The Pacific North West - Big Foot's Backyard

Venture out and experience world-class sea kayaking, a rainforest, a volcano,
and a mountaineer's dream.  All in Big Foot's Backyard!! 

Itinerary
Days 1, 2 Mt Rainier
Mt. Rainier is a mountaineer’s dream. Referred to as ‘Tahoma’ by the Native Americans, Mt. Rainier looms large and is ever-present in Seattle’s scenic backdrop. Do a day-hike in aptly-named Paradise Valley and walk among the mountain goats, marmots, and clouds as you ascend to Panorama Point and the base of Nisqually Glacier. Hiking amongst the high alpine scenery makes Mt. Rainier a rewarding experience for all who lace up their hiking boots.

Day 3 Mt St Helens
Since blowing her top in May 1980 Mt. St. Helens has become the most famous volcano in the USA. And would you believe that the crater is still smoking? Exploring the more remote east side, we’ll hike in her midst, gaining excellent views of the crater- just watch out for Sasquatch.

After rummaging around above ground, we next delve underground for a caving adventure that is made possible from her blast. Lava flow caused by the eruption created caves in the area. So join the expedition and get ready for some caving suitable for all levels!

Day 4 Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park offers a great mix of Pacific beaches, rainforests, mountains, and remote wilderness. Covering a large area, there are no roads that cut straight through the Olympics- making them a vast wilderness area. See the primal beauty and endless shades of green in the lush old-growth Hoh Rain Forest, which is the world’s largest temperate rain forest

Day 5 Olympic National Park and San Juan Islands
We’re not done with the Olympics just yet- there are still some mountain vistas to be seen at Hurricane Ridge. And with over 600 miles of trails, excellent hiking can be found almost anywhere in the park.

A pleasant ferry ride takes us to a gem of the northwest, the San Juan Islands. Straddling the Washington-Canada border and with sensational seashores, wildlife, and unparalleled scenery, the San Juan Islands have a mystical quality about them.

Day 6 San Juan Islands
With several hundred islands in the chain, there are countless miles of twisting and stunning shoreline just begging to be explored. The San Juan Islands offer an incomparable sea kayaking adventure, and is consistently rated as one of the top sea kayaking destinations in the world. Maybe Shamu and his orca whale buddies (killer whales) will show up. We will be kayaking in the areas where they are frequently found playing, feeding, and migrating. Other animals with homes in the area include bald eagles and harbor seals.

Day 7 Back to Seattle
Bid farewell to Bigfoot and the great pacific northwest as we return to the Emerald City, Seattle.

About this tour
• Bring some warm clothes for night - it gets chilly in a couple of these places

Included in price:
All entrances into national and state parks, all accommodations and transportation during tour, services of a trip leader, hiking, caving