Women’s
Olympic National Park
Backpacking
July 20-26, 2024
$3350
$3150 for the first 6 women who register
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: The Enchanted Valley
From snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys, this backpacking trek will take you deep into the rugged and serene nature of Washington's Enchanted Valley in the Olympic National Park. Between camping under the stars, delicious meals, and day hikes up to incredible viewpoints, you are sure to be enchanted throughout the entire trek.
This experiential backpacking journey takes place in the Enchanted Valley of Olympic National Park. Each day offers a deep dive into the teachings of the four elements and how the element affects you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ll guide you through creating your own rituals of connection with each element so that when you return home, you return with tools that allow you to continually work with the elements and your ever-changing needs.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Washington! Meet at the airport by 12:00 pm for a transfer to the hotel in Olympia. Driving in? Meet in Olympia by 4:30 pm! At 5:00 pm meet with the crew for a packing and gear prep meeting with your hiking guide and let your adventure begin.
Tonight we gather in sacred circle to honor the journey we are each on and to come together in support of each other for the one that has brought us together.
Overnight in Olympia
Day 2
It's trail time! Grab a shuttle to the trailhead (2.5 hours) and then start your hike.
Your first day is spent hiking along the majestic Quinault River, climbing steadily past small waterfalls and moss-laden trees. Deep in the heart of the Quinault rainforest, you'll keep your eyes out for unique flora and fauna as elk and other wildlife are common here, as well as an abundance of lush vegetation and giant trees. You'll spend the first night at O’Neil Creek, and finish off the day with a hearty dinner served up deep in the rainforest. Mileage: 6.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Today's circle exploration is all about the element of Earth. During our circle time, a variety of tools can be utilized depending on our energy levels and the weather, as we are literally ebbing and flowing with nature. Tonights journal prompts reflect upon the earth element energy.
Backcountry Camping
Day 3
Day three follows the Quinault River further up into the mountains toward its headwaters, intermittently climbing and crossing small side creeks. Shortly before today's stopping point, you’ll cross a dramatic bridge high above the Quinault River, and then the forest will open up into the stunning vistas of Enchanted Valley. Mileage: 6.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Tonight's circle exploration is all about the element of Water. During our circle time, a variety of tools can be utilized depending on our energy levels and the weather, as we are literally ebbing and flowing with nature. Tonights journal prompts reflect upon the water element energy.
Backcountry Camping
Day 4
Today is your opportunity to relax and soak up the views of Enchanted Valley or to get some phenomenal day hiking in and make the heart-pounding ascent to Anderson Pass.
If you choose to hike to Anderson Pass, you’ll carry light daypacks, and start off with a mellow stroll through meadows, and old-growth forests and wind past the largest Western Hemlock in the world, before beginning the climb up towards Anderson Pass. At 4,464 feet, it has some of the best backcountry views in Olympic National Park! Berries, views, and wildlife abound. Mileage: up to 10 miles / Elevation Gain/Loss: up to 2,650 feet
Tonight's circle exploration is all about the element of Fire. During our circle time, a variety of tools can be utilized depending on our energy levels and the weather, as we are literally ebbing and flowing with nature. Tonights journal prompts reflect upon the fire element energy.
Backcountry Camping
DAY 5
Today you’ll visit the historic ruins of the riverside chalet (that due to erosion, are now undercut, and precariously hanging out over the Quinault River), snap amazing photos of towering peaks and glaciers, and look for blueberries and other treats in the meadows and forests near your camp.
Pack up and head back down the trail. You’ll make your way back towards O’Neill Creek, keeping eyes open for the views and wildlife that were behind you on the way in. Mileage: 6.5 miles / Elevation Loss: 700 feet
Tonight's circle exploration is all about the element of Air. During our circle time, a variety of tools can be utilized depending on our energy levels and the weather, as we are literally ebbing and flowing with nature. Tonights journal prompts reflect upon the air element energy.
Backcountry Camping
Day 6
After your final trek, you’ll drive past scenic Lake Quinault on the way out, and then bid farewell to the rainforest and to Olympic National Park as you head back towards Olympia (2.5 hours), dreaming already of your next adventure.
Although by definition, a circle has no beginning and no end, we honor the completion of our journey together tonight in ceremony.
Day 7
All good things must come to an end, until next time! After breakfast, you will board the shuttle for your departure flights home.
TrovaTrip will provide one transfer to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on the last day.
Pricing
$3350
$3150 for the first 6 women who register
Inclusions
What’s Included
Four Elements Immersion Training- Daily wisdom connections, rituals, and reflections
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels & tents
Certified Olympic National Park hiking Guide
Arrival airport transfer
Departure airport transfer (between 8-10 am)
Camping gear (top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and technical backpack)
Trekking poles
National Park entrance fees
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
All camping meals prepared by your Guide
What’s Not Included
Flights
Food & alcohol (except as noted)
Travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of designated times
Tips for your Guide
Retreat Gallery
FAQs
What Airport should I fly into?
You will be traveling to the Baltra (GPS) airport in the Galapagos. Many flight schedules require an overnight in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations on hotels in Guayaquil. Some flights may also route through Quito. Quito has a great colonial district and is an excellent jumping-off point for the Ecuadorian rainforest or mountain adventures. However it is also at an elevation and the airport is approximately an hour from the city center. Unless you plan on staying in Quito for a few days, we recommend that you travel through Guayaquil for your Galapagos adventure.
do i need a passport/visa?
US citizens will need a valid passport to visit Ecuador, but no visa is required at this time. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page. Ecuador reserves the right to refuse entry if passports do not meet these requirements. Please know that this information can change and it is best to visit the State Department’s website for current information. Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Animal sightings are never guaranteed, but then again, this is Galapagos. Expect to share dining space in town with marine iguanas, pelicans and sea lions. Frigate birds, penguins, blue-footed boobies and sharks should all be on your checklist. Giant tortoises roam freely in the highlands, will certainly be at our Montemar yoga retreat center where they share their space with the wild horses.
Do i need to bring my own yoga gear?
Our brand new yoga studio is fully stocked with Manduka mats and blocks and straps… not to mention stunning views of the ocean and neighboring islands. If you are attached to your mat and accessories, feel free to take them, but they are not necessary on this adventure.
Do i need to book activities ahead of time?
This Galapagos yoga retreat is fully itinerized leaving only minimal time unscheduled. There is so much to see on the islands and we are bringing you on an adventure that takes it all in! Plan on full days of adventure, animal sightings and beautiful star filled nighttime skies. We recommend that you leave your limited downtime free to allow for a little quiet time for yourself or for strolling on the grounds.