A six-day youth backpacking program that moves from Lake Crescent to the Pacific coast, combining leadership training with real backcountry navigation, campcraft, and tide-dependent beach travel. Expect varied terrain, guided instruction, and intentional skill-building for 14–18-year-olds.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A late-June sun slides over Lake Crescent as a dozen backpacks dot the shoreline and a guide calls the group to circle. The air smells like cold water and cedar; the lake refuses to be still, its small waves daring you to leave the shore and follow the trail deeper into Olympic’s high country.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness: able to hike 3–7 miles over uneven terrain while carrying a daypack; practice hikes beforehand are recommended.
Wildlife
History
Olympic National Park, established in 1938, protects lands long used by Coast Salish peoples; coastal trails cross areas with interwoven natural and cultural histories.
Conservation
The program emphasizes Leave No Trace, small group impact, and adherence to tide- and campsite rules to protect fragile intertidal zones and limit wildlife disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the 6-Day Backpacking Summer Camp Adventure in Olympic National Park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check tide tables before coastal legs
Several sections on the coast are safest at low tide—guides plan around tides but parents should know tide windows for arrival and pickup.
Wear sturdy, quick-dry footwear
Beach walking mixes sand, driftwood and rocky sections; trail runners with good tread or light boots speed travel and dry quickly.
Hydration and day snacks
Carry at least 2 liters in your daypack; calorie-dense snacks help on longer 5–6 mile days when energy dips.
Practice Leave No Trace
Group size and campsite choice matter—pack out all waste, minimize fire impacts, and follow ranger rules for food storage to reduce wildlife conflicts.
45–55L Backpack
Holds shelter, sleeping system, clothing and food while still being manageable for teens.
summer
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Olympic weather can turn quickly; a lightweight shell keeps campers dry during coastal and alpine rain.
summer
Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Lightweight Boots
Provides traction on muddy trails, wet rocks, and driftwood-strewn beaches.
Warm Layer and Sleeping Layers
Temperatures drop at night near the coast and alpine lakes—pack a fleece or light insulated jacket.