We did a day tour on Sunday Feb 9, being picked up in Port Angeles, where it was 40 degrees, a light wintry mix. Very early in the season and we couldn't have been happier with the lack of crowds. Evergreen Escapes contacted us to make sure we had the proper gear for the weather, which we had, but they still brought along extra gloves and rain gear. We started in Port Austin, picked up at our hotel. It was just the two of us and our guide Marty. We talked about what we wanted to see and do in the area and Marty tailored the trip to us. Our first stop was Hurricane Ridge. After passing the gate, and making way for the plow, we pulled over to put on the tire chains. Minutes later back on the road, discussing the geology of the area, how it was the sea floor at one time. Beautiful switchback drive up, lots of gorgeous views and we had big breaks in the clouds giving us sunny valleys to look down on. Both on the way up and down we passed backcountry skiers setting off up the mountain for some gorgeous powder. Reaching the top we parked and it was prep for phase 2: snowshoeing. if you know how to walk, you know now how to snowshoe. Marty mad sure we were fitted right, gave us the option for trekking poles, explained how to walk in snowshoes and we set off. The local ski lift was open with skiers and snowboarders enjoying the fresh snow and 18 degrees. We set off over a meadow and into the trees. walking on 5-6 feet of snow. Do you know what a tree well is? Marty did and explained how they form and the danger they can present. Funny enough, walking a a downslope, my wife got caught on the edge of one and she used her poles to lever herself away from the edge and we pressed on. We got onto a trail that cross country skiers like to use for a downhill leg and we passed skiers and other snowshoers. it was a great walk in the snowy woods, quiet, pristine and just beautiful. Coming back down from Hurricane Ridge we took a side road west through the forest, passing some beautiful homes on the edge of the Olympic National park and went over to the Elwah River and up the road as far as it would go, since the road had washed out short of the Elwah Dam Removal. the River is gorgeous, fast and cold and we're told it changes color with the season and the melting of snow and glaciers in summer. We did see a beautiful little waterfall jsut a quick 1/10 of a mile from the parking lot. After that it was on to Lake Crescent. We drove up to a beautiful bay, with a great view of the lake and the mountains that drop seemingly to the water'e edge. Marty got the stoves going, soup was on, chicken was available with noodles or in the soup, some great scones and tea and we were warm and ready for more. We next went to Salt Creek and if you didn't have someone local to get you there, you might miss it. There are sea stacks there, the tide was out and we walked a lot of the flats below the cliffs; tidal pools had clams and starfisn, lots of bullwhip kelp. No seals that day and a little too early for whales in the strait. But after exploring the flats we got back in the van and drove up to a coampground on the point. The campground was a former miltary gun emplacement in WWII, with bunkers still on-sght, some of which you can drive through. There's a great staircase and walkway to the water with excellent views back to the beach and of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. After that we drove back to Port Angeles, taking a little detour down to the waterfront/harbor. A few ships moving in and out of port. We were a week early for seasonal start of the ferry to Victoria, B.C. but you can see across the strait to Victoria. That was the end of our tour day because we had a car and were driving back to Seattle. The ferry ride is super easy, whether you do it yourself or if you're in the van. Either way, you get out of your car, up topside where you can sit inside or go outside and see the best views of Seattle. And we came in on the 6:30 ferry in early February, so the city was lit up and even looks beautifu at night. Our hotel was a 3 minute drive from the ferry so it was a breeze. We had driven ourselves to Olympia the night before, getting up early and were at the the Quinnault Rainforest by 9am. We did a few different trail loops there through the rainforest. We never heard or saw anyone else out on the trail. There was some fog, some breaks in the forest into sunny meadows, the river roars throught the gorges and the trail along Lake Quinnaut is a beautiful view. We then drove up to Ruby Beach, reaching it at low tide. Great seastacks, an easy trail down to the beach. The beach was piled high with driftwood, actually, huge tree trunks, many over a 100 feet long. We walked around those, found a log that had fallen across a stream and walked north of Ruby Beach, closer to seastacks and even more beautiful views. We told Marty about this and he said that Evergreen Escapes also does a 3 day tour in the area, and gets to those same places. I would definitely recommend taking the 3 day tour (you do stay indoors btw). We skimmed the highlights of the Olympic National Park on our own and with a guide. I certainly recommend going with a guide whether it's half-day, all day or 3 days. They'll show you more than you'd seeon your own and have so much knowledge about the area that they're happy to share as much as you want. We wholehertedly recommend that you use Evergreen Escapes when visiting the Pacific Northwest!

Did the Telica all day hike with Guide Norlan.It was the 2.time I had him as my guide.I loved that he explained so much about plants and animals along the hike.You can really tell he loves what he does and likes to share his knowlede with others.It was a beautiful day with amazing views and it was really cool to get to a crater that close! The sunset was a beautiful ending of a perfect hiking day! Thank you Norlan again!

I had an incredible experience on the Mount Rainier day trip excursion! I learned so much. Traveling solo I was a little nervous but the guide helped me feel completely at ease and comfortable throughout. All the details were so well planned and executed: punctuality, safety, adapting to unpredictable weather and individual needs of guests. So glad I went on this trip! Thank you!

We had a wonderful day visiting Longmire and Mount Rainier in winter. Lucky to get a crystal clear day giving us fabulous views of Mount Rainier from various locations throughout to park. Our guide (Brent Maphis) was great fun and shared his excellent knowledge of nature with the group. Everything went smoothly on the day, van was in good condition and plenty of food and snacks provided.

We had an awesome time exploring Olympic Park on this tour. We went way up high in the mountains to Hurricane Ridge and did some fun snowshoeing. Then way down low into the Elwha River Valley for a gourmet lunch by the river where we also saw a beautiful waterfall. Then onto Lake Crescent and a short hike around the rainforest. Had never seen old growth forest before. Our guide Evan was superb! He had excellent knowledge of the history, culture, and environment. We had good group camaraderie and exchanged stories and songs we like.

This was a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Mount Rainer and the surrounding area. I was staying downtown, with no car and found the pick up option to be extremely convenient. Our tour guide was wonderful! I couldn’t have asked for a better group to jump into solo and explore with. The food provided was delicious, everyone kept commenting on how good it was. I would absolutely recommend this tour.

I cannot recommend this tour enough! Brent was fantastic and provided excellent paths and knowledge throughout the guide. Booking was easy, equipment for snowshoeing was provided, and snacks throughout the trip. Your tour guide also picks/drops you off and sets up drinks and lunch. My only recommendation would be to change up the lunch or bring your own if you're on the picky side!

Trip was amazing! Our guide, Marty, was super knowledgeable and made the experience perfect! Liz, was great with communication and making sure I was where I needed to be. For someone who does not know the area, both made this experience easy and stressless. I traveled solo and was looking for a safe way to explore a park, hands down this was the perfect way to do it! I got a history lesson, saw some of the most beautiful parts of the park, but the best part might have been the outside lunch under beautiful trees! Meeting neat people was a bonus! I would have book other adventures with them if time permitted but my experience with Evergreen will make me come back for more adventures in the future.

Excellent tour - all day excursion, went to many sites within Olympic National Park - amazing views. I was happy with the tour and Marty (the guide) was very informative and knew the park really well. Snowshoeing on Hurricane Ridge was neat & memorable and something I wouldn't have done solo. The lunch hit the spot. Overall, great day and thinking of my next trip with Evergreen!

The whole tour was awesome. Our guide Karen had so much local knowledge and took the time to allow us to stop and see the snow - a novelty for us Aussies. Leavenworth was everything we hoped with snow on the ground and everything. Thankyou Karen for being such an awesome guide and the gluten free snacks were very appreciated and delicious!! As was the hot coffee and tea on the hike!!!

We took the day trip to Mt Rainier with Karen and it was awesome! Karen is so knowledgeable and made the trip so much more enjoyable for us. Getting picked up at our hotel in the morning, having coffee, snacks and lunch for us allowed us to focus on the trip. We were so pleased how it turned out and would do it again for another trip! Thanks Karen!!

I can't say enough good things about this tour -- by far the best we've ever been on! It definitely helps that the weather was perfect, and we could see Mt. Rainier all day - at every stop! Our tour guide, Brent, was excellent! He gave us plenty of information but kept it interactive and curbed it to the interests of the group. He didn't lecture, and there wasn't a single time during the trip I wish I brought head phones to tune him out (like other tours) :) We had a young, fun group, which also helped. We were able to hike quite a few trails, and see tons of breathtaking views. This was the highlight of our 8 day vacation - both of our favorite part! Thanks Brent and our new friends from the tour for an unforgettable experience -- it was perfect!

Our tour guide Sammy was an absolute delight, very knowledgeable and personable. My friend and I appreciated that the tour took us to wineries that were a bit off the beaten track. Snoqualmie Falls was a beautiful destination. The food provided for lunch was delicious and healthy and there were also plentiful snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available. All in all, it was a perfect day.

Amazing trip with a great tour group and a knowledgeable guide Marty for the day to Mount Rainier. We encountered snow, some rain, saw breathtaking waterfalls and hiked in the snow. Thanks to Marty for the tips on how to navigate the slippery slopes at times when I doubted if I could do it without falling down. The walks needed a bit of stamina but it was all worthwhile. Lunch was delicious and so happy to have this wonderful trip. Thank you!

We had a fantastic time on this tour. Brent was an outstanding tour guide; we got to see some absolutely beautiful old growth forests, beautiful waterfalls and vistas, and learned a ton about the ecology of the area. It was entertaining, fun, informative, and a fantastic way to see the area. I’d do this again in a heartbeat and can strongly recommend it if you’re visiting the PNW and want to see the area in all it’s glory.