Just a short ferry ride from the fine city of Seattle , are the majestic peaks, lush rain forests and scenic beaches of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. Mount Olympus, at just under 8000', towers over the Olympic National Park, whose rain forest has been internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. This temperate rain forest nurtures a wealth of plant and animal species, the result of a mild coastal climate and plenty of rainfall (replaced in the summer months by occasional fog). Our 6 day trip takes us to all corners of the park, which has often been referred to as "three great parks rolled into one" because of its great diversity of mountain, forest and coastline environments.

 Our trip begins Sunday morning with a pick up in Seattle and the first day begins in grand style as we hike through stunning rain forest and past ancient, record -sized trees on our way to Lake Quniault Lodge. The lodge, our home for the next 2 nights, hugs the shores of Lake Quinault and is a cozy retreat in the heart of the Olympic National Forest.

Our next day two days offer a great contrast of hiking options; from the fabulous coastal walks past sea caves, tidal pools, impressive sea stacks and basking harbor seals to the moss and lichen-filled world of the Hoh Rain Forest.

On route to our next stop, our hiking takes us through lush Douglas fir forests and giant moss-draped trees to some of the park's most picturesque waterfalls.  At day's end we find ourselves at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.  Built as a "Singer's Tavern" on the shores of Lake Crescent in 1916, the lodge now offers old world charm as well as all the comforts  you would expect from a first- class, modern resort. Excellent, regional foods, such as Dungeness crab and local salmon are on offer in the dining room accompanied by fine Washington State wines.


From here we head into the high country.  Trails with names like Hurricane Ridge, Obstruction Peak and Cirque Rim offer some exciting hiking challenges for those inclined, while gentler, wildflower lined paths, also offer spectacular views  of distant snow-covered peaks.

 Friday is our final day of hiking.  We head out along the  Spruce Railroad Trail,  a wonderful walk along the shores of Lake Crescent.  After lunch we will visit the quaint town of Bainbridge Island, where we have time to explore the shops and cafes before catching our ferry across Puget Sound back to Seattle.

• Olympic National Park
• The Hoh Rain Forest
• Historic lakeside lodging
• Scenic Pacific coastline
• Dramatic ridetop hiking
  

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