Olympic National Park: Hoh River Trail
Please register June 30.
Mandatory Pre-Trip Orientation July 14, 7pm-9pm
RSVP or register for details.
Dates: Friday, September 25 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Space is limited. (max of 9 / min of 5)
Some backpacking experience is recommended. Physical preparation is expected.
Location: Olympic National Park, Hoh River Trail
Cost: $1285 when you register by June 30
(Cost increases to $1425 for registration after July 1.)
Payment plans can be arranged based on need. A very limited number of reduced rates may be available.
Making this trip a reality depends on us reaching a core of 5 full-rate participants by June 30th.
To ensure we can provide everything planned, we can only offer a few minimal discounts.
We’d love for you to be part of the core group that makes this happen!
Contact:
Megan Shelly bewilderpgh@gmail.com
Co-leaders: John Creasy, Chris Brown, Megan Shelly
In partnership with John Creasy of Wild Indigo Guild and Christopher Brown of Still Mountain Coaching and Spiritual Direction, we are headed to the west coast for contemplative backpacking in Olympic National Forest.
John, Chris, and Megan have been friends and colleagues for over 20 years. Most recently they completed Spiritual Direction training together as a tiny cohort through the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction. All three find a deep connection to Universal Truth through time immersed in nature. There will be a strong emphasis on the silence of the rainforest, with contemplative practices integrated into all elements of this trip.
Arrive in Tacoma by 2pm on September 25. Departure on Wednesday, September 30. Group transportation to and from the airport is provided. Overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinners are provided before, during, and after the backpacking trip. Transportation to the trailhead is provided.
The 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip will begin on the Hoh River Trail, continuing to Blue Glacier and the base of Mount Olympus. This trail contains several technically challenging elements and is best suited for experienced backpackers.
Email RSVP your interest today!
Overnight accommodations and ground transportation are included. All breakfasts and dinners are provided, along with some snacks.
Personal backpacking gear is not included, but we can help you find what you need. Please note BEAR CANISTERS are required. Air transportation is not included. We ask participants to provide their own preferred food for lunches.
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: 9/25 - Friday
Participant Arrival at SEA/TAC by 2pm
3 hour drive to Drive to Kalaloch
Dinner at Kalaloch Lodge
Gathering meal and meeting
Overnight at Kalaloch Campground on beach
Distribute group gear and all food
DAY 2: 9/26 - Saturday
Breakfast at Kalaloch Lodge
Depart 1 hr drive to Hoh River Trail trailhead
Hike to Olympic Guard campsite – trailhead to Olympus Guard (9.7 miles, 750' gain)
DAY 3: 9/27 - Sunday
Hike to Blue Glacier – Olympus Guard to Glacier Meadows (7.7 miles, 4500' gain)
DAY 4: 9/28 - Monday
Hike to Five Mile Island – Glacier Meadows to Five Mile Island (12 miles)
DAY 5: 9/29 - Tuesday
One Square Inch of Silence
Hike to trailhead parking – Five Mile Island to trailhead parking (5 miles)
Drive to Sacred Waters retreat center
Dinner and overnight accommodations at Sacred Waters
DAY 6: 9/30 - Wednesday
Breakfast at Sacred Waters
Flights home, transport to airport; Return van