Sol Duc, Lake Crescent And Ridge Day

Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park runs through Olympic Hiking Co.. Rated 5.0 across 83 reviews. Runs 9 hours. From $195.

Overview

This day trip from Port Angeles packs three of Olympic National Park's best known features into nine hours: the Sol Duc Falls trail, the shoreline of Lake Crescent, and the high country at Hurricane Ridge. Olympic Hiking Co. runs it in a 12 or 15 passenger van with a commercially authorized guide, and park entrance fees are already covered in the price. The tour sets off at 07:30 from the company's tour building on Marine Drive in Port Angeles and returns there at the end of the day.

The route links the stops in a single loop of driving and hiking. A drive through Elwha Valley and around Lake Crescent leads into the Sol Duc River Valley for a guided hike to the falls. From there the group visits Lake Crescent itself, makes a short stop in Port Angeles, and then climbs to Hurricane Ridge for subalpine trails and wide mountain views. The sequence means both a forest hike and a high elevation hike in a single day, with driving breaks between them.

It suits travellers who want a lot of ground covered without planning the logistics themselves. Reviewers repeatedly describe the guides as knowledgeable about the park, with praise covering everything from trees, birds and native plants to local history and the Coast Salish tribes whose lands the park sits on. It is best for people comfortable being on their feet, since the trip involves two guided hikes. Ages 10 and up are welcome, and the group is capped at 14 travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in Port AngelesCheck in at the Olympic Hiking Co. tour building at 720 Marine Drive, Port Angeles, for a 07:30 start. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Drive through Elwha ValleyThe van heads through Elwha Valley and around Lake Crescent on the way toward the Sol Duc River Valley.
3. Sol Duc Falls hikeA guided hike to the falls, with 1 hour and 30 minutes at this stop. Admission is included.
4. Lake CrescentA 30 minute stop at the lake, known among reviewers for its clear water and uncrowded shoreline. Admission is free.
5. Port Angeles stopA 20 minute stop in town. Picnic lunches can be purchased during the tour's scheduled stop, or travellers can pack their own, since lunch is not included in the tour price.
6. Hurricane RidgeThe van climbs to the ridge for 2 hours of views and a guided hike on subalpine trails. Admission is included.
7. Return to Port AngelesThe tour ends back at the meeting point on Marine Drive, roughly nine hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details shape how this day goes, from lunch planning to mountain weather.

• Bring a lunch. Lunch is not included. Picnic lunches can be bought during the scheduled stop in Port Angeles, or travellers can pack their own.
• Layer up. The listing warns that mountain weather is unpredictable and asks guests to bring extra clothing. The tour runs rain or shine, so layers are more than a formality here.
• Be ready to hike. The day includes a guided hike to Sol Duc Falls and further hiking at Hurricane Ridge. One reviewer mentioned there was a lot of hiking but also good rest time during the drives, so expect a full day on your feet.
• Small van group. The group is capped at 12 travellers, riding in a 12 or 15 passenger van. One reviewer described the van as comfortable and air conditioned, and several mention the guide helping the group gel over the course of the day.
• Ask the guide. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' knowledge of the park, from plants and wildlife to local history. One first time visitor said the guide pointed out other trails to explore on later days, so it pays to ask questions along the way.
• Plan the drive. The meeting point is in Port Angeles, roughly a three hour one way trip from Seattle. Travellers staying in Seattle need to account for that commute on top of the nine hour tour, and the 07:30 start comes early.

Common issues. A few limitations are worth knowing before booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, children must be 10 or older, and there is no hotel pickup. Weather cancellations are not permitted, since the operator runs the tour rain or shine, so a cloudy or wet day still goes ahead. One reviewer who expected a shorter outing was unhappy with how the time was spent, so travellers wanting extended time at any single site may find the schedule tight. Refunds are only available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

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