Sunset Canopy Climb on Lopez Island: Old-Growth Tree Climbing

You climb the trees yourself, not watch from below: ascending on ascenders like doing squats, then branch-climbing to the top.

Sunset Canopy Climb on Lopez Island is a guided tree-climbing activity where you ascend 100–200 foot old-growth Douglas Fir trees using ascenders and harnesses, then branch-climb to the canopy. Groups of up to six climb together on one to four trees depending on ability. The activity runs four hours and includes all equipment, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and pickup. Minimum age is seven. No climbing experience is required.

The experience

This is the only old-growth tree climbing activity in Washington State, and it starts with instruction on the ascender technique: a motion similar to doing squats that lets you climb the rope hand over hand until you reach the branches. Once you're in the branches, you climb to the top of the canopy itself. The trees are between 100 and 200 feet high, and depending on your group's ability, you'll ascend one to four of them during the four-hour session. The perspective from up there is what makes it worth the effort: views of the mountains, ocean, and wildlife that few people ever see, and the strange experience of being eye level with an eagle.

The sunset climb ends by watching the light change from high on top of the canopy. If you book the night option, you'll use headlamps to continue climbing and rappelling after dark: more adventurous than the day version. All equipment is provided: ropes, harnesses, ascenders, and the safety setup that keeps you tethered the whole time. You'll need to wear long pants that cover your ankles, athletic shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring layers because you'll be up there as the temperature drops. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and pickup is included in the booking.

The activity runs in all weather except high wind and severe rain. If the forecast turns, the operator will contact you and offer an alternative date or a full refund. Minimum age is seven years old, and the activity suits all fitness levels. The ascender technique is the main skill, and the guide will match the number of trees to what your group can handle.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• all climbing equipment including ropes, harnesses and ascenders.
• Environmental Management Tax and Forest Protection.
• pickup from your location on Lopez Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by AdventureTerra LLC

Is this one for you?Small groups of up to six work best here because the guide matches the number of trees and the climbing pace to what your group can handle. If you're planning a group larger than six, contact the operator directly to arrange it.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I do this climb if I've never climbed a tree before?

No experience is necessary. The guide teaches you the ascender technique at the start, and you climb at your own pace. The group size stays under six so the guide can work with each climber's ability level.

How high do the trees actually get?

The Douglas Fir trees on Lopez Island range between 100 and 200 feet tall depending on which ones you climb that day. You ascend on rope using ascenders, then branch-climb once you reach the branches near the top.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I book?

The activity operates in all weather except high wind and severe rain. If those conditions show up, the operator contacts you before the climb and offers either an alternative date or a full refund.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the booking. Confirm your location when you reserve so the guide knows where to collect you.

What do I wear to climb?

Wear long pants that cover your ankles, athletic shoes, and athletic clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring layers because the temperature drops as you climb higher, especially for the sunset or night sessions.