Hi
I am looking to do a backpacking trip around Olympic National Park.
I've backpacked a 6 day loop in Glacier National Park (Many Glacier to Logan Pass through Fifty Mountain/Stoney Indian), the Teton Crest trail, two trips to Grand Canyon - so I have intermediate backpacking experience. I have beginner ice axe/crampon experience (took a two day class, climbed Mt Lassen through the North East Face, attempted Shasta but had to turn back due to bad weather).
I really like being in places that not a lot of people access either because of limited campsites (by just being flexible for a day and maybe trying first-come-first-serve permits) and also backcountry experiences that aren't accessible to day hikers (say a loop that traverses 20-30 miles away from nearest road). I've discovered that this is a great experience to have and want to have one of these every year.
So, I've been planning a trip around Christmas and was wondering if there are some cool hikes in Olympic National Park that I could try. Are there some good long backpacking trips? I don't mind carrying an ice axe/crampons (have snow camping gear and rather enjoy snow) but wouldn't want to be in severely compromising situations.
Also, I do not mind any suggestions about day hikes you'd recommend as well or other places like Rainier or North Cascades that I should visit. I'm coming from San Francisco with a car.
I know this is a long post but thank you for any suggestions! I am always amazed by how much info this community has.
Thanks