National Park

Olympic National Park

National Park★ 4.8
Roosevelt elk wading across a shallow river in a forested valley of Olympic National Park.

With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Come explore!

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Sensible windows: late spring to early fall for broad access; anticipate closures in winter, especially coastal routes

Highlights

Why Visit
The park is a triad of environments: temperate rainforest on the western side, rugged alpine terrain in the interior, and a wild coast with beaches along the Olympic coastline. It demands you plan around variable weather and seasonal road openings, then execute with precision to experience its scale. It is not about novelty; it is about confronting differences in climate, terrain, and isolation within a single basin.
Top Things To Do
Rialto Beach and Second Beach coast walks; Hurricane Ridge summit drive for views; Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses trail; Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls; Sol Duc Falls trail; Olympic Discovery Trail sections

Areas to plan around

Northern Peninsula & Hurricane Ridge
Port Angeles gateway; Hurricane Ridge alpine viewpoints; panoramic summit vistas
Western Rainforest & Coast
Hoh Rain Forest; coastal beaches such as Rialto and Second Beach; dense temperate rainforest zones
Eastern Lakes & Mountains
Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls; Sol Duc Valley; access to the lodge area and forested corridors
Southern & Quinault Zone
Quinault Rain Forest area; Quinault Lake; less dense crowds in shoulder seasons

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA); William R. Fairchild International Airport (Port Angeles)
Getting There Driving Distances
From Seattle: roughly 120 miles; about 2.5–3 hours by car (allow for ferry detours); from Portland area, longer depending on route
Getting There Entrances
Primary access via US-101 corridor around the Olympic Peninsula; multiple entry points near Port Angeles and along the coast; no single gate system
Getting Around Shuttles
Not in operation; self-drive recommended; RV/trailer considerations apply
Getting Around Reservations
No timed-entry reservations; entry with standard passes or printed digital pass
Getting Around Parking
Parking at popular trailheads fills early; arrive before 8–9 a.m. when possible; RVs/trailers restricted on many routes; Gravity of demand varies by season

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
Concessionaire lodging exists within the park; book well in advance (months to a year ahead)
Where To Stay Campgrounds
13 campgrounds available; first-come sites fill by 8 a.m.; plan for early arrival
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Port Angeles (primary gateway); nearby gateway towns include Sequim and Forks

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Wildlife includes black bears and cougars. Maintain distance; bear canisters recommended in backcountry; food storage enforced; fines apply
Safety Weather
Weather is variable and can change rapidly with elevation and coast; erosion and flooding risks in rainy season; plan for sudden changes
Safety Altitude
Varies; highest peaks exceed 7,000 ft; altitude exposure possible on alpine routes
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out waste; stay on designated trails; backcountry conduct required
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permits required at Wilderness Information Center for overnight backcountry use
Wildlife Overview
Black bears, cougars present; keep distance; wildlife safety protocols apply
Wildlife Where To See
Hoh Rain Forest outskirts, Hurricane Ridge meadows, coastal beaches; wildlife often near water sources and forest edges
Wildlife Safety
Maintain distance: bears/cougars visible; 100 yards for bears/wolves; 25 yards for other wildlife; do not feed wildlife

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Hurricane Ridge; Day 2: Hoh Rain Forest + Ruby Beach; Day 3: Lake Crescent + Sol Duc; Week: combine coastal and rainforest routes with backcountry permit planning
Entrance Hacks
Main parking fills early; use alternate trailheads and plan for longer drives between sections; check road closures daily
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE offers more dining options and more rain; EAST SIDE has longer views and wind; plan to split your stay if possible
Crowd Calendar
July is busiest; September becomes quieter; June can be snowy on some roads; plan ahead for closure durations
Tips Advice
  • Buy pass online; print it
  • Shuttles not mandatory
  • Don’t feed wildlife
  • Arrive early for popular trailheads

More details

Park Code
olym
Tagline
Olympic National Park
Entrance Fee
$30.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Private vehicle: $30 (7 days); Motorcycle: $25 (7 days); Individual: $15 (7 days). Digital passes printed in advance; accepted: America the Beautiful Pass, Interagency Pass, Military Pass, Senior Pass, 4th Grade Pass, Access Pass
Nearby Services
Gas stations, medical facilities, groceries in Port Angeles and gateway towns
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger programs available; easy walks on boardwalks exist in some areas; plan for stroller-accessible segments around visitor centers
Accessibility
Visitor centers offer ADA-accessible facilities; some trails and facilities are accessible, but not all park areas are fully accessible
Photography Tips
Keep roads clear; pull off only at designated overlooks; respect closed areas; dawn/dusk light in coastal and rainforest zones
When To Visit Peak Season
July–early August; expect peak crowds and tight parking
When To Visit Shoulder Season
September–early October; reduced crowds; cooler conditions
When To Visit Winter
Winter operations reduce access; many roads close; plan for limited services and possible snow/ice
When To Visit Road Opening
Sol Duc Road closed in winter; expected spring 2026 reopening; North Shore Road reinstallation in spring; Staircase, Deer Park, Obstruction Point, Hurricane Hill see seasonal closures
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
Bear spray rental available at Wilderness Information Center and local vendors; verify before backcountry use
Weather Averages
Coastal climate on the west side; wet and mild; interior alpine conditions with cooler summers and snow in winter
Weather Precipitation
High rainfall on the western side; drier interior valleys; seasonal snow in higher elevations
Weather Info
Summers tend to be fair and warm, with high temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F. July, August and September are the driest months, with heavier precipitation during the rest of the year. While winters are mild at lower elevation, snowfall can be heavy in the mountains. It is common for different weather conditions to exist within the park at the same time. At any time of year, visitors should come prepared for a variety of conditions.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray, bear canisters backcountry, layers, water, map, flashlight
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; prefer wool/synthetic layers; waterproof outerwear; sturdy boots
Review Summary
Visitors frequently underestimate crowd levels at popular trailheads; parking can be a choke point; plan for early arrival and alternative trailheads

Location

A herd of elk crossing a river.Orange sea stars on a rocky coast.Hikers sit and watch the sun set behind snow-capped mountains.Fresh snow atop the Olympic Mountains.Large trees and ferns

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a timed-entry reservation to enter Olympic National Park?

No. There is no timed-entry system. Use a valid park pass and print any digital passes in advance.

Can I drive my RV through the park?

RVs are generally not recommended on many park roads; maximum combined length is 35 feet on most roads; Graves Creek Road disallows RVs; plan accordingly.

Are pets allowed on trails?

Pets are allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, and on paved roads, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not permitted on park trails or in wilderness areas.

Where can I obtain backcountry permits?

Permits are issued by the Wilderness Information Center located inside the Olympic National Park Visitor Center.

What should I bring for bear country?

Bear canisters are recommended for backcountry use; carry bear spray when in bear habitat; store food properly and follow bear safety guidelines.

Essential Olympic National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

Queets Campground

20 first-come sites by the Queets River. No water, no crowds, $15 a night - bring everything and love it.

North Fork Campground

Nine primitive, first-come sites deep in the Quinault rain forest. No water, no crowds - pure solitude camping.

Deer Park Campground

Alpine primitive camping at 5,400 ft with stars and silence. First-come-first-served; steep gravel road only.

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Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail

Easy 0.8mi rainforest loop. Watch your footing on wet roots and wet gear—Pacific Northwest conditions are relentless.

Sol Duc Falls Trail

Easy 0.8mi to a picturesque waterfall. Respect the water—slippery rocks demand caution.

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Crescent

Peaceful Lake Crescent hamlet, 34 km north. One B&B, one café. Quiet retreat—plan ahead.

Maple Grove

Quiet hamlet 31 km north of Olympic. One motel, one café. Tiny base for park visitors.

Piedmont

Lakeshore hamlet on Olympic's edge. Lake Crescent access.

Port Angeles

Park gateway with full services and lodging. Book early for summer—it fills up fast.

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All Olympic National Park guides 3 published

Browse the complete planning library, grouped by the decision you are making.

Trails & hiking

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.