Olympic Backpacking - High Divide
3 Nights / 4 Days
Olympic Backpacking - High Divide
Trip Price: $1,699 / person
Trip Length: 4 Days
Group Size: 4 - 10
Experience breathtaking views on a 4-day backpacking trip along the iconic High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop. A much-loved route within the remote and unspoiled Olympic National Park, this trip boasts old-growth forests, high alpine lakes and endless views. Backpacking enthusiasts will find themselves feeling weary but alive on this route, and those up for the challenge will not be disappointed. Passing fields of wildflowers and spotting the occasional elk, deer or marmot, it's easy to understand what makes this area one of the most treasured destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Beginning in Sol Duc Valley, hike from towering old-growth forests to high alpine meadows. Take a moment to appreciate SolDuc Falls feeding into a river teeming with salmon year-round. The route continues to gain elevation as it climbs to the trail's namesake, The High Divide. Take in unparalleled panoramic mountain views from the ridge and enjoy adventuring through trails alongside new friends. Our expert guides lead the way, sharing their expansive knowledge of the park's natural history and ensuring the adventure exceeds expectations.
Trip Highlights
- Backpack one of the most treasured trails in the Pacific Northwest
- See spectacular views of the Olympic Range from the High Divide
- Take a dip in the cool alpine waters of the Seven Lakes Basin
- Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, deer and marmot
- Enjoy a delicious backcountry meal prepared by skilled expert guides
Activities
This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 30-35 pounds for distances of between 3.5-8 miles with approximately 2,000' of elevation gain/loss multiple days in a row.
What's Included
Round trip group transfer from designated Seattle Area hotel to trailhead; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; campsite and backcountry permits and fees.
Accommodations
Established campground: 1 night; backcountry camping: 2 nights
Olympic National Park Backpacking - High Divide
Your Adventure Itinerary
Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning at our Seattle area host hotel. After brief introductions we hop in our shuttle van and beginour three-hour transfer to tonight's established front country National Park Campground. This evening our guides walk through the daily itinerary, outline Leave No Trace principles and distribute group gear. We enjoy a delicious camp meal before tucking ourselves into our tents for the evening. Lunch and Dinner included.
Hiking mileage: minimal; transfer 4 hours.
Depending on our backcountry permit access, we'll either start from the Sol Duc Falls trailhead or straight from camp. Either way, our walk takes us from the lower elevations of the Sol Duc watershed handrailing either the Sol Duc River or Canyon Creek tributary. We will pass beautiful, plunging falls and fern choked understories while trees hundreds of years old provide cool shade along the trail. As we part ways with the diverse ecosystem of the rainforest, we start a steady ascent through alpine forests and meadows. Our views open up across the gorgeous Sol Duc Valley and we finish the day at a picturesque backcountry camp. All meals included.
Hiking mileage: up to 7 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: around 2,000'
Today we journey along one of the most iconic backpacking trails within the National Park system. The High Divide, offering 360-degree viewsof Mount Olympus, the Hoh River Valley and down into the Seven Lakes Basin. Lunch will be on the trail where we take our time to enjoy a well-deserved break as we take in the expansive mountain views. Back on the trail to this evening's camp, we'll be camera-ready in the hopes of spotting the plentiful wildlife that calls the area home. Once we've made camp we share highlights from the day and enjoy our last back country dinner. All meals included.
Hiking mileage: up to 9 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: around 2,000'
We savor our final miles on the trail back to the trailhead. After loading our gear and bodies into the van, we'll have lunch before setting out forour 3.5-hour drive back to Seattle. We anticipate arriving back into Seattle later this afternoon, though this time may change based off group pace, trail conditions, weather and other elements beyond our control.
Hiking mileage: 3-7 miles; transfer 4 hours.
Olympic National Park Backpacking - High Divide
2026 Departure Dates
Wednesday, August 19th - Saturday, August 22nd - Available
Thursday, August 27th - Sunday, August 30th - Available
Monday, September 7th - Thursday, September 10th - Available
Don't see the dates you're looking for? Contact us to book a private departure.
Weather
The weather in the high alpine regions of Olympic National Park can vary greatly. It's not unusual to encounter rain, sleet, fog, and intense sun during a short stay of just a few days. Typically summer temperatures average between 65 - 75 during the day with evening lows in the 40'sand low 50's, although variations outside this range are not unusual. Visitors should plan accordingly and follow the recommended gear list for this trip closely.
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. As campsite space and permitting allows, wecan also accommodate a limited number of single tents for this trip. Single tents are provided at no additional charge and assigned in the order they are requested. Please inform us of your preference on sign-up.