• Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Timberland Regional Library
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Search
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Liz and Jane sitting on a porch

      Senior Services Home Share Program Matches Providers with Seekers

      Community Nature Foundation board members Jamie Corson and Charissa Waters standing in the forest

      Eastside Neighborhood Forest Donated to Community Nature Foundation

      Views on Fifth building in Olympia from across the street

      The Changing Face of Downtown Olympia

      Olympia High School and TwinStar Credit Union Partner to Influence Good…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Latte in a white cup on a brown counter

      Where to get Coffee in Olympia’s Downtown Historic District

      chocolate dipped strawberries on a plate

      Olympia Thriftway Stores Makes Hearts Smile this Valentine’s Day

      person standing in front of the glass display at Blue Heron Bakery

      Blue Heron Bakery in West Olympia Goes Co-Op in a Unique…

      mac-and-cheese, pork belly candy, wine and cocktails on a table at Cynara

      Enticing Happy Hour Eats at Cynara Restaurant & Lounge

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Timberland Regional Library
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      a mental health professional talking with someone

      Mental Health Professionals are Working Together at The Practice NW in…

      Mason Health surgical team in scrubs

      Mason Health Is Heading Into the New Year Ready To Serve…

      women standing at an OlyFed bank counter

      Saving for a Rainy Day Starts Now at OlyFed

      Pharmacist Ryan Martin at NW Remedies holding two supplement jars in his hands and smiling at the camera

      NW Remedies is Olympia’s Local Pharmacy for Supplementing Your Health and…

  • History
    • The Flavor Nook, probably in October 1968.

      Home of the Long Hamburger: The History of Lacey’s Flavor Nook

      Olympia Brewing Company building in the 1960s

      Architectural Drawings of Olympia Brewing Company Lobby 1961 Remodel Donated to…

      Newton Aiken, seen here in the 1945 issue of the Chinook yearbook

      People in Public Service: Newton Jessie Aiken, Principal of Olympia High…

      Christmas Island in Olympia in an undated photo

      Olympia History: A Baby Boomer’s Christmas

      sliced fruitcake on a plate

      The Ideal Holiday Dessert? Slicing Up the History of Fruitcake in…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • Liz and Jane sitting on a porch

      Senior Services Home Share Program Matches Providers with Seekers

      two people sitting behind the counter at computers at The Olympia Free Clinic

      The Olympia Free Clinic Settles into Lilly Road for 2023

      Mission Nonprofit: Mission Year 2022

      A young dancer strikes a pose with confidence after her dance routine at South Sound Studios in Tumwater.

      New South Sound Dance Nonprofit Uses the Power of Movement to…

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: The JOLT News

  • LocalTalk
    • Sunrise Henderson Inlet Scenic Dr Attila Talaber

      Puget Sound Energy donates $125,000 across 10 organizations to support efforts…

      Colin Owen headshot

      SCJ Alliance Adds a Certified Arborist to the Team

      Penrose Physical Therapy Hosts Neck Pain, Headaches, and Shoulder Pain Free…

      City of Lacey: Section of Willamette Drive NE Closed January 31

      Pope John Paul II High School’s Suicide Prevention Program

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      Lacey Joggernauts group photo

      Lacey Joggernauts Run/Walk Club Welcomes 2023 and Invites You to Join…

      Uptown Lounge's gourmet burgers with fries

      Gourmet Food, Craft Cocktails, and a Movie Theater with Unlimited Popcorn…

      Thurston County Fair ride

      23 Things To Do in Olympia and Throughout Thurston County in…

      Jane and Lucas Shuler and their two kids standing by the Tree of LIfe in Kalaloch Campground

      Winter Storm Watching on the Washington Coast at Kalaloch Lodge

  • Events
    • The South Sound Artisan Guild Returns to Olympia’s Capital Mall

      lavishly decorated table with a chocolate fountain in the middle

      Things To Do for Valentine’s Day in Olympia and Throughout Thurston…

      kids and parents sitting at large round tables

      Annual Champions of Courage Fundraiser Is Back With In-person, All-Ages Fun

      Olympia’s Fleurae Floral Design scottish Santa at the Seattle Fleurs de Villes

      Fleurae Floral Design Wins Most Creative at Seattle’s 2022 Fleurs de…

      group of photo of the dancers in Ailey II

      Modern Dance Meets Storytelling as Ailey II Takes the Stage at…

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Home Activities 5 Olympic National Park Backpacking Trips Perfect for Kids

5 Olympic National Park Backpacking Trips Perfect for Kids

By
Douglas Scott
lena lake hike
Gather better views at Upper Lena Lake which is typically less crowded than its sister hike to Lower Lena Lake.

Share via:

70 Shares
  • More

 

By Douglas Scott

olympia food co-opLast year, we brought readers four incredible and memorable backpacking destinations for you and your family in and around Olympic National Park. The article, which included tips for hiking and backpacking with family, as well as some backcountry basics, helped inspire families of all ages out into the wilderness of Olympic. This year, Olympic National Park has already seen over a million visitors, and campsites in the front and backcountry campgrounds are quickly filling up at America’s sixth most popular National Park. To help plan your trip, check with Olympic National Park officials to see if backcountry reservations are required for your area.

2015 is so far the driest year since 1895 on the Olympic Peninsula, helping drive visitation numbers higher than normal. However, despite the excellent camping conditions, there are a few things to talk about before we get to five awesome places to backpack with your kids. The first is campfires. Campfires are currently banned in all backcountry camping areas, and only allowed in approved fire areas at the front country campground. This means that if you want a campfire, you are out of luck in most places. Camp stoves are permitted, but please use them with care. A 1,000+ acre fire is burning in the Queets Rainforest, and fire conditions are expected to last until September at the earliest.

The second issue that needs to be addressed quickly, before your trip starts, is how to deal with waste while backpacking. All garbage needs to be packed out, including peels of fruit. The wilderness of Olympic is a diverse ecosystem that is mostly full of local species of animals and plants. Please do not mess with this by leaving orange peels or any other trash out in nature. Pack it in, pack it out, and help keep wilderness wild. There have been closures of a few areas in Olympic already this year due to careless hikers leaving food and trash around. Be a good steward of the land and carry everything out. Also, when using this bathroom in the woods, please follow these excellent tips from backpacker.com.

 

marmot pass
At just over 11 miles round trip, Marmot Pass has two campsites along the trail.

Marmot Pass

Directions to Trailhead: http://goo.gl/maps/CE0ak

Distance: 11.5 Miles Round Trip

Camp Sites: 2 main camping areas, and numerous unofficial sites

Best Camp Area: The saddle of Marmot Pass

What Makes it Great: Marmot Pass is an excellent day hike, considered by most to be the “must-hike” trail of the Olympic Peninsula. It is also an incredible backpacking trip for those looking for short distances, incredible views and some of the best stargazing, sunrises and sunsets around. With two campsites located along the trail, each about 3-miles from each other, Marmot Pass is great for first time backpackers, or those camping with young kids. Be aware that water may be scare in places, especially with the current hot summer we are having. Also, campsites in the established backpacking campsites fill up quickly on the weekends, seeing as many as 100 people on good weather days. get here early, explore the region and stay up watching the stars.

More Information: http://exotichikes.com/hike-the-olympic-peninsula-marmot-pass-in-the-buckhorn-wilderness/

 

hog rain forest
Hiking and backpacking in the Hoh Rain Forest could be considered a rite of passage for Washington hikers.

Hoh Rainforest

Directions to Trailhead: http://goo.gl/maps/UxwqW

Distance: Up to 34.8 Miles Round Trip

Camp Sites: Seven main campsites leading to Mount Olympus

Best Camp Area: Glacier Meadows

What Makes it Great: Backpacking in the Hoh Rainforest is a rite of passage for Pacific Northwest residents. With a mostly flat trail through lush green surroundings, the trail skirts along the Hoh River, giving glimpses of mountains, deer, elk, and more. The trail starts at the popular visitor center in the Hoh Rainforest and heads upriver, eventually leading to the glaciated flanks of Mount Olympus. While most will not hike that high up, the entire trail is easy to follow and well-maintained, making it perfect for families of all ages and abilities. Whether you choose to just camp at 5-Mile Island or try to get up to the remote and beautiful Elk Lake, backpackers are rewarded with beautiful views and experiences each mile. Serious backpackers can use this route as an entry point to not just Mount Olympus, but also as a back entrance to the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin, one of the park’s more popular backcountry destinations.

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm

 

shi shi beach
There is lots to explore at Shi Shi Beach.

Point of the Arches and Shi Shi Beach

Directions to Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/5DaCQ

Distance: 8.5 Miles Round Trip

Camp Sites: Three coastal campsites

Best Camp Area: Point of the Arches

What Makes it Great: Backpacking and camping along Washington’s wilderness coast is yet another quintessential backpacking destination on the Olympic Peninsula. With 73 miles of wilderness coast to explore, one of the best and most popular destinations is Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches. The often muddy trail to the beach is short, easy to follow and leads to one of the most photographed series of sea stacks on the Pacific Coast. With incredible sea stacks, millions of small tide pools and the site to jaw-dropping sunsets, this short, family-friendly destination is sure to be a family favorite. Reservations are required during the summer months, and can be picked up from the Wilderness Information Center (WIC). Even with reservations, the best sites fill up early in the morning on summer days, as you are reserving a permit, not an individual spot.

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/north-coast-route.htm

 

lena lake hike
Gather better views at Upper Lena Lake which is typically less crowded than its sister hike to Lower Lena Lake.

Lower and Upper Lena Lake

Directions to Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/2sjgb

Distance: Up to 14 Miles Round Trip

Camp Sites: Numerous, with 28 sites at Lower Lena

Best Camp Area: Upper Lena

What Makes it Great: Upper and Lower Lena Lake are some of the most popular backpacking destinations along the Hood Canal of the Olympic Peninsula. Located above the Hamma Hamma River, the route to Lena Lake is paved and well-marked, helping with it’s popularity. ThurstonTalk has already written a great piece on Upper and Lower Lena Lake, which should be read. Be aware that the campsites at Lower Lena Lake can fill up early on weekends, so getting a head start on the trail is recommended. Upper Lena will fill up as well, but is less common. However, Upper Lena offers far greater views and makes for a more backcountry camping feel, serving as a great introduction destination for those looking to expand their wilderness experiences. Upper Lena has great sunrises, sunsets and exploring opportunities right from your campsite, making it one of the classic destinations.

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upper-lena-lake-trail.htm

 

ozette hiking
Enjoy a great sunset during a backpacking trip at Ozette Triangle.

Ozette Triangle

Directions to Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/gDOb0

Distance: 9 Miles Round Trip

Camp Sites: Two areas

Best Camp Area: Cape Alava

What Makes it Great: Ozette is considered by many to be the greatest backpacking/day hike on the coast of Olympic National Park. While the region is remote, the trail to the coast starts near Lake Ozette before working its way through forests and swampland, eventually dumping you out onto the rugged and wild coast. The coast is historic and beautiful, getting backpackers to regions usually unseen by the masses that flock to Olympic. With ancient petroglyphs etched onto Wedding Rock, hiking Ozette is like stepping back in time. Along the hike, look in tide pools, watch seals and otters, and keep an eye out for gray and orca whales swimming off shore. Once the day ends, kick back and enjoy one of the greatest and timelessly beautiful sunsets on the Pacific Coast. Be aware that bear bins are required, but not for bears. Raccoons have been quite aggressive toward food in the area.

More Information: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/ozette-loop.htm

All photos courtesy Douglas Scott.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share via:

70 Shares
  • More
Previous articleThrifty Thurston Listens to Free Outdoor Concerts at Music in the Park
Next articleOlympic National Park Paradise Fire Update
Douglas Scott

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Liz and Jane sitting on a porch

Senior Services Home Share Program Matches Providers with Seekers

Lacey Joggernauts group photo

Lacey Joggernauts Run/Walk Club Welcomes 2023 and Invites You to Join Their Saturday Morning Outings

Community Nature Foundation board members Jamie Corson and Charissa Waters standing in the forest

Eastside Neighborhood Forest Donated to Community Nature Foundation

Upcoming Events

Feb
1
Wed
10:00 am Black History Month Tours at the... @ Governor's Mansion
Black History Month Tours at the... @ Governor's Mansion
Feb 1 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Governor’s Mansion Foundation is presenting Black History Month Tours at the Mansion, February 1 and 8, 2023. Reservations at www.des.wa.gov or call 360.902.8880 or email at tours@des.wa.gov.
11:30 am Lacey South Sound Chamber Forum ... @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club
Lacey South Sound Chamber Forum ... @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club
Feb 1 @ 11:30 am
The Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts a monthly forum luncheon at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club on the first Wednesday of every month. This is an educational event with the opportunity to network and[...]
6:30 pm Olympia Mountaineers Adventure S... @ Friends Meeting House
Olympia Mountaineers Adventure S... @ Friends Meeting House
Feb 1 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
For more than 30 years, Paul Souders’ adventure travels have taken him across all seven continents as a professional photographer. His photography has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including National Geographic, Geo ([...]
Feb
2
Thu
12:00 am Register now for Free Tax Prepar... @ AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Register now for Free Tax Prepar... @ AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Feb 2 @ 12:00 am – 12:00 am
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation services in Thurston County starting February 1, 2023. For an appointment, call 360-474-3869 and leave a message. Or make your own appointment at https://taxaidewa20.org/online/. Or walk into one[...]
7:45 am The IN TEAM Business to Business... @ Ebony and Ivory Coffee House
The IN TEAM Business to Business... @ Ebony and Ivory Coffee House
Feb 2 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Our Mission – To connect businesses and people through intentional relationships. The IN TEAM is an Intentionally Networking membership based group that is focused on a culture of intentionally building relationships, community, connections, referring business,[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

a mental health professional talking with someone

Mental Health Professionals are Working Together at The Practice NW in...

The last few years have been an emotional rollercoaster. Illness, inflation, global chaos and political turmoil are a nonstop barrage on the senses. To...
Mason Health surgical team in scrubs

Mason Health Is Heading Into the New Year Ready To Serve...

women standing at an OlyFed bank counter

Saving for a Rainy Day Starts Now at OlyFed

Pharmacist Ryan Martin at NW Remedies holding two supplement jars in his hands and smiling at the camera

NW Remedies is Olympia’s Local Pharmacy for Supplementing Your Health and...

Boggs Inspection Services technician checking a bathroom faucet

Boggs Inspection Services Provides Home Inspection Tips for Buyers in 2023

Trending Now

The Flavor Nook, probably in October 1968.

Home of the Long Hamburger: The History of Lacey’s Flavor Nook

Latte in a white cup on a brown counter

Where to get Coffee in Olympia’s Downtown Historic District

Lacey Joggernauts group photo

Lacey Joggernauts Run/Walk Club Welcomes 2023 and Invites You to Join...

Editor Picks

chocolate dipped strawberries on a plate

Olympia Thriftway Stores Makes Hearts Smile this Valentine’s Day

Olympia Brewing Company building in the 1960s

Architectural Drawings of Olympia Brewing Company Lobby 1961 Remodel Donated to...

two people sitting behind the counter at computers at The Olympia Free Clinic

The Olympia Free Clinic Settles into Lilly Road for 2023

Recent Posts

  • Puget Sound Energy donates $125,000 across 10 organizations to support efforts to focus on sustainability and the environment
  • SCJ Alliance Adds a Certified Arborist to the Team
  • Where to get Coffee in Olympia’s Downtown Historic District
  • Olympia Thriftway Stores Makes Hearts Smile this Valentine’s Day
  • South Sound Unified Basketball 2023 Season Underway
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap