Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island: Old-Growth Trees

Ascend into the canopy on ropes, branch-climb to the top, and see mountains and ocean from a perspective few ever reach.

Tree canopy climbing on Lopez Island is a small-group activity where you ascend 100–200 feet up rare old-growth Douglas Fir trees using ascenders and rope, then branch-climb to the canopy top. A professional guide leads groups of up to six, providing all equipment and instruction; no climbing experience is required, though moderate fitness and ages 8 and up are needed. The activity runs about four hours and operates in all weather except high wind and severe rain.

The Experience

You start with a safety briefing and equipment check on the ground, learning how to use the ascenders—a technique similar to doing squats—before you ever leave the forest floor. Once you're harnessed and ready, you climb one to four trees depending on the group's ability and the day's conditions, ascending 20 stories into Coastal Douglas Fir trees that are among the tallest in the world. The ascender gets you up the trunk; then you switch to branch climbing, moving hand over hand through the open air toward the canopy, catching branches as you go, until you reach the top.

From the canopy, the view opens up in all directions—mountains, ocean, and wildlife visible from a height most people never experience. The guide teaches you about old-growth tree ecology and why these forests matter as you climb, so the day becomes both physical and educational. Groups stay small, capped at six people, which means the pace stays manageable and the guide can watch everyone closely.

Wear long pants that cover your ankles, athletic shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty; everything else—harness, ropes, helmet, ascenders—is provided. The whole progression from ground to canopy takes about four hours. Weather can cancel the day only if winds are high or rain is severe; otherwise you climb dressed for the conditions.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the climb.
• all climbing equipment including harness, ropes, helmet and ascenders.
• safety instruction and equipment training on the ground.
• environmental management charge for forest protection.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AdventureTerra LLC

Is this one for you?Choose this activity if you want to climb, not watch—you're the one ascending the rope and moving through the branches, not riding in a harness or being lowered down a line. The small-group cap of six keeps the pace steady and the guide's attention on everyone, which matters if you're new to climbing or testing your fitness at height.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

117 verified traveler reviews

5 ★115

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What does it feel like to climb 100–200 feet up a tree on Lopez Island?

You ascend using ascenders on the trunk—a repetitive motion like doing squats—then transition to branch climbing, moving hand over hand through the canopy. At the top, you're eye level with eagles, surrounded by open air, with views of mountains and ocean stretching out below.

Do I need climbing experience to do this activity?

No experience is necessary. The guide teaches you how to use the ascenders and equipment on the ground before you climb, and the progression is designed to be simple and safe. You do need to be at least 8 years old and have moderate physical fitness.

How many trees do we climb during the four hours?

You climb one to four trees, depending on the group's athletic level and ability. The guide decides the progression based on how everyone is moving and feeling.

What makes the old-growth trees on Lopez Island different from other trees?

These are rare old-growth Douglas Fir trees, among the tallest in the world, and some are trees that few people ever get to see from above. The guide explains their ecology and role in the forest ecosystem as you climb.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I'm booked?

The activity operates in all weather except high wind and severe rain. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long pants covering your ankles, athletic shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. All climbing equipment—harness, ropes, helmet, ascenders—is provided. Bring nothing else; the guide has what you need.