Peninsula - Vancouver Island Multi-Activity

An Inn-to-Inn Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking, and Rafting Adventure featuring the best of the Pacific Northwest

Where ancient temperate rainforests and jagged mountains meet the pounding Pacific lies British Columbia's Vancouver Island and Washington's Olympic Peninsula, a vast and beautiful wilderness paradise.

Hike through forested slopes that plunge into the ocean, explore the treasures of Becher Bay by kayak, raft beautiful canyons, and mountain bike amid virgin forests.

At day's end, relax in luxurious historic lodges, dine on a bounty of fresh seafood and unwind beneath the stars.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hike the Dungeness Spit, Port Angeles, Lake Crescent Lodge
After meeting in Seattle at 9:00 a.m., we enjoy a scenic shuttle around Puget Sound to Port Angeles, located on the north shore of the Olympic Peninsula. We arrive in time for a full afternoon of hiking on the Dungeness Spit. The Spit is a National Wildlife Refuge and one of Olympic Peninsula's most remarkable natural features. Almost seven miles long, it is the longest natural sand hook in the world. The spit's surrounding bay and estuary are home to a variety of seabirds, seals, fish, crabs and clams. From the spit, the view of the Olympic Mountains is spectacular!

The historic Lake Crescent Lodge, our home away from home for the next two evenings, is located along the shore of the jewel of the Olympics.

• Dungeness Spit Beach Walk [3-11 miles, time and energy permitting; negligible elevation change]

Day 2. Mountain Bike Spruce Railroad Trail, Hike the Sol Duc Valley to Hot Springs, Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent Lodge
This morning we switch to our mountain bikes for a ride along the old Spruce Railroad Trail originally built to help move lumber for the construction of WWII airplanes. At this time, your guides will give an orientation on mountain biking technique. Helmets latched and gloves on, we pedal along the beautiful glacial waters of Lake Crescent, a perfect introduction to the great sport of mountain biking. In the afternoon, we hike through the deep woods of the Sol Duc valley (native words for "sparkling water") past a majestic waterfall on a trail known as Lover's Lane. Our trail is an easy stroll that ends at the hot springs, located next to the rapids of the Sol Duc River.

• Mountain Bike the Spruce Railroad Trail [approximately 10 miles, elevation change negligible, 2.0 hours]
• Hike Lover's Lane Trail [4 miles round trip, elevation change minimal, 3 hours, moderately easy]

Day 3. Rafting the Elwha River, The English Inn, Victoria
Our last morning on the Olympic Peninsula features a refreshing rafting trip on the scenic Elwha River. We pass through a heavily forested valley with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and Carrie Glacier. Water levels vary throughout the season, but you're sure to get a few splashes and plenty of smiles as we paddle through old growth firs and bounce over and around obstacles in the churning riverbed. In the afternoon, we embark on an unforgettable experience, a ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Upon arrival in Victoria, we settle into our Bed & Breakfast and then enjoy a gourmet meal at one of Victoria's fine restaurants.

• Rafting the Elwha river [Class II-II+]
• Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria [approximately 90 minutes]

Day 4. Sea Kayaking Becher Bay, Ocean Wilderness Country Inn
Revered as one of the premier destinations for sea kayaking, the west coast of Vancouver Island is a naturalist's paradise. The bays and coves brim with intertidal life, with bald eagles and sea birds flying overhead. After learning the basics of sea kayaking from local guides, we explore the niches of Becher or Sooke Bay. With luck we will see seals and sea lions in their natural habitat and possibly an occasional passing gray whale. Killer whales have also been known to frequent the area. Tonight's lodging is west of the town of Sooke, a quaint sea-side community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Sooke is "where the rainforest meets the sea".

• Sea Kayaking Becher Bay [mileage variable, full day]

Day 5. Hiking the Juan de Fuca Trail, Ocean Wilderness Country Inn
After welcoming the morning with a hearty home-made breakfast, we head for a day hike on the famed Juan de Fuca Trail from Parkinson Creek to Botanical Beach. Hiking a moderate portion of this otherwise rugged trail affords us the beauty of both the beach and a wonderland of temperate rainforest. The trail passes through lands that have been occupied by humans for perhaps 6,500 years. This area is home to the Pacheenaht First Nation, who traditionally lived on the coast during summer. This evening relax at the inn's Japanese-style hot tub beneath the gazebo or take a stroll in the ocean-side gardens.

• Juan de Fuca Marine Trail [moderate section of 6 miles; approximately 3 hours, elevation negligible]

Day 6. Biking the Galloping Goose Trail, Return to Seattle
In the morning, we will cycle a scenic section of the Galloping Goose Trail, named for the historic gas locomotive which used to run along the same route. This easy to moderately easy ride will take us through forested areas over gently rolling terrain beside the Sooke River. At the end of the day, we return to Seattle via the Victoria Clipper, a super-fast passenger ferry that travels across the Juan de Fuca Strait and through Pugent Sound. Trip concludes at approximately 8:00 p.m. in Seattle.

• Mountain Bike Galloping Goose Trail [approximately 10 miles, 400 feet elevation gain/loss]
• Ferry from Vancouver Island to Seattle. [approximately 2 hours]

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Day 1. Port Angeles, Lake Crescent Lodge
Day 2. Lake Crescent Lodge
Day 3. The English Inn, Victoria
Day 4. Ocean Wilderness Country Inn
Day 5. Ocean Wilderness Country Inn