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Olympic National Park
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$900.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Seattle, WA / Seattle, WA
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park, from lush temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines and alpine mountain ranges.
Capture the magical morning light as it filters through the ancient cedars and firs of the Hoh Rainforest and Quinault Rainforest.
Experience the rugged beauty of the Olympic Coast, photographing iconic beaches such as Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and Second Beach.
Enjoy the intimate and personalized experience of our small group size, limited to just 7 photographers, ensuring ample one-on-one time with your instructor and a supportive learning environment.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Discover the enchantment of Olympic National Park, a true gem among the national parks of the United States. Initially designated as a national monument in 1909 and later established as a national park in 1938, Olympic National Park is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Despite its proximity to Seattle, the park's remote wilderness stretches across nearly one million acres, offering a pristine and untamed landscape.
As you step foot in Olympic National Park, you'll be greeted by a tapestry of landscapes that will leave you in awe. From the majestic temperate rainforests to the rugged and dramatic coastline, and the towering alpine peaks adorned with glaciers, the park is a paradise for photographers seeking breathtaking scenery.
Our carefully crafted workshops at Backcountry Journeys coincide with the optimal times to capture the park's beauty: spring and fall. During these seasons, the rainforests come alive with vibrant colors, as sunlight filters through the ancient cedars and firs, illuminating the mosses and ferns that carpet the forest floor. We'll explore the iconic Hoh Rainforest, known for its towering trees, and venture into the lesser-known Quinault Rainforest, where tranquility reigns supreme.
The park's coastline is a photographer's dream, with 73 miles of unspoiled shoreline waiting to be discovered. Delight in the rugged charm of sea stacks rising from the ocean, explore tide pools teeming with marine life, and marvel at the intricate patterns carved by the ever-changing tides. During our workshop, we'll visit the three most captivating beaches on the Olympic Coast: Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and Second Beach. These coastal gems offer stunning vistas, particularly during the magical hours of sunset.
Olympic National Park is an absolute treasure within the National Park Service, captivating photographers with its unparalleled natural wonders. It is a destination that never fails to inspire and delight. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where you'll have the opportunity to capture the essence of Olympic's beauty through your lens. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience to create remarkable images and forge lasting memories in one of nature's most captivating landscapes.
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from Seattle, Washington
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
On our first day, we will meet for an orientation dinner at our hotel. We will cover the general itinerary for the week and discuss logistics.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we begin our adventure as we head across Puget Sound to Olympic National Park. The photography is excellent this time of year and we will spend the day focusing on the incredible forests, mountains, and coastline that makes up Olympic National Park. We will share a dinner together as a group and then head to one of the iconic Olympic beaches to photograph sunset.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Today we will get an early start and photograph sunrise along the shore of Lake Crescent. Afterwards, we'll visit the incredible Sol Duc Falls to experience the raging waters and lush greens that have made this waterfall so famous.
We will retreat to our hotel for lunch and relaxation. After dinner, we will assess the weather and pick one of Olympic’s rugged beaches for sunset or the high alpine view of Hurricane Ridge.
Day 4 (B,D)
We will start the next morning exploring the Hoh Rainforest, the treasure of Olympic. Prepared to be astonished by the hanging mosses, ferns, lush greenery, and otherwordly forest scenes of the Hoh. After our shooting concludes, we will grab lunch and relocate to a beautiful historic lodge on the shores of Olympic's Pacific coastline. Sunset once again will be focused on one of the spectacular beaches nearby.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
On our last full day, we will head into the Quinault Rainforest. The Quinault Rainforest follows the Quinault River, which makes for beautiful scenes. We'll take a trail into the heart of the rainforest to witness the big maples that make this area unique.
More image review and critique around lunchtime, and then like the previous days, we will assess the weather and pick the best beach for sunset. If skies cooperate, there is also an opportunity to do so some twilight and night photography along the coast.
Day 6 (B)
We will pack up and start our journey back to Seattle, but not before stopping at Bunch Creek Falls along the Quinault River. We will spend ample time photographing the falls and stop at a few other spots along the way back depending on conditions. Flights can be booked in the late afternoon/evening.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Physical Requirements
This trip takes you through varied and challenging terrain in the stunning Mount Rainier National Park. Be ready for up to three miles of hiking per day, with some routes traversing rocky paths, dense forests, and alpine meadows. As you gain elevation, trails can become steeper and more rugged with occasional snow or ice in higher altitudes. The weather can change quickly and you may encounter rain or wind, especially in exposed areas. Photography sessions involve standing or crouching in unpredictable conditions, often in the cool or chilly mountain air.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
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COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025