Ancient Forests of the Olympic Peninsula

Download Detailed Trip Brochure ›

Available Dates:

September 17-23, 2025

7 days/6 nights

Minimum/Maximum: 12 guests/15 guests

Itinerary Highlights

• Kayak the crystal waters of Lake Crescent, situated in a glacial basin
• Marvel at magnificent views of towering mountain peaks at Hurricane Ridge
• At Sol Duc Falls, take in the extraordinary sights of crashing water and scurrying salmon
• Join environmental scientist Lauren Kuehne on an immersive retreat in the natural sounds of the Hoh Rain Forest
• Tour the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial with Clarence Moriwaki, former president of the memorial and the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
• Learn from Rob Smith, Northwest Regional Director, about NPCA’s efforts to recover the vital salmon populations in the Elwha River
• Gaze at the otherworldly sea stacks and colorful sea life of Rialto Beach with a local naturalist guide

Itinerary

Day 1: SEPTEMBER 17 — Arrivals into Seattle and Transfer to Kalaloch Lodge: Arrive by 11:00 a.m. at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Upon arrival, we will meet with our NPCA group and take a private shuttle to Kalaloch Lodge:, stopping for lunch and a short walk along the approximately 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our rooms at our scenic coastal lodge before we gather as a group for introductions and a brief orientation to the days ahead. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on-site at Creekside Restaurant. Kalaloch Lodge (L, D)

Day 2: SEPTEMBER 18 — Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach: This morning we will embark on a 1-hour drive, making our way to the Hoh Rain Forest — one of the most spectacular temperate rain forests in the world. Mosses and ferns blanket the ground, while lush canopies of trees shade you from above. It is truly one of the most incredible sights in Olympic National Park and is home to some of Earth’s rarest nature sounds — sounds which can only be fully appreciated in the absence of man-made noise. We will spend the day hiking and exploring the Hoh with environmental scientist Lauren Kuehne, who has worked for several years studying the impact of military flights on the Olympic Peninsula soundscape. NPCA is advocating to protect the area’s natural sounds from commercial air tours and Navy jet training flights, which disrupt precious ecosystems and the unique refuge of “the quietest place in America.” During this exclusive excursion, hear from your NPCA host about the key campaign seeking to save this necessary space and why it is especially important for U.S. Veterans. After lunch in the park, we head back towards the coast, stopping at Ruby Beach. One of the crown jewels of Olympic National Park, it is famous for its reddish sand and large sea stacks. Take time to walk up and down the shoreline, basking in the incredible views, before returning to the lodge for dinner. Kalaloch Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: SEPTEMBER 19 — Rialto Beach and Lake Crescent: After an early breakfast we’ll take a scenic 1-hour drive from the lodge to the start of today’s adventure out on Rialto Beach. Weather conditions permitting, we’ll look to arrive at the start of low tide. Joined by a local naturalist, spend the morning looking for colorful sea stars, rock crabs, wolf eels, pricklebacks, barnacles, clams and sea snails. We’ll have time to hike to the unique Hole-in-the-Wall formation, all while watching for otters and seals in the distance. NPCA continuously works to strengthen protections for the spectacular ecosystems and endangered species that inhabit the Olympic Peninsula. After lunch nearby, we’ll drive 1 hour to beautiful Lake Crescent Lodge. Check into your comfortable and cozy accommodations before an optional hike to Marymere Falls. This evening, enjoy some downtime and relaxation at the lodge before dinner as a group. Lake Crescent Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4: SEPTEMBER 20 — Hurricane Ridge and Elwha River: Following breakfast in the lodge, meet the group and head towards Hurricane Ridge. With stunning views along the way, the drive alone is rewarding. On clear days, you can take in magnificent panoramic views of the park — views NPCA is working hard to save from detrimental regional haze pollution. Explore on foot, learning about everything from goat removal in the park, to Olympic marmots and endemic plants. After lunch in the area, transfer to the former Elwha Dam site. NPCA played a critical role in the removal of two dams from the Elwha River, resulting in a world-class river and salmon restoration project. NPCA experts will share the story of a challenging but victorious journey to free this river and its ecosystem. From here we will head to charming Port Angeles, where you will have the opportunity to relax along the waterfront, take in the views and explore shops downtown. Then, gather as a group for dinner at a local restaurant before ending the night back at Lake Crescent Lodge. Lake Crescent Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: SEPTEMBER 21 — Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Falls: After breakfast, enjoy your time at leisure at Lake Crescent Lodge. You will have the option to join a group kayaking tour on Lake Crescent — the perfect opportunity to learn some of the secrets of the lake: its formation, unique ecology, phantom forest, wildlife, Spruce Railroad tunnels, legends and history. After lunch at the lodge, we will venture to Sol Duc Falls, where we can witness 50-foot waterfalls, listen to the thundering sounds, and look for rainbows in the mist and cutthroat and steelhead salmon below. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Lake Crescent Lodge or hiking through towering evergreens. Wrap up the day with dinner at the Lodge. Lake Crescent Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: SEPTEMBER 22 — Bainbridge Island: We will enjoy our last breakfast in the park before we load up and begin our 2-hour and 15-minute drive to Bainbridge Island. Upon arrival, we’ll head to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Built of old-growth red cedar, granite and basalt, the memorial honors the names of all 276 Japanese and Japanese Americans who were exiled from Bainbridge Island by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 and Civilian Exclusion Order No. 1 in 1942. The national historic monument also celebrates this island community, which defended its Japanese American friends and neighbors, supported them while they were away and welcomed them home. Here, we will uncover NPCA’s priorities to ensure the National Park Service safeguards, preserves and shares the stories of all Americans. Afterwards, have lunch in Bainbridge Island’s quaint Downtown, where you’ll have free time to explore the many boutiques, galleries and wine tasting rooms. From here, we’ll check in to our comfortable lodging before heading out for a final dinner as a group. We’ll spend our last night together reflecting on a memorable and educational week on the Olympic Peninsula. The Marshall Suites (B, L, D)

Day 7: SEPTEMBER 23 — Depart for Home: After breakfast, we will make our way towards Seattle and ferry across Puget Sound, taking in the scenic Seattle skyline along the way. We will coordinate drop offs at the airport based on individual travel plans. We recommend booking flights no earlier than 2:00 p.m. (B)

Please note: Accommodations and activities are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond NPCA’s control.

---

MORE INFORMATION: For full details on this trip, including inclusions, exclusions, accommodations, terms and safety protocols, please download the detailed trip brochure.

Download Detailed Trip Brochure ›

NPCA TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY: NPCA is the only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of the National Park System. Over 70% of our funding comes from donations from individuals like you. NPCA trips are an exclusive NPCA member benefit. One traveler per group must be an active NPCA member to participate in an NPCA trip. An annual membership starts at $15 per person. Please make dues payable to NPCA by check or credit card at www.npca.org.

NPCA TRAVELER RESPONSIBILTY: Travelers are responsible for selecting an NPCA trip consistent with their ability, fitness and overall health. Before joining a trip, all travelers must commit to adhering to the tour operator’s Terms and Conditions; completing and submitting all required documentation provided by the tour operator; conducting themselves safely and appropriately; following instructions from the tour operator and NPCA staff; and adhering to the laws of the destination(s) visited on the trip. Additionally, travelers are expected to familiarize themselves with all pre-departure materials and ensure appropriate clothing and gear for the journey. Travelers should report any conditions or limitations requiring special attention, diet or treatment to the tour operator when booking to determine what accommodations can be made.

MAKING RESERVATIONS: To secure your space on this NPCA trip, please click the “Register Now” button at the top of this page or contact NPCA’s National Parks Experiences Program at 1-800-628-7275 or travel@npca.org.

TRAVEL PROTECTION: NPCA strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. Information on a recommended comprehensive travel insurance coverage plan will be provided. However, travelers may purchase any travel insurance of their choosing provided it meets any applicable tour operator minimum requirements. NPCA’s tour operator partners may require travel insurance for certain trips as a condition of participation; all travelers must adhere to any such requirements. Should you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services through USI Affinity at 1-800-937-1387 or at http://my.travelinsure.com/npca.

Have questions? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Check out NPCA’s full tour lineup at www.npca.org/trips.