Olympic Coast Traverse Olympic NP Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
Olympic Coast Traverse Olympic NP Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1747 (4 Day)
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Type:
Guided Backpacking Tour
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Length:
4 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate
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Mileage:
4 Day – 19 miles
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Season:
June – September
Adventure Details
Discover the Wild Olympic Coast: Shi Shi Beach to Cape Alava
Immerse yourself in the raw, untamed edge of America on this unforgettable 4-day, 19-mile point-to-point backpacking odyssey along Washington’s legendary Olympic Wilderness Coast. Begin at the dreamlike expanse of Shi Shi Beach, where sea stacks pierce the sky and waves sculpt the sand into ever-changing art. Wander south past hidden coves, over slippery headlands navigated only at low tide, and through old-growth rainforest dripping with moss, until you reach Cape Alava—the westernmost point in the lower 48. Each night, fall asleep to the Pacific’s endless roar and wake to golden light igniting tidepools teeming with starfish, anemones, and scurrying crabs. Eagles soar overhead, seals bask on offshore rocks, and the horizon belongs only to you. This is coastal backpacking at its most primal and poetic—no roads, no crowds, just the wild symphony of ocean and ancient forest.
Tour Highlights
- Iconic Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches at sunset and sunrise
- Tide-timed headland crossings and secret coves accessible only to backpackers
- Camping on the sand at Shi Shi, Seafield Creek, and historic Cape Alava
- Tidepool exploration bursting with purple sea stars, giant green anemones, and ochre sea cucumbers
- Frequent wildlife sightings: bald eagles, harbor seals, river otters, and occasional whales offshore
- 19 miles of dramatic shoreline with rope-assisted climbs, beach walking, and boulder-hopping
- Small groups and expert guides, all permits, bear canisters, and private shuttle included
- Gourmet beach-cooked meals and hot drinks as the sun melts into the Pacific
Leave the world behind and let the wild Olympic Coast rewrite your soul. Limited summer dates—secure your place on America’s edge today.
What's included?
- 5pm orientation the evening prior to your hike at Olympia, WA hotel partner.
- Backpacking & Camping permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from lunch day 1 through breakfast on the final day.
- Single (solo travelers) or double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Our prices do not include guide gratuity (10%-20% of tour cost is recommended).
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Step into the Wild at Shi Shi Beach
Distance: ~4 miles (trailhead to Shi Shi Beach campsite)
Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
Experience: Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the Shi Shi Beach Trailhead near Neah Bay, where the salty breeze hints at the wonders ahead. A short 2-mile hike through lush coastal forest, over rustic boardwalks and muddy paths, delivers you to the sandy expanse of Shi Shi Beach. As you emerge from the emerald tunnel of spruce and cedar, the Pacific Ocean unfurls before you, its waves crashing against dramatic sea stacks. To the south, the Point of Arches beckons—a mile-long parade of rocky spires and tidepools teeming with starfish, anemones, and crabs. Set up camp above the high tide line, where driftwood crackles in your campfire (using only collected driftwood, per park rules). As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, watch for bald eagles soaring overhead or seals bobbing in the surf. Fall asleep to the rhythmic lullaby of the ocean.
Camp: Shi Shi Beach, with campsites nestled near Petroleum or Willoughby Creek for fresh water and proximity to the Point of Arches.
Highlights: Stunning sunset views, tidepool exploration at low tide, and the serene isolation of a wilderness beach.
Day 2: Trek to the Rugged Seafield Creek
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~200 ft, with challenging headland climbs
Experience: Awaken to the call of seabirds and the scent of sea salt. After a hearty breakfast, set out south along Shi Shi Beach, your boots sinking into soft sand. The journey to Seafield Creek is the most demanding stretch, with rocky shores and headlands that require careful timing with low tides (4.5 ft or lower at Point of Arches). Scramble over algae-slick boulders and ascend steep overland trails, where handlines and ropes assist your climb past impassable cliffs. The effort is rewarded with jaw-dropping views of sea-carved arches, hidden coves, and the endless Pacific. Pause to explore tidepools brimming with marine life or spot sea otters playing in the kelp beds. By mid-afternoon, arrive at Seafield Creek, a tranquil campsite where a freshwater stream meets the ocean. Pitch your tent in the forested bluff, savor a warm meal, and watch the fog swirl around distant sea stacks as the day fades.
Camp: Seafield Creek, with campsites offering ocean views and access to fresh water (filter required).
Highlights: Thrilling headland climbs, abundant wildlife (seals, oystercatchers, and more), and the raw beauty of the Olympic Coast.
Day 3: Journey to the Westernmost Cape Alava
Distance: ~4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~100 ft
Experience: Rise with the tide’s gentle roar and continue your coastal odyssey. Today’s trek is easier, with wider beaches and fewer obstacles, though you’ll ford the shin-deep Ozette River at low tide (water shoes recommended). The sandy shore near Seafield Creek transitions to rocky terrain, scattered with driftwood and smoothed pebbles perfect for beachcombing. Keep an eye out for gray whales migrating offshore or ancient petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, carved by the Makah people centuries ago. As you approach Cape Alava, the westernmost point in the contiguous U.S., the horizon opens to reveal Tskawahyah Island, a rocky guardian adorned with windswept trees. Set up camp among forested sites just above the beach, where pit toilets and a nearby creek provide convenience. Celebrate your journey with a final beach campfire, sharing stories as the sun sets over the vast Pacific, casting a golden glow across the tide flats.
Camp: Cape Alava, with designated campsites offering solitude and proximity to historic Makah artifacts.
Highlights: Fording the Ozette River, discovering Makah petroglyphs, and camping at America’s western edge.
Day 4: Return via the Ozette Triangle
Distance: ~6 miles
Elevation Gain: ~100 ft
Experience: Savor your final morning on the coast, perhaps strolling the tide flats or scanning for bald eagles. After breaking camp, we will hike a little further down the beach before we trade the rocky shores of the Olympic Coast for the coastal rainforest leading us to the terminus of our trek. The boardwalk’s gentle meander offers a serene contrast to the rugged coast, with the distant roar of the ocean fading into birdsong. Arrive at the Ozette Lake Trailhead, where a shuttle awaits to whisk you back to civilization. Reflect on your adventure over a well-earned lunch at a local eatery, your heart full of memories from the wild Olympic Coast.
Highlights: Scenic boardwalk hike, lush rainforest immersion, and the satisfaction of completing an epic coastal trek.
Pickup Locations
Tacoma, WA
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
June
July
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.