Last Updated: July 16, 2020
We are open!
Based on the May 14, 2020 memo from Governor Inslee regarding Outdoor Recreation in Phase 1 and Phase 2, we are officially able to resume our Olympic Hiking Co. Guided Hiking Tours and Trailhead Shuttles as we have company policies in place to follow the state’s safety and health requirements. Here are some key updates for our 2020 season.
Physical Distancing for our Trailhead Shuttles
Our trailhead shuttles will have reduced capacity and fixed seating assignments to ensure appropriate social distancing from traveling groups and our driver. We will limit our group trailhead shuttles to two traveling groups to achieve 6 feet of physical distancing in our row seating. We also expanded our availability for custom private shuttles for one traveling group. During Phase 2 and beyond, we are permitted to take multiple households with social distancing maintained.
Expanded Private Tour Options, Including “Self-Drive”
Our private guided tours have always been our top-rated experiences; thus, we are thrilled to expand our availability and options for our customized private hiking tours throughout Olympic National Park. We added a discounted “self-drive” private tour option where our guides will meet clients at the various trailheads they wish to explore that day. For clients that prefer to have a fully guided experience, including roundtrip transportation, we have our full-sized tour van available to ensure physical distancing requirements are met. Our custom private tours are available daily and can be booked online.
Group Hiking Tours Postponed Until 2021
To prioritize the health and safety of our clients and employees, we have decided to cancel our group hiking tours (with multiple households) through our 2020 season. This allows us to repurpose our larger 15 passenger group tour van to achieve physical distancing for our small group trailhead shuttles and private hiking tours.
Masks are now required universally in Washington state
All people in Washington state must wear a face covering in any indoor or outdoor public area. Children under two should not wear a face covering. People unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons are not required to. The mask may be removed to eat, drink, or while outdoors in public areas, provided that a distance of six feet is maintained from people who are not members of their household. Accordingly, masks will be required during vehicle travel during our tours and shuttles.
Olympic National Park Updates
Please visit Olympic National Park’s website for the latest information for the phased reopening. Currently, the majority of the park is reopen for day-use and backcountry camping. The Makah Reservation (Shi Shi Beach, Cape Flattery Trail), and Quileute Reservation (First Beach, Second Beach) remain closed until further notice.
Recreate Responsibly
As we return to outdoor adventures, let’s remember to #RecreateResponsibly in the meantime. Plan ahead, practice physical distancing, and be mindful of our rural gateway communities. To learn more visit RecreateResponsibly.org.
Some Final Thoughts
Thank you for the encouragement and your patronage as we manage an unprecedented 2020 season. These certainly have been challenging times, however, COVID-19 has allowed us to slow down, reprioritize our efforts, and focus on our core mission to help travelers make lifelong memories as they explore Olympic National Park. Whether we can help ease the logistics on a trailhead shuttle with a friendly, reliable service, or customize your bucket-list private tour itinerary, we truly appreciate the chance to work with you in our 5th season as a commercially authorized tour company in Olympic National Park. Here to help in 2020 and in the many years to come!