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!
Official NPS WebsiteAlerts & Closures
Expect long delays at the Hoh Rainforest
Lengthy delays are likely at the Hoh Rainforest entrance station between 7:30 AM - 5 PM. Plan ahead for a 1-3+ hour wait. When the parking lot fills, traffic is metered at the entrance station. Bring what you need for a long wait, and be mindful of not blocking entrances to businesses or homes along the road.
InformationMt. Tom Creek Fire 75% Contained
The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning on a remote mountain slope on the west side of Olympic National Park. Firefighters are using indirect confinement tactics as part of a full-suppression strategy. Backpackers are encouraged to consider alternative routes to the Hoh River Trail should fire activity increase. There are no evacuation orders or closures.
DangerFull Burn Ban Begins August 7
Due to increased fire activity and dry vegetation, all campfires will be prohibited starting on August 7. This includes wilderness, backcountry, non-developed and developed areas, and coastal beaches. Propane and gas stoves are allowed, if operated at least three feet away from flammable vegetation and forest litter.
CautionMora Road Closed for Essential Repairs
Mora Road is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, at the campground. Rialto Beach is not accessible via Mora Road during this construction period. Mora Campground is open. This construction work will repair damage from a severe winter flood event, fortify the road against river migration, and protect long-term access to Rialto Beach.
Park ClosureStaircase Developed Area is Open, Use Caution in Burned Areas
The Staircase developed area is open. The surrounding wilderness areas will remain closed as repair and recovery efforts continue. Use extreme caution when entering burned areas. Burned landscapes may contain falling trees and branches, loose boulders, unstable ground, stump holes, landslides, and debris flows. Changing conditions such as wind, rain, or storms can rapidly trigger hazards. Learn more on our Fire Conditions and Updates page.
CautionSouth Shore Quinault Road Washed Out Beyond Park Boundary
South Shore Road – which is maintained by Jefferson County – is closed due to a major wash-out. For more information, visit the Jefferson County website.
InformationActivities
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Mountain Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Operating Hours
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, although some roads, campgrounds and facilities are open seasonally.
- wednesday
- All Day
- monday
- All Day
- thursday
- All Day
- sunday
- All Day
- tuesday
- All Day
- friday
- All Day
- saturday
- All Day
Trails & Things To Do
Walk the Moments in Time Trail
Take a peaceful stroll at Barnes Point on Lake Crescent on the Moments in Time Trail.
Hurricane Ridge Shuttle
Skip the stress and help the environment by taking a Clallam Transit bus to Hurricane Ridge! This summer season bus transports park visitors directly from downtown Port Angeles, Washington, to one of Olympic National Park's most scenic destinations.
Watch for Salmon at Salmon Cascades
In the late summer and early fall, salmon can be seen leaping from Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River! Get a glimpse on a viewing platform located above the cascades.
Observe Animals at Olympic National Park
In the park, we humans are privileged to be visitors to wild animals' home. We can treat their home with respect and care.
Take a Short Hike Near the Visitor Center
Near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, two short loop hikes take visitors through peaceful, green lowland forests.
See Madison Falls
Madison Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River. It's also one of the most accessible destinations at the park, making it a great stop for families and visitors of all abilities.
Backpack in Olympic National Park
While this app is a great tool for "front country" visits (places you can get to with a car, bike, or short hike), it's not meant to guide you through the back country. For that we have the Wilderness Information Center - WIC for short. The WIC rangers can talk through routes, gear, and trail conditions with you, and set you up with a permit.
Go to the Beach
A trip to the Olympic Coast is sure to be memorable! Olympic National Park contains several beach areas along the coast, each with something to offer. Learn more about popular beaches and start planning your trip!
Take a Pet-Friendly Hike
Pets: they’re our faithful friends and loyal companions. But at Olympic National Park, they aren’t allowed everywhere! You can still have a great time at Olympic with pets, but be sure to read carefully and follow the rules so you know what to do and where to go.
Play in the Snow in the Olympic Mountains
Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March.
Tidepooling on the Olympic Coast
There are special places that allow you to see sea creatures up close without leaving the beach! Tidepools are home to fascinating creatures like sea stars, anemones, barnacles, nudibranchs, crabs, and more.
Campgrounds (12)
Queets Campground
20 total sites
Relax in this secluded campground near the Queets River. This campground is only accessible from the Upper Queets River Road due to a past mudslide
South Beach Campground
55 total sites
Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access.
Entrance Fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle
- Valid for seven consecutive days. Applies to private, non-commercial vehicles (15 passenger capacity or less). The pass covers all vehicle occupants.
- Entrance - Motorcycle
- Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Entrance - Per Person
- Valid for seven consecutive days. This fee admits one person without a vehicle, including hikers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Individuals fifteen years or younger are admitted free of charge.
- Commercial Entrance - Van
- A commercial tour is defined as persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provisions of the service.