike the Lover’s Lane Loop through old growth forest, past a waterfall, with spur trails to alpine lakes. In the afternoon, hike to Marymere Falls from the trailhead just minutes from the lodge.
Day 3 – Take in views from Hurricane Ridge and hike the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy learning about the area at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Then take a hike in the surrounding mountains. You will be amazed at the change from the coast to 6,000 feet elevation.
Day 4 – Explore the magical Hoh Rainforest and the rugged coastline.
Spend the day hiking among old-growth spruce, cedar, and hemlock in the magical Hoh Rainforest. If you love big trees, you will love the Hoh. There are many trails to choose from–both high and low elevation. Visit Ruby Beach before returning to the lodge in the afternoon. Ruby is part of the longest contiguous stretch of protected coast in the lower 48. Don’t forget to take a look for the teeming marine life in the tide pools!
Day 5 – Enjoy one last hike before arriving in Seattle via ferry.
Pack up and take one last morning hike at Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge, enjoy the last picnic lunch and travel back to Seattle via the Bainbridge Island Ferry. The trip officially ends at 3 pm.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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