Hoh River to Blue Glacier
Olympic Backpacking Tour
Hoh River to Blue Glacier
Olympic Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$2097
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Type:
Guided Backpacking Tour
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Length:
5 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate/Advanced
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Mileage:
35 miles
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Season:
July – September
Adventure Details
Hoh Rainforest to Blue Glacier: Epic Glacial Exploration
Journey deep into one of the most enchanting ecosystems in North America on this 5-day guided backpacking tour through Olympic National Park. Beginning in the lush Hoh Rainforest—one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States—this guided hike follows the Hoh River through a surreal landscape of moss-draped giants, emerald ferns, and glacially fed waters.
As you travel farther into the wilderness, the dense forest gradually gives way to subalpine terrain, revealing sweeping views of Mount Olympus and the striking Blue Glacier. This guided backpacking trek offers an unforgettable progression of ecosystems, blending the tranquility of ancient rainforest with the grandeur of alpine wilderness.
Tour Highlights
- Walk beneath towering moss-covered Sitka spruce and western hemlock in the Hoh Rainforest
- Follow the glacial-blue Hoh River deep into Olympic wilderness
- Camp in serene backcountry sites along the river corridor
- Experience the transition from dense rainforest to alpine meadows
- Hike to the base of the stunning Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus
- Opportunities for wildlife sightings including elk, black bear, and river otters
- Relax at scenic river camps with expansive valley views
- Explore one of the most iconic backpacking routes in the Pacific Northwest
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Into the Emerald Cathedral
Distance: ~9 miles
Elevation Gain: 350ft
Experience: Your Olympic guided backpacking tour begins beneath a cathedral of ancient trees, where filtered light dances through layers of moss and towering Sitka spruce. The trail meanders gently alongside the Hoh River, its glacial waters carving through the valley as birdsong and the hush of the forest surround you. Each step draws you deeper into a landscape that feels timeless, where every fallen log and fern-covered floor tells a story of quiet resilience.
Campground: Olympus Guard Station
Highlights: Today’s hike offers classic Hoh Rainforest scenery with lush vegetation, serene river views, early wildlife viewing opportunities, and a rewarding arrival at the historic Olympus Guard Station nestled deep in the valley.
Day 2: Following the River’s Rhythm
Distance: ~6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1600ft ft
Experience: Continuing your guided backpacking trek through Olympic National Park, the trail carries you farther into the wilderness as the valley subtly narrows and the presence of other hikers fades away. The rhythm of the river becomes your constant companion, its braided channels shimmering in the light while dense forest rises on either side. There is a growing sense of remoteness here, as though the modern world has quietly slipped away behind you.
Campground: Elk Lake
Highlights: The day unfolds with increasing solitude, scenic river bars and gravel flats, frequent opportunities to spot elk, and a peaceful forested camp at Elk Lake.
Day 3: Blue Glacier Ascent
Distance: ~6 miles roundtrip (day packs)
Elevation Gain: 2500ft
Experience: Today is the defining moment of your epic journey. Leaving camp with lighter packs, you journey toward Glacier Meadows where the forest begins to thin and the landscape opens dramatically. The transition feels almost otherworldly as mossy greens give way to rocky slopes and alpine vistas. Climbing higher, the immense Blue Glacier reveals itself—spilling down the flanks of Mount Olympus in a stunning display of ice and light. The scale and raw beauty of this place leave a lasting impression.
Campground: Elk Lake
Highlights: This day showcases the dramatic transition from rainforest to alpine terrain, expansive views of Mount Olympus, close-up perspectives of Blue Glacier, and seasonal wildflower displays in the high country.
Day 4: A Gentle Return Through the Wild
Distance: ~6 miles
Elevation Loss: 1600ft
Experience: As you begin your return on this guided backpacking adventure, the trail feels both familiar and new. Subtle details emerge... the shifting light through the canopy, the movement of water over stone, the quiet presence of wildlife. The descent is unhurried, offering time to reflect and fully absorb the richness of the rainforest environment that surrounds you.
Campground: Olympus Guard Station
Highlights: Enjoy mostly downhill hiking, renewed opportunities for wildlife sightings, scenic river viewpoints, and a comfortable return to the Olympus Guard Station.
Day 5: Farewell to the Rainforest
Distance: ~9 miles
Elevation Loss: 350ft
Experience: Your final day on this guided backpacking tour carries you back through the heart of the Hoh Rainforest. There’s a quiet appreciation in these last miles, as the sights and sounds that once felt new now feel deeply familiar. The forest offers a gentle farewell, closing your journey with the same beauty and stillness that welcomed you days before.
Highlights: The hike out provides a final immersion in the rainforest canopy, excellent photography opportunities, and a reflective conclusion to this unforgettable guided backpacking experience.
**Campground Disclaimer: The campgrounds listed in this itinerary are the default campsites that we work to secure. Campgrounds may shift depending on permit availability.
Pickup Locations
Tacoma, WA - Round trip transportation is provided from our Tacoma Hotel Partner
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. All meal preparations will be handled by your guide.
We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from dinner night 1 through breakfast on the final day of your hike
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Olympic Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear canister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.