-
How do I redeem my voucher? For which dates is it valid?
-
Please note there is a two-person minimum per departure date. To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to Wildland Trekking as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. Voucher is valid from June 21, 2021 until September 20, 2021.
-
What departure dates are available? Are both group departures and private departures available?
-
Currently, the following departures are available for selection. You may also contact us about scheduling private departure dates. Private departures require a group size of at least five people and depend on availability. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until you have confirmed dates from Wildland Trekking.
June 21-24, 2021
August 10-13, 2021
September 20-23, 2021
-
Are departures guaranteed?
-
There is a minimum of two participants required for each departure to run. Additionally, Wildland Trekking operates with permissions from National Park Service, BLM, and other land agencies that govern the Commercial Use Authorizations, and those management agencies can deny access based on various factors in which your guides will have to oblige. Please wait until you receive confirmation from Wildland Trekking before making travel arrangements.
-
Are there any other conditions that may prevent this trip from running?
-
All Wildland Trekking trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond their control, including, but not limited to, permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. Wildland Trekking reserves the right to cancel any trip because of internal reasons including but not limited to inadequate signups, loss of staff due to injury or illness, and significant damage/loss of inventory.
-
Is a 5-day itinerary available?
-
Yes, there is a 5-day trip option available for an additional cost. The itinerary and route is the same with the exception of Day 3. On the 5-day itinerary, Day 3 is an opportunity to relax and soak up the views of Enchanted Valley, or alternatively, to get some phenomenal day hiking in, including the ascent to Anderson Pass. Please contact our Adventures Team for more information.
5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Head to Olympic National Park and hike through rainforest
Day 2 - Hike along the Quinalt River to the Enchanted Valley
Day 3 - Explore the Enchanted Valley with optional ascent to Anderson Pass (Hiking mileage: up to 10 miles with up to 2,650 feet elevation gain/loss)
Day 4 - Explore the Enchanted Valley
Day 5 - Last hike in Olympic National Park and return to Olympia
The following departures are available for the 5-day itinerary:
July 12-16, 2021
July 28 - August 1, 2021
August 23-27, 2021
September 6-10, 2021
Please note that this option is best added after July 1, as snow persists in the higher elevations through late June. You’ll carry light daypacks, and start off with a mellow stroll through meadows and old-growth forests, winding past the largest Western Hemlock in the world. You'll then begin the ascent towards Anderson Pass at 4,464 feet, where you'll be treated to some of the best backcountry views in Olympic National Park!
-
What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
-
The trip begins and ends in Olympia, Washington. If flying in, the nearest international airport is SeaTac Airport (SEA), which is about an hour's drive from Olympia. Many international and domestic airports offer direct flights into SeaTac.
Wildland Trekking recommends the following transportation options: Capital Aeroporter to shuttle from SeaTac to Olympia, and Amtrak Cascades if you'd prefer to take the train from Tukwila, WA (near SeaTac) to Olympia.
-
Do you have recommendations on where to stay before or after the trip?
-
If you plan to book lodging before or after your trip, Wildland Trekking recommends staying at the Hotel RL Olympia (mention you're hiking with Wildland Trekking for a discounted rate). This is also the hotel where the group will meet for a pre-departure orientation the evening before the trip starts.
-
What are the accommodations like?
-
This is a backpacking trip and you'll be sleeping in tents. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and single, double, or three-person tents will be available to use.
The following will give you an idea of the camping equipment provided:
Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents: 1 person, 2 person, or 3 person
Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes or Mountain Hardware sleeping bags
Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
-
Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
-
Solo travelers can have their own tent for no additional fee.
-
What is the best way to store my vehicle and additional luggage?
-
The best place to store your luggage and vehicle is at your hotel. If they don't allow that, please work with your guide (they will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip) to find a solution.
-
How large is each travel group?
-
This trip has a maximum capacity of 10 guests and two Wildland Trekking guides.
-
What is the minimum age required for this trip?
-
Age restrictions are as follows:
For scheduled tours, the minimum age is 12 years old. However, for private tours the minimum age is 5 years old, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis.
-
Are meals included? What is the food like?
-
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on the final day. Each guide tailors the menu for the specific trip and group, and is extensively trained on backcountry food handling and meal planning. All of Wildland Trekking hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, Meals are supplemented with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, your guide will provide an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion during the hikes.
Wildland Trekking can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets, and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
-
How much extra money should people budget?
-
It is recommended that you bring an allotment of cash for anything you would like to buy during the trip (souvenirs). You should also budget for the industry recommended guide gratuity of 10-20% of the trip cost.
-
What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
-
Clothing:
- Sturdy Hiking boots, mid weight, lug-soled, above the ankle, waterproof and ideally well broken in Important note: Buy your boots 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks
- Lightweight tennis shoes or Crocs®, for camp (or casual shoes for inn-based tours)
- Hiking socks, one pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Recommended brands include Bridgedale®, Smartwool®, or similar padded socks (wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks is highly recommended). No cotton socks!!
- Gaiters
- Sunhat or baseball cap and bandana
- Mosquito head net
- Warm hat and gloves, sherpa style hat and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
- Long underwear, one pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are light-to midweight, example materials include capilene, merino wool, polypropylene, etc.
- T-shirt or nylon travel shirt
- Warm top, mid-weight shirt, sweater or pullover, also wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
- Fleece jacket or insulated coat, warm, lightweight and packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with a synthetic material
- Nylon pants and shorts, or zip-offs
- Bathing suit
- Fleece pants
- Rainproof jacket and pant - Waterproof/breathable jacket and pant such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon - with the pants look for side leg zippers or a style that will allow you to remove them without removing your boots
Gear:
- Water bottles or bladder, 2-3 liters total capacity
- Camp pillow, lightweight, packable camp pillow.
- Contact lenses and glasses if you wear contact lenses please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Bug repellent, preferably a product containing at least 25% "DEET" (some people are sensitive to this product)
- Toiletries, and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana can serve as a washcloth)
- Headlamp, spare batteries (preferably an L.E.D. type that works with AA or AAA batteries)
- Camera, spare batteries (optional)
- Notebook or paperback book, (optional)
- Knee braces, if needed
- Prescription medicine, please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
- Vitamins, (optional)
- Fly fishing gear, if you want to fish
- Money, for tipping your trip leader (optional but appreciated, generally 10-15% of your trip cost based upon the quality of your experience)
-
What kind of physical shape is needed in order to successfully participate in activities? Is there any special preparation/training required for this trip?
-
You should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles per day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-35 pound backpack. This trip has a maximum elevation gain/loss of 2,650 feet and follows established and maintained trails with possible deadfall. It also requires multiple creek crossings on uneven, slick and/or unstable terrain.
Once you have booked your trip with Wildland Trekking, they will send a trip packet with very detailed training instructions specific to your tour. The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely dependent on the shape you’re in. The fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. A combination of cardiovascular fitness, strength in all muscle groups and flexibility will help ensure an enjoyable experience. As such, we recommend you prepare for your trip with a moderate training program focused on walking and hiking, ideally in hilly terrain.
-
What is the weather like?
-
Summer and fall weather in Olympic National Park is usually temperate to cool, with daily highs between the low 60's to mid 70's on the coast, and usually a bit cooler in the mountains. Lows range from the 30's in the mountains in June and September/October to the 50's on the coast. Rain and cloud cover is a frequent occurrence throughout the year.
-
Do you require or recommend travel insurance?
-
We highly recommend you purchase trip insurance. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage.
-
Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
-
We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
-
Can I cancel or modify the trip?
-
Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2021 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date and travel when you're ready, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, you must choose a new date at the time of postponement to avoid any additional trip costs.
Between 59 and 30 days prior to departure
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure, but fees will apply.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date and travel when you're ready. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.