June 11, 2021 Update: Washington State has rescinded the outdoor recreation guidance as of June 11, 2021. Accordingly, Olympic Hiking Co. will be following L&I Regulations and CDC Guidelines in accordance with Olympic National Park commercial operations.
Our Olympic Hiking Co. team is looking forward to facilitating memorable guided tours, trailhead shuttles, backpacking trips, and special events for the upcoming 2021 Season! As you consider your upcoming travels to Olympic National Park, here is how Olympic Hiking Co. will be following Washington State’s most recent 2021 Outdoor Recreation protocols.
Face Masks Required During Vehicle Travel
In accordance with CDC guidelines for COVID-19, Olympic National Park and Washington State regulations require face masks to be worn during vehicle travel for our tours and shuttles.
Group Sizes
Guidance: “Guided activities now allowed for up to 50 participants.”
Our Policy: All tours and shuttles will be limited to 14 passengers and we will often utilize even lower capacities for group sizes.
Contactless Operations
Guidance: “Utilize on-line or phone time reservation systems to pre-pay and limit interactions where possible. Utilizing non-cash payments and credit cards to limit interactions is recommended.”
Our Policy: All of our tour and shuttle reservations are booked in advance either online or over the phone. Our booking confirmation emails include online waiver forms, which makes our check-in procedure completely contactless. Tips are encouraged (and much appreciated!) through Venmo.
Cleaning Protocols
Guidance: “Develop cleaning protocols that allow for proper disinfection of gear… Regularly sanitize counter tops, hand rails, door knobs, and other common surfaces. Have hand sanitizer available for staff and clients.”
Our Policy: All seats, seatbelts, equipment rentals, and other common touched surfaces are regularly sanitized before, during, and after activities. Hand sanitizer is readily available for clients and staff. We follow and continue to monitor CDC, WA Department of Health, and WA Labor & Industries guidelines for cleaning procedures, shuttle transportation, and overall workplace safety.
Fun memories from our 2020 COVID-Safe Operations
A message from Owner & Founder, Tommy Farris
On behalf of our wonderful team of Naturalist Hiking Guides and Trailhead Shuttle crew members, I want to thank all of our 2020 tour and shuttle passengers for trusting our team to facilitate a COVID-safe experience. Safety is always our top priority and we are committed to be good stewards of Olympic National Park in Leaving No Trace and Recreating Responsibly. We all adjusted to a new normal for travel and recreation in the outdoors during 2020. Our Olympic Hiking Co. team took pride into integrating detailed COVID-safe protocols and we look forward to utilizing this expertise to execute a safe and efficient 2021 season. If you have any specific COVID-19 concerns or questions about our operations or traveling to Olympic National Park in general, please feel free to contact me directly at tommy@hikeolympic.com. We look forward to welcoming you back to Olympic National Park and helping you create lifelong memories in this special place we call home.