Compare Natural Wonders of Washington State by InquisiTours vs Hiking Washington's Olympic National Park by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 3 days |
| Price From | $ 3,299 | $ 2,155 |
| Price Per Day | $ 471 | $ 718 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Description |
This fully escorted tour, with a professional tour director and transportation, will captivate your heart with the natural beauty of Washington state. Explore the wonders of the Salish Sea, wilderness of the Cascade Mountains plus the dramatic story of the eruption and incredible regrowth of Mt. St. Helens. From a cowboy town to sophisticated wine tasting to the state’s stunning capital in Olympia, you’ll simply be amazed at the true, authenticity of this American destination. |
From high alpine ridges and wildflower-studded meadows to dramatic waterfalls, moss-draped giant trees and rugged beaches, the scenic Olympic Peninsula has it all. Hike along a ridge traverse 5,500 feet above sea level on a coastal hike to Shi Shi beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, walk through the Hoh Rainforest and see some of the largest and oldest trees in Washington, and stay and dine at a historic National Park lodge on beautiful Lake Crescent and enjoy special outdoor dining experiences prepared by your guide. This hiking tour is an opportunity to experience the very best that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, with a perfect balance of challenge and comfort. |
Day 1 : Seattle to La Conner
Your Tour Director will pick you up at your Downtown Seattle hotel. Enjoy a morning at the iconic Space Needle and the visually stunning Chihuly Garden of Glass. After lunch, we head north to the Skagit Valley and the pleasant town of La Conner, located on the Swinomish Channel, leading to the Salish Sea. With time on your own, explore the vibrant waterfront, filled with boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Tonight, join us for a welcome reception. (R)
Day 2 : La Conner to Winthrop via N. Cascades N.P.
Today we head for the mountains. The North Cascades National Park is one of North America’s most remote and rugged landscapes. With stunning vistas and accessible trails, you’ll spend a full day in the mountains. Finish the day in Methow Valley town of Winthrop, with its boardwalks, unique shops and western charm; it offers a truly unforgettable experience. Saddle up for a drink at Washington State’s oldest saloon before dinner on your own. (B,L,R)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Reception
Day 3 : Winthrop to Walla Walla
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
This morning we make our way to the far Southeast of the state and explore the dramatic Columbia River Basin. Orchards and vineyards complete the expansive views as we stop in Washington’s apple capital, Wenatchee, and for lunch along the shores of the “Great River of the West.” After a scenic drive into Walla Walla, the heart of the wine country, and voted America’s No. 1 wine town, our day will finish with a glass of world-class wine. (B,L,R)
Day 4 : Walla Walla
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner
On your free day, your available activities include a visit to the Whitman Mission National Historic Park, a bike tour, wine tasting, wine blending & production tour, golf, or a sculpture and art walk. One of the West Coast’s most charming small towns, your day in Walla Walla is filled with world-class wine and pastoral scenery of the Palouse region. Set in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Walla Walla Valley is known for it’s Oregon Trail and Native American history. The charming main street will entice you with shops, art galleries, and the ever-present wine tasting rooms. Whatever you choose to do, you will want to be back in time for a wine-paired dinner. (B,D)
Day 5 : Walla Walla to Stevenson (Skamania Lodge)
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
The backdrop of vineyards and stunning scenery continue as we travel through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. We will stop for lunch at the Maryhill Winery, perched on a bluff with panoramic views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. Our final destination today is set in the shadow of volcanoes among an evergreen forest at the Skamania Lodge. The lodge offers a luxurious Northwest setting with included activities such as nature trails, zip-lining, painting classes and more. The hotel offers a number of dining options for dinner on your own. (B,L)
Day 6 : Stevenson to Olympia via Mt. St. Helens National Monument
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel today to Washington’s geological wonder Mt. St. Helens. Since its eruption in 1980, visitors walk the trails, take in scenic vistas, and exhibits the mountain offers. After a picnic lunch in the park, travel to the state capital, Olympia. Set along the Puget Sound, Olympia offers a coastal setting with vibrant history, native culture, and abundant seafood. On our last night together, we will meet for a farewell dinner at one of the many dockside restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : Olympia to SeaTac Airport
Meals : Breakfast
After breakfast, we will tour both the State Capitol Building and Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters before departing for your trip to SeaTac airport for your your return flight home, or to downtown Seattle hotel if you are extending your stay. (B)
Day 1 Olympic National Park
After this morning’s Welcome Meeting, take a scenic drive to the Olympic Peninsula and hike along the alpine wonderland of Hurricane Ridge where you will look across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and beyond. After plenty of playtime in these extraordinary mountains, drive back down to sea level and to our accommodation at a century-old hotel filled with charm and history. Showers and beds await, as well as opportunities for shorter hikes just outside the back door. Or you can just lounge around, chat with your fellow travellers, and enjoy the lakefront views. Tonight you will enjoy an included dinner at the lodge.
Day 2 Olympic National Park
After breakfast prepared by your guide, head west towards Neah Bay and the Makah Reservation where you will descend through coastal forests for two miles until we reach the pounding waves, rugged cliffs, tidal pools, and towering sea stacks at Shi Shi Beach. Soak up sweeping views of the Pacific coastline before you continue south towards the iconic Point of Arches where you’ll enjoy a gourmet beach lunch before the drive back to our accommodation. Along the way, you will have a chance to stop by the famous Makah Museum (when open) and learn more about the cultural history of the Makah people. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful restaurant dinner as a group.
Day 3 Olympic National Park
After breakfast, head southwest towards the famous Hoh Rainforest, one of the nation’s largest temperate rainforests where you will see ancient towering trees, moss-draped nurse logs, incredible biodiversity, and abundant wildlife. From here, hike up the wild Hoh River and explore all that the rainforest has to offer. Elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, and more await you in this incredible ecosystem. After a final gourmet trail lunch, make your way back to the trailhead and then drive to Olympia along scenic Highway 101 which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. On arrival in Olympia, your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm.
