Olympic National Park

The basics

Olympic National Park sprawls over 1,400 square miles (3,626 square kilometers) of green-soaked Washington wilderness. Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site's extensive network of hiking trails, backpack along the coastline, or kayak through its many rivers. Adrenaline junkies can head to the Olympic Mountains for mountaineering or venture out on a mountain biking excursion from nearby Port Angeles.

For a deeper understanding of the area, stroll through the park with a naturalist guide on a small-group Olympic National Park day tour from Seattle. Or leave long lines and traffic behind on an Olympic Mountains Seaplane Tour from Lake Washington, on which you can cruise over Mt. Olympus, Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the Pacific Ocean.

Things to know before you go

• If you plan to hike, wear shoes suitable for rough, wet terrain, and dress for the weather.

• Only some of the trails in the park are dog-friendly, and leashes are required.

• Campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are allowed only at campsites and picnic areas below 3,500 feet (1,067 meters).

• If you plan to stay overnight, make sure to store all food, garbage, and scented items in a secure bear canister.

• Many areas of the park—including over eight trails and multiple visitor centers, lookout points, and ranger stations—are accessible to wheelchair users. See the National Park Service website for more details.

• Olympic National Park tickets are available online and are valid for seven days from the time of your first entry.

How to get there

Olympic National Park is located in peninsular Washington State, adjacent to the Olympic National Forest. It's roughly 20 minutes from Port Angeles, one hour from Olympia, two hours from Tacoma and Port Townsend, and 2.5 hours from Seattle. The nearest airports are William R. Fairchild International Airport (Port Angeles) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

When to get there

Olympic National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. June through September is the busiest season, when most roads and visitor facilities are open and the mild weather is perfect for outdoor activities. During the winter, the park's famous Hurricane Ridge is a major draw for snow sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Things to do near Port Angeles

Located just 20 minutes north of Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is a popular jumping-off point for wilderness activities. Don't miss Lake Crescent, a deep glacial lake nestled in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains. Nearby, the famous Marymere Falls thunders 90 feet (27 meters) down a mossy, fern-laden ravine. Port Angeles is also the starting point of the Olympic Discovery Trail, a hiking-and-biking pathway that extends 140 miles (225 kilometers) west to La Push on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

How many days do you need to see Olympic National Park?

Three full days (at a minimum) is ideal to see each of the three ecosystems that make up Olympic National Park: verdant rainforests, the rugged Pacific coast, and glacier-capped mountains. Given the size of these three parks in one, extra days provide more time to fully explore the area's majesty.

What is the best month to visit Olympic National Park?

The park is fully open from June through September—a time of year with mild temperatures and low rainfall. This is also the park's busiest season. From October to May, visitors may find road and facility closures or reduced hours, but can enjoy storm watching, wet rainforests, and occasional gorgeous days with few people.

Does Olympic National Park have timed entry?

No, Olympic National Park does not offer timed entry. However, if you plan to spend the night in or around the park, reservations may be necessary for lodging, some campsites, or backpacking permits. This is especially true in summer when the park is busiest.

Is there an entrance fee to get into Olympic National Park?

Yes, like all US national parks, Olympic National Park requires a fee to enter, priced between US$15 and US$30. Those with interagency passes, such as the American the Beautiful Pass, visit for free. Fourth-grade students, seniors, and military members may obtain free or reduced-rate interagency passes.

What's the best way to experience Olympic National Park?

Popular areas in Olympic National Park include Hurricane Ridge, Lake Quinault, the Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, and the tide pools of the Hole in the Wall, but there are many ways to experience the enormous 1,400-square-mile (3,625-square-kilometer) park with three ecosystems: mountains, coast, and rainforests. For shorter trips, focus on a few select areas.

Is there a scenic drive in Olympic National Park?

Yes. One of Olympic National Park's most popular driving routes is the Olympic Peninsula Loop, skirting the park's perimeter across 300 miles (482 kilometers), with lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests. Another is Hurricane Ridge to Obstruction Point (narrow, partially unpaved), showcasing the rugged Olympic Mountains on the park's highest elevation road.

Ways to explore

This massive park can be visited as a day trip from Port Angeles or other nearby towns, with options for guided tours or private exploration. It’s also a popular destination for backpacking, thanks to its abundance of trails. If you decide to visit on your own, plan your trek. You won’t be able to see everything, so prioritize the regions and activities that you’re most interested in. Downloadable audio guides are a popular way to learn about the park, allowing you to discover the scenery as you drive by. Buy a pass to the national park online to save time.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies, and the park website includes a comprehensive guide for visitors with varying needs.

Age limits

There are no age limits, but some activities may be too challenging for young children.

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, snacks, first aid kit, sunglasses

What to wear

Hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, rain jacket, hat

Not allowed

Littering, disturbing or destroying plants, removal or introduction of wildlife, fires during fire bans, fishing outside designated areas

Amenities

There are various amenities across the park, including campsites, washrooms, showers, visitor centers, and lodges.

Address

Located south of Port Angeles, the park can be accessed from Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma, among other towns. Some routes include taking a short ferry across Puget Sound before continuing into the park.

Driving

Highway 1 connects to most major destinations within the park, depending on where you’re coming from.

Public transportation

Several shuttle services and private bus companies provide transport to the park. The public Clallam Transit service operates a special line to Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles during the summer, offering a convenient alternative to avoid the parking wait times.

Best times to visit

Start early to make the most of your day—especially in the summer, arrive early to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always the best option, as there will be fewer locals to contend with.

Best months to visit

It depends on your interests. Spring (March-May) offers grazing elk and whale watching, while fall (September-November) brings cooler weather and quieter trails, along with plenty of pretty leaves. Winter (December-February) is perfect for snow sports.

Special events

Check the park calendar for frequent activities and ranger presentations about the park and its flora and fauna.