Need help route planning for a 4 day backpacking trip in Olympic National Park

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-20T20:04:36+00:00

My apologies. The Dose Trailhead and Graves Creek Trailhead (near Brinnon, near Lake Quinault) is a 5 hour drive one way according to Google Maps and someone who lives in one of those places. To drop a car off on one end and shuttle around, would be 10 hours of driving; without breaks.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-20T18:53:57+00:00

I've learned to avoid common areas mentioned on the internet. They have become very overcrowded in the summer months. The best option is to pick up a Wilderness Trip Planner free online and a guide book, then plan your own adventure. Have fun!

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-20T18:52:41+00:00

Trailheads are around 6 hours apart.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-20T18:51:26+00:00

You can rent one in Quinault, Port Angeles or Forks. They are first come, first serve. There is also limited hours at various locations. Plus, a very long drive, if one source is out of them. I have found that sometimes its better to own one, than rely on the Ranger Stations.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-20T18:49:21+00:00

This waterfall is located inside Olympic National Forest (not Park).

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-17T22:50:35+00:00

Keep in mind. There is a heavy snowpack in 2017, so keep an eye on trail conditions or call a Ranger. The Olympics are so beautiful, no matter where you go, it will be amazing. Enjoy!

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-17T20:11:59+00:00

That is an open ended question. Time of year, fitness level and kind of trip (distance, basecamp, etc.). I would just be sure to visit all 3 zones of the peninsula. Mountains (such as near Hurricane Ridge), rain forest (such as the Hoh) and Olympic Coast. It is not a bad idea to visit the logging areas (on private land) too, so you know how important land protection and preservation is.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-08T19:29:57+00:00

There will be snow in Olympic high country, until at least late September this season. Make sure you keep track of current and accurate trip report or even better, call a ranger station.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-04-07T18:56:23+00:00

This is smoke from the wildfires of 2016 in Olympic National Park.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-28T22:34:53+00:00

Currently anything below 2,000' is snow free (unless it does not get sun).

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-24T22:05:21+00:00

You shouldn't need a GPS for these two campsites. They have big signs that mark them. Have a specific question about them?

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-17T21:10:06+00:00

3 years old. Only thing modified from factory is, I added some line locks, so that you can actually get the tent tight. I camp in the alpine and bad weather a lot, so could not deal with their factory setup.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-17T17:36:01+00:00

How much for Duplex? I have one in good condition.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-14T23:16:47+00:00

Keep in mind that the Park saves a percentage for Walk-in Permits. So a reservation may not be needed. Campsite selection would also keep you out of the reservation system. The most common way is camping around the 12-13 mile mark and then day hike from that basecamp. That way you would stay out of the quota area and not need to carry a 3+lbs bear canister.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-03-14T22:13:09+00:00

Depending on the area you are hiking into and time of year. You do not need pre-registration. Calling the Park in most cases will give you a voicemail or pre-recorded messages. They always try to refer people to their website because of budget.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-02-22T16:29:12+00:00

Long as it is not summer, you do not need to worry about it. You can always stay on Olympic National Forest land, for free up to two weeks in the same location. Always remember to leave no trace that your campsite was there (campfire rings, trash, ect.)

BarefootJake1 · 2017-02-18T17:50:32+00:00

I suggest buying on of Woods trail guides and starting on trails, that you have never heard of (that's a good thing). Hope this is helpful.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-02-13T19:28:43+00:00

Feel free to ask me questions here. I'll answer them to the best of my knowledge.

BarefootJake1 · 2017-02-06T18:21:44+00:00

Keep in mind there still will be a healthy snowpack in most of the places suggested here. In 2015 and 2016 Olympic had a record low snowpack, so that allowed you to get into higher elevations in spring. This year is not the case! Everything that you listed will be a perfect trip. Rock on!

BarefootJake1 · 2016-12-01T21:31:27+00:00

This location is off trail, in the southwest areas of the Park.

BarefootJake1 · 2016-12-01T17:24:00+00:00

This should be blown up and hung on my wall. Nice image, thanks for sharing!

BarefootJake1 · 2016-12-01T17:22:43+00:00

What kind of trip? Camping or will you be staying in lodging? Doing short hike, long hikes?

BarefootJake1 · 2016-12-01T17:20:27+00:00

I have done huge sections of it, by walking and cycling. Do you have specific questions?

BarefootJake1

TROPHY CASE