Basic Backpack - Olympic Coast South: The Wildcatter Coast

This is an Olympia Branch backpacking alumni trip.  Priority registration given to Olympia branch backpacking alumni and Olympia branch course leaders. I will open the trip to all members two weeks before registration closes. Participants will be expected to reimburse the leader $16/each for the wilderness campsite fee.

Spend two nights at Toleak Point on the Washington coast. On Day 1, we will hike 6.5 miles to camp. We will need to negotiate tides to round headlands in places, and will use a rope to go up and over at least one of the headlands. Low tide is at 8:45, so we need to be on trail by 8 AM to ensure we can get around the headlands.  

I have arranged a campsite at Bogachiel State Park (30 minutes from the trailhead) for anyone who wishes to camp on Thursday night, and I have room in that site for up to three tents. We can get a second campsite there if the whole group wants to camp out. $10/person to camp, and depending on how many vehicles we have, there is a $10 extra vehicle fee due to the park if we have more than 1 vehicle per site. 

On Day 2, we will enjoy a leisurely morning and will day hike as far as Mosquito Point and back. There is at least one ford on this stretch of beach.

Please note - coast trails can be brushy and rough in places. It will be slow going at times. 

Please see "Hello Hiker" email. 

We will need to meet early for this one due to tides. The trailhead is a little over 3 hours from Olympia. I'd like to be on trail by 8 AM. Please see the leader notes if you're interested in camping the night before.