A herd of Roosevelt Elk cross a river in Olympic.
Photo: NPS Photo/Jon Preston
About
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!
Activities
AstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingClimbingMountain ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingSaltwater Fishing
Directions
You can reach Olympic National Park via the I-5 corridor or by any one of the quieter state roadways. Once you arrive on the Olympic Peninsula connect to Hwy 101 to reach any destinations in and around Olympic National Park. From Olympia: take I-5 to Hwy 101 From Tacoma: take State Route 16 to Bremerton; take State Route 3 north from Bremerton to State Route 104. From Washington/Oregon Coast connect to Hwy 101 in Aberdeen.
Get directions →Weather
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.
News
Oct 16, 2026
Temporary Bridge on North Shore Road to Be Removed Oct. 22 for Winter Season
PORT ANGELES, Wash. — Olympic National Park crews will remove the temporary bridge connecting Quinault North Shore Road and South Shore Road on Oct. 22. The structure spans a culvert that is vulnerable to winter storms and high-water events. Removing the bridge ensures access can be restored once the highest risk of damage has passed. Throughout the winter season, travelers will be able to access the Graves Creek area via South Shore Road.
Oct 16, 2026
Pile Burn Operations Begin Oct. 20 in Olympic National Park
The Olympic Interagency Fire Management Team will burn isolated debris piles in Olympic National Park beginning on Oct. 20, conditions permitting. The debris piles are located in the Mora, Hoh, Elwha, and Quinault maintenance areas. Fire crews will manage them until the fires are out. If conditions warrant, scheduled operations may be canceled.
Sep 16, 2026
Missing Person Neil Gehring Recovered in Olympic National Park
Search and rescue teams recovered the body of Neil Gehring from the northwest slope of Mt. Appleton on Sunday evening. Searchers located Gehring after receiving and analyzing additional cell phone location data. Gehring was transferred to the Clallam County Coroner’s Office at approximately 8 p.m. on September 13. No additional information is available at this time. Olympic National Park is grateful for all the dedicated search and rescue teams that volunteered to assist with this effort.