Our Mother-Daughter Olympic Backpack B adventure embraced everything that makes Olympic National Park so magical: lush forests, rugged beaches, incredible wildlife, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the journey together.
Backpacking day began with an unforgettable wake-up call as campers and moms listened to an epic “conversation” between ravens outside camp. After a delicious yogurt parfait breakfast, everyone worked together to pack backpacks for the days ahead. The group even picked up a brand-new outdoor skill, learning how to use a tire compressor before hitting the road toward the coast!
After enjoying hummus and pita at the trailhead, the adventure officially began. The trail wound through beautiful coastal forests, where hikers crossed muddy paths, sampled fresh huckleberries and salal berries, admired bright yellow banana slugs, and even spotted a reishi mushroom tucked among the trees. Eventually, the forest opened onto the beach, where a sunny stretch of sand made for a challenging final push to camp.
The effort was more than worth it.
Their beach campsite was nothing short of spectacular, complete with colorful buoys, driftwood, hanging lines, and even a swing overlooking the Pacific. After setting up camp, the group enjoyed poke bowls for dinner, made extra special with smoked salmon the guides had carefully packed in on ice. As darkness fell, everyone settled in beneath a sky full of stars for a peaceful night along the coast.
Layover day offered the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. After a pancake breakfast, the group hiked to Point of Arches, where they explored one of the most incredible tide pooling areas in the Pacific Northwest. Armed with tide pool bingo cards, moms and daughters searched for fascinating marine life, marveling at the diversity hidden among the rocks.
Back at camp, lunch featured pesto grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup before everyone enjoyed a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. The afternoon was filled with some of Alpengirl’s favorite traditions, including the Best Nest competition, working on skill beads, and writing letters to their future selves.
That evening, campers and moms gathered for a memorable talent show featuring dancing, card tricks, and even an impressive performance of reciting all 50 states in a single breath. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group shared one final backpacking alpenglow and listened to a traditional Indigenous story about the raven who stole the sun, a fitting way to end their time on this remarkable stretch of coastline.
This morning, the group packed up camp and timed their hike with the low tide before making their way toward a well-earned reward: a soak in the hot springs after an unforgettable backcountry adventure.
From backpacking through ancient forests to exploring vibrant tide pools and sharing quiet moments around camp, this trip reminded everyone that some of the very best adventures are the ones experienced side by side.