Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Olympic & Mt Rainier National Parks - United States Of America

SUMMARY

On this five-day winter hiking adventure, you’ll strap on your hiking boots and snowshoes and explore the Olympic coastal range and Mount Rainier National Park. Settle into a winter wonderland, when the tourists are outnumbered by wildlife and the snow drapes the landscape. Explore the diversity and beauty of this famous region, from its frozen mountain lakes and glaciers to the many waterfalls, rivers and snow slopes. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll immerse yourself in unspoiled wilderness, traverse gentle terrain, walk alongside frozen lakes and explore mountain meadows where elk, lynx and even rare wolverines can be seen! At this time of year, there are fewer tourists and local wildlife is more active, making this the perfect trip for animal lovers and avid trekkers.  

TOTAL DURATION : 5 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 2 MAX 10

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Olympia

END : Olympia

COUNTRIES VISITED : United States Of America

Validity : 01 JAN 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Olympia to Port Angeles via Hoh Rainforest

Welcome to Olympia! Your adventure begins with an early breakfast, then you’re straight on the road with your group bound for the Hoh Rainforest. With over 3.5 m (140 inches) of rain per year, this is one of the nation’s largest temperate rainforests! When you arrive, take in the immensity of the ancient trees, moss-draped logs and the abundant wildlife that call this place home. Your first hike of this Pacific Northwest adventure is up the wild Hoh River to explore all that this incredible rainforest has to offer. Lok out for elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles and banana slugs along the way. The immense cushions of moss alongside you actually absorb sound, which is why this river was dubbed ‘The Quietest Place in the U.S.’! After, carry on to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where you’ll spend the night.

Day :2

Location : Olympic National Park and Port Angeles

Chill out with a relaxed morning among the mountainous views of Port Angeles. Today, you’ll be climbing up to Hurricane Ridge for your first snowshoe hike. Enjoy the views from the Visitor’s Center, then leave the crowds behind and take the Klahhane Ridge walk out towards Mount Angeles. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and beyond. To the east is the snowy cap of Mount Baker rising from the North Cascades, and to the south, the glaciated Mount Olympus. Spot the alpine wildflowers in the foreground! After some time to enjoy the mountains, drive back down to sea level and settle into your cosy lodge.

Day :3

Location : Mt Rainier National Park

After breakfast, head to the Narada Falls trailhead for today’s hike to Reflection Lakes. After a short climb, you’ll come to Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed to cars for the winter but open for you to cruise along on your snowshoes. Follow the road past Inspiration Point as you enjoy stellar views of the jagged peaks of the Tatoosh Range to the south. While Reflection Lakes will likely be covered in ice, this won’t stop you from admiring the stunning view of Mount Rainier, which makes these lakes famous. As you continue to Louise Lake, keep a lookout for the gregarious blue jays that frequent this area in the cooler months. Once you’ve had time to soak up this winter landscape, head to the warm comfort of your lodge and a hearty dinner.

Day :4

Location : Mt Rainier National Park

After an early breakfast, you’ll tackle the biggest challenge of the trip – a hike up the route that mountaineers use to begin their summit attempt of Mount Rainier. Start with a steady climb up the Skyline Trail to a ridge with views of the Nisqually Glacier. Winter climbers are less common than in summer, but don’t be surprised if you spot mountaineers making their way to the camp halfway up the mountain. when you reach the aptly named Panorama Point, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range and three other Cascade volcanoes (if the weather is good). Take in the view then continue along the Skyline Trail to Mazama Ridge before hiking down to the open slopes of Edith Creek Basin and back to Paradise, where your vehicle awaits. Tonight, you’ll be able to warm up by the fire and enjoy a well-earned dinner at the lodge.

Day :5

Location : Mt Rainier National Park to Olympia

Today, head to Longmire for the last hike of the trip along a section of the Wonderland Trail. For the first 3 km (2 mi), you’ll be snowshoeing through beautiful old-growth forests and heading upstream along the turbulent Nisqually River. If the conditions are right and you’re up for the challenge, you’ll cross the footbridge over the Nisqually and head up the narrow Paradise River Valley. After the landscape begins to open up, you’ll reach a pair of stunning waterfalls that make a perfect turnaround spot for the day. From here, you’ll retrace your steps back to Longmire, load up the van and head back toward Olympia where your trip comes to an end at approximately 5 pm.