Compare Historic Press Traverse by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,675 | $ 2,124 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Follow the course of the original Press Expedition’s traverse of the Olympic Mountains (1889-1890). This 44 mile south-north traverse of the Olympics took the Press Expedition 6 months over one of the worst winters on record, but we’ll take 5 days (or 6, with a layover to explore in the middle). We’ll climb through primeval rainforests, ford deep rivers, and relax in wide open alpine valleys. This traverse will take us through some of the most remote parts of Olympic National Park, and you’ll earn your bragging rights for traversing the entire park! |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 2.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
This multi-day Olympic National Park hiking trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Olympia. After a 2.5-hour scenic drive, we’ll begin hiking along the North Fork of the Quinault River. We’ll start with gentle grades along the river bottom, and then weave back and forth across many shallow creek crossings before climbing up above the river floor. Big leaf maples give way to Sitka Spruce as we wind further into the wilderness, before reaching our first camp at Elip Creek.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2660 feet
Day two is our big climb day. We’ll cross swift creeks and ford the Quinault river, climb through ancient old-growth forests, and keep an eye out for blazes and marks from the original Press Expedition. We’ll eventually make our way up the Low Divide—the separation between the Quinault and Elwha rivers—and enter a beautiful sub-alpine meadow, with lakes and views of Mt. Seattle. We’ll make camp here, swim in icy alpine lakes (if we dare) and relax in the wide open meadows at the summit of our hike.
Day 3 (6-Day Itinerary only)
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000-2000 feet
If you elect for the 6-day itinerary, we’ll take a lay-over at the Low Divide, with plenty of time to lounge, swim, and go for day hikes. After a lazy morning and a hearty breakfast, we’ll head up towards Martin’s Lakes and Martin’s Park on the flanks of Mt Christie, pushing into the alpine with views of mountains, glacial cirques, and wildflower-studded meadows.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles
Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
On day 4, we’ll drop quickly into the Elwha River basin, and then wind our way along the Elwha River. Open meadows, maple flats, and river views will accompany us along our way, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for black bears, elk, and deer as we go.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Loss: 600 feet
Day 5 brings us past more river fords, more old growth, and more beautiful river valleys. The glacial blue-green of the Elwha will deepen in colour, while the vegetation changes as well as we continue to drop into warmer, more temperate climates. Finally, as we approach our camp, we’ll get a view of spectacular Mary’s Falls.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 8.75 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Shuttle to Olympia: 3 hours
Our final day will bring us out of the wilderness and into the recovery zone of the Elwha River. Two recent dam removals are changing the landscape of the Elwha River, and restoring it to a balanced ecosystem. Salmon and riparian plants are returning, and as we approach the old dam sites we’ll see how much has changed in just a few years. We’ll also stroll past the turbulent whirlpools of Goblin Gates, the historic Humes Ranch, and other signs of early settlement along the Elwha. Finally, we'll emerge at Whiskey Bend, having completed the Press Traverse in a fraction of the time of the original explorers (and hopefully avoiding most of their trials, tribulations, and blizzards as well). We’ll drive through Port Angeles and get some views of the Hood Canal as we drive back towards Olympia, before delivering you back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and a real bed.
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
