Are you brand new to backpacking but ready to step off the beaten path and into the wild?  Join us for the Wild Women Beginner’s Backpacking Trip to the Enchanted Valley in the heart of Olympic National Park. 

What Sets Us Apart?

At Wild Women Escapes, we specialize in creating curated adventures designed to ignite your sense of wonder and connection with the great outdoors. On this journey, you'll not only experience our thoughtful curation firsthand but also gain exclusive access to our 10-Week Backpacker Preparation Education Series through the Wild Women Outdoor Academy.

This comprehensive and interactive program, featuring both live and recorded sessions, is designed to ensure you feel confident, prepared, and empowered to embark on this adventure. From mastering the essentials of backpacking to gaining the skills and knowledge to thrive on the trail, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including:

• Gear Selection & Packing Tips
• Trail Safety & Navigation
• Physical  Training & Mental Preparation
• And more!

Picture this:

• Hiking through the lush, moss-draped rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
• Following the shimmering Quinault River as it winds through the majestic Enchanted Valley.
• Marveling at waterfalls cascading from towering cliffs and wildlife in its natural habitat.

Led by our experienced and passionate guides, you’ll gain skills, confidence, and a community of like-minded adventurers. Sleep beneath a canopy of stars, sip coffee by the campfire, and forge memories that will last a lifetime.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s the beginning of your journey into the great outdoors.

Link to our Summer 2024 Trip Recap: https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/the-enchanted-valley-olympic-national-park/

• Number of leaders: 2-3
• Available spots for participants: 10
• Dates: June 18-22, 2025
• Location: The Enchanted Valley, Olympic National Park
• Length of trip: 5 days, 4 nights. We'll stay at an Airbnb on the first night, and sleep in tents for the remaining 3 nights.
• Total Distance Hiked: ~30 (We will hike between 6-7 miles daily)
• Elevation: We estimate ~3-4K of total elevation gain over the whole trip
• Difficulty: Moderate. There are no technical sections or serious elevation gain on this trip, and the train leading to Enchanted Valley is clear and well-traveled; however, it is a long trip!
• Hiker Requirements: By May 18th, 2025 participants must submit a recent photo of themselves (within the last month) at the end of a 6-7 mile hike with at least 1000ft of elevation gain, wearing a backpack that weighs between 35-40lbs.

All participants are highly encouraged to block their calendars for the following important group meetings:

Monday, April 7 from 5-7pm PST Virtual, Live Kickoff Call

Monday, June 2 from 5-7pm PST Virtual, Live Packing Party

1. Endurance: Participants should have good cardiovascular endurance to hike long distances over varied terrain each day. We will hike approximately 6-7 miles per day at a 1.5-2 mile/hour pace.
2. Strength: Backpacking involves carrying a heavy load on your back, including camping gear, food, water, and other essentials. Participants should have sufficient strength in their legs, back, and core to carry a backpack weighing between 35-40 pounds for extended periods.
3. Balance and Coordination: The trail to the Enchanted Valley includes some uneven terrain, stream crossings, and potentially slippery or steep sections. Participants should have good balance and coordination to navigate these obstacles safely.
4. Prior Hiking Experience: Prior hiking experience (of at least 6-7 miles in one trip) is mandatory for our backpacking trip to The Enchanted Valley. This requirement will ensure that attendees have a solid understanding of their own physical capabilities and comfort levels in outdoor settings, which will contribute to a more enjoyable and successful trip for everyone involved.

"Meg and Lauren clearly communicated from day 1, there was no question left unanswered (even the silly questions that I kept googling but finally asked to get a good answer). They were so encouraging through the entire process and shared so much of their knowledge that led to a great first time backpacking experience. The trip exceeded all my expectations, the best part of the trip was seeing the enchanted valley and going with such a positive group! The leaders made it so I only had to focus on enjoying the hike because of the safety, camping and backpacking prior knowledge that they had shared."

"The organization that was put into planning and executing this trip was incredible; from the list of needed items, to the training guide, to the delicious food and swag bag. Nothing was subpar. The fact that all small and large details were considered, made going on this trip so easy (even for a mom of 3, soon to be four)! I feel more confident in my abilities to plan a backpacking trip with my friends and family. It also has piqued my interest in hiking in state parks near me! Nature has a beauty that I don’t want to escape! Thank you Wild Women 🙂"

"The trip was a challenge but an amazing experience! It was something outside of my comfort zone – and I’m so glad I took the risk! I enjoyed meeting other awesome women, pushing myself, and learning more about backpacking. It was great that Lauren and Megan gave tips and tricks about anything and everything from packing, to wearing a pack, and meals/snacks. They were well prepared and made me feel so comfortable. I 100% would do a trip again and recommend this to anyone wanting an adventure!"

"This trip was awesome and I am so glad I took a risk and signed up for it. The pre-trip communication enabled me to be fully prepared from a physical, mental, and gear perspective. The trail chosen for this trip was exceptionally beautiful and challenging without leaving me totally exhausted. The trip leaders were encouraging, I never felt intimidated. They also provided a lot of opportunities to foster community within the group. There were some lovely curated touches like the welcome dinner, swag bags, a camp shower, and boiling our water for morning coffee. There was a lot of on-site education about safety, proper hiking technique, gear care, and other essential backpacking tasks. I felt completely immersed in nature and present in the moment, and a spark for backpacking was ignited in me. I feel empowered to say yes to future camping/backpacking trips that friends propose and may even plan some myself!"

Please plan to arrive at our shared house in Seabrook by 5pm.  For safety reasons, specific details of the shared house and location will be shared privately with participants.

Please note: you should expect the drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Seabrook to be between 3-4 hours. Please give yourselves plenty of time to arrive on time. If you are flying in from out-of-state, we recommend flying in the night before and staying at a hotel near the airport.

We'll plan to share a group dinner at 6pm to connect with your fellow adventurers. Then, we'll review some safety information and have a group packing party to ensure everyone's gear is ready and organized for our trip.

We’ll be up with the sun and fueled up with a hearty group breakfast before setting out on our journey to the Graves Creek Trailhead in Olympic National Park. Once there, we’ll start our picturesque hike to O’Neil Campground, our serene oasis for the first night of our adventure. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning wilderness of Olympic National Park!

Total Distance: Graves Creek Trailhead to O’Neil Campground is 7 miles, ~1,600 ft of elevation gain, ~900 ft of elevation lost (~3-4 hours of hiking + stops for breaks)

Leaving the peaceful atmosphere of O’Neil Campground behind, we’re headed for the renowned Enchanted Valley. Picture yourself among towering trees and the soothing sounds of flowing water, all adding to the magical charm of this destination. Get ready to be captivated by its beauty.

Total Distance: O’Neil Campground to the Enchanted Valley is ~7 miles, ~1,300 ft of elevation gain, ~600 ft of elevation lost (~3-4 hours of hiking + stops for breaks)

Today, we invite you to immerse yourself fully in the wonder of The Enchanted Valley. Spend the day exploring its hidden treasures, whether it’s a leisurely hike along the riverbanks, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply basking in its tranquility. Take the time to connect with the beauty around you and to breathe in the crisp mountain air! 

Returning to O’Neil Campground at the end of the day provides a unique opportunity from a practice standpoint. It offers a chance to reinforce essential outdoor skills and habits in a familiar setting. By retracing our steps back to the campground, we can solidify our understanding of navigation, trail awareness, and Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, it allows us to appreciate the progression of the journey, reflecting on the experiences and growth we’ve encountered along the way.

Total Distance: The Enchanted Valley to O’Neil Campground to is ~7 miles, ~600 ft of elevation gain, ~1,500 ft of elevation lost (~3-4 hours of hiking + stops for breaks)

After days of adventure and exploration in the wilderness, our journey culminates as we make our way back to the trailhead. At this final stage, participants will find a welcome surprise awaiting them at the cars: cold drinks, snacks, and clean clothes to change into after days on the trail.

As we gather around the cars, we’ll spend some time reflecting on this experience together and celebrate the sense of accomplishment and rejuvenation that comes from unleashing our wild sides!

Total Distance: O’Neil Campground to Graves Creek Trailhead is ~7 miles, ~900 ft of elevation gain, ~1,600 ft of elevation lost (~3-4 hours of hiking + stops for breaks)