Mink Lake
Aug 11-12
Mink Lake is a peaceful backcountry lake surrounded by mossy meadows and old growth trees. It is located in the Sol duc river valley, a lush oasis in the heart of Olympic National Park. The trail begins at the Sol duc river and is 2.5 miles in length, with an elevation gain just under 1,500 ft. Along the trail you can spot big trees, native wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms.
Beginner Friendly Backpacking
Beginner friendly caters to first time backpackers as well as those who want more practice, or those who want to be in a small group at a slow pace. To optimize your pack weight, your guide will outfit you with gear from top ranking backpacking brands like Osprey, black diamond and sea to summit. All backpacking gear and permits are included in the price, down to a cup and spoon! Your guide will also be available throughout the trip to help you and answer questions. Learn skills like how to pack your pack, store your food, and leave-no-trace.
Food Included
We order our backpacking food from backpackers pantry, an award winning, gourmet dehydrated food brand. (That's right you just add boiling water!). From backpacking magazines to outdoor gear blogs, their meals have been praised for their convenience, taste, and quality ingredients. There is something for every diet, whether you are vegan, gluten free, dairy, nut or soy free. You choose from a handful of options for your entree and breakfast meal. For lunch we order deli sandwiches from Country Aire Natural Foods in Port Angeles. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options are available. Your guide will also bring a variety of snacks based on your preferences.
Your Guide
Your guide this summer is Nina, a full time resident of Port Angeles and has been a wilderness first responder certified guide on the Olympic Peninsula since 2019. She is the founder of Magic Forest tours and has extensive knowledge about the wildlife, ecology and history of the area. Learn more about Nina on the about page here.
Your Gear
Our included gear rental consists of a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, trekking poles, headlamp, first Aid, bear-canister, water filter, stove and propane, cookware, mug, cutlery, Leave-no-trace guidelines, and map. Gear is cleaned and disinfected before use.
Trip Preparation
This trip requires you to stay nearby the night before backpacking, and we recommend the night after as well to rest. Your guide can help you find accommodations in Port Angeles, a picturesque rural town and headquarters location for Olympic National Park. The day before the trip, your guide will bring you your backpacking gear where you are staying, and show you how to pack your pack. This orientation is critical to a successful trip. Please schedule one hour to prepare with your guide. To see a packing packing list click here.
Trip Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change based on group needs.
10 am day one - Get ready to backpack and group stretch at the Mink Lake Trailhead.
2 pm - Arrive at Mink Lake, set up camp at and unwind. Have lunch at your leisure and explore the lake.
6 pm - Prepare your dehydrated backpackers pantry meals and gather for a story. Enjoy the sunset and get ready for a restful sleep under the stars.
9 am day two - Wake up and have breakfast with a mug of hot coffee or tea.
10 am - Either relax at the campsite or hike with Nina further up the Mink Lake trail to a view.
12 pm - Pack up camp and hike back to the trailhead!
Trip Rate
Pricing is per person and transportation is not included.
$365 + tax includes all your permits, gear, guide and three meals and a snack.
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