Open Backpack - Hoh River

Trip is conditional on Hoh River Road reopening, which is anticipated to happen in May.

Day 1: Backpack 10 miles from the Hoh River trailhead to the Olympus Guard Station group camp.

Day 2: Day hike to Blue Glacier (17-mile round trip, >4000 feet net gain). Camp a second night at our Olympus Guard Station group camp.

Day 3:  Return backpack to the Hoh River trailhead

This is a faster paced, long-distance backpack through the Hoh Rainforest with the objective of reaching the Blue Glacier. Participants should be prepared for a strenuous uphill hike to the glacier on day 2, including climbing a rope ladder (see photo links at the end of posting). Water crossings requiring balancing on logs or rock-hopping are also common on this trail in early July. Participants should also be comfortable with possible bear encounters.

This trip will include B3 students who will be learning new backpacking skills and trying out new gear. All Mountaineers members are welcome (and encouraged!) to join. We will hike together at a fast pace (2-2.5mph) in order to meet our trip objective.

Leader permission is required for the trip. When requesting permission, please describe your recent backpacking, including distance and elevation gain, and confirm your comfort with the itinerary and trail conditions described above.

Priority registration for students in Yates and Deb's mentor group and other B3 students prior to May 26. Mountaineers members not in B3 can request permission on May 26 or later.

Participants will each be responsible for the $16/person permit fee.

Rope ladder photos:

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2023-06-04.8931383334

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-09-29-5740929451

https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm

We will meet at the Hoh River trailhead at 10am.

Rain or shine.