Things to Do + Tips for Visiting

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Things to Do + Tips for Visiting


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Olympic National Park is one in every of my favourite nationwide parks within the United States, and usually is a favourite for lots of people. This is as a result of the park is extraordinarily various, encompassing every little thing from temperate rainforests to mountain peaks to dramatic Pacific seashores.

And whereas being contained in the park on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula can really feel very secluded at instances, you’ll be able to attain components of Olympic National Park in lower than 3 hours from Seattle.

Cloudy mountain views in Port Angeles
Port Angeles, one of many gateways to ONP, is simply 2.5 hours from Seattle

The park’s recognition and proximity to Seattle additionally makes it one of many most-visited nationwide parks within the United States, although, averaging 2.5 million guests per 12 months. And whereas the park is massive (1400+ sq. miles), 95% of it’s wilderness; that means all these guests are likely to congregate in just some spots.

Roughly 75% of holiday makers to Olympic National Park go to in June, July, and August, and through these months you’ll be able to anticipate finding lengthy entrance station traces and full parking heaps (and typically wait instances) at fashionable spots like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest.

And so, whereas a lot of folks will say that summer season is the “best” time to go to Olympic National Park, I’ll really make an argument for getting into winter as an alternative!

Amanda walking through the mossy Hoh Rainforest
You might very nicely get trails within the Hoh Rainforest to your self in winter!

Why winter in Olympic National Park is totally different

Winter is off-season at many US nationwide parks, and it is no totally different at Olympic. During the winter months, the mountains within the Olympic vary get a lot of snow, and the coastal components of the park get loads of storms bringing chilly rain. So it is not obscure why summer season is the popular and busiest time to go to.

Certain components of the park shut or are onerous to entry throughout the winter months, too.

The street to Hurricane Ridge, for instance, usually closes on account of snow, and when it’s open (normally solely on weekends in winter), you are required to have snow chains on your tires. Sol Duc Road, which is used to entry Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the hike to Sol Duc Falls, closes fully within the winter. And the customer middle within the Hoh Rainforest normally shuts up after New Year’s for a pair months.

Olympic National Park road views
Winter on the Olympic Peninsula might be typically snowy and infrequently moist

Is Olympic National Park price visiting within the winter?

So the query you may be asking is…. is Olympic National Park really price visiting within the winter? My reply is a powerful YES!

Like at many different nationwide parks, winter is the “silent season” at Olympic National Park. Yes, some components of the park are inaccessible, and sure, the climate could not at all times be supreme. BUT, you will discover much less visitors and mainly zero crowds, that means you will get a few of the most magical components of the park to your self.

Roosevelt elk feeding in the Hoh Rainforest
It was quiet sufficient for us to see Roosevelt elk within the Hoh Rainforest!

Things to do in Olympic National Park in winter

Visiting Olympic National Park in winter is clearly totally different from visiting at different instances of the 12 months. Here are the highest issues to do there throughout the winter months:

1. Snow sports activities at Hurricane Ridge*

Hurricane Ridge is essentially the most accessible mountain space inside Olympic National Park, and one of the vital fashionable spots for guests. It’s near the city of Port Angeles, and is accessed through the Hurricane Ridge Road.

Amanda with Olympic National Park sign
Olympic National Park signal at Hurricane Ridge entrance

Hurricane Ridge sits at 5,242 toes, and will get its identify from the gale-force winds which can be frequent on the prime. Winter season typically runs from late November via the top of March, and through this time (IF the realm is accessible), you are able to do issues like cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing.

The Hurricane Ridge space has miles of snowshoe and cross-country snowboarding routes, and Ranger-led snowshoeing excursions are provided on Saturdays within the winter. Kids may go sledding and tubing, and backcountry snowboarding is on the market for skilled skiers.

The street to Hurricane Ridge is open (climate allowing) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the winter months. Anyone driving up the street (together with should you’re in a 4×4) is required to hold snow chains, although; you will not be allowed up the street with out them.

You can name 360-565-3131 to examine on present Hurricane Ridge street circumstances, or comply with @HRWinterEntry on Twitter.

*Hurricane Ridge WAS open throughout my very own winter journey to Olympic National Park, however we opted to not drive up the mountain. We DID get snow chains with our rental automobile, however this Ohio-raised woman has no clue the right way to use them and we determined to not threat it! (Plus, we did not actually pack winter gear for our journey since the remainder of the spots we visited have been far more gentle!)

2. Visit Madison Falls

Madison Falls in Olympic National Park
Madison Falls

If you are in search of a really rewarding cease for little or no effort, make a slight detour off Highway 101 and onto Olympic Hot Springs Road. A superb portion of this street is at the moment closed indefinitely due a wash-out, however you’ll be able to nonetheless drive so far as the Madison Falls Trailhead.

At the trailhead, a really brief (like, 5-minute) stroll will take you to the beautiful Madison Falls (pictured above).

The views alongside the Elwha River on the trailhead parking space are additionally wonderful! (In truth, we spent extra time taking images of the river and surrounding mountains than we did of the waterfall.)

Elwha River views
Elwha River views

3. Stop at Lake Crescent / Lake Crescent Lodge

Backtrack to the 101, and proceed west. The subsequent focal point you will attain is Lake Crescent, a deep lake recognized for its clear, blue water. There are a number of pull-out areas alongside the street the place you’ll be able to cease for images.

Lake Crescent national park sign
(And one other NP signal, too!)

I additionally advocate stopping in on the Lake Crescent Lodge should you’re visiting in early winter. The historic lodge dates again to 1915, and sits on a quiet little bit of lakeshore. It’s a preferred base for mountaineering, fishing, and boating throughout the summer season, however stays open via the autumn and early winter, too. (Operating dates are normally from April via January 1.)

If you are visiting throughout a time when the lodge is open, you’ll be able to cease for breakfast, lunch, or dinner within the Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room. (Or, should you go to between meal instances like I did, you’ll be able to at all times seize a espresso or grownup beverage from the bar, and luxuriate in it within the cozy foyer or hooked up conservatory.)

Lake Crescent Lodge conservatory views
Lake Crescent Lodge conservatory views

And the view from their dock out over the lake is excellent any time of 12 months.

Lake Crescent Lodge views
Lake Crescent Lodge views

4. Hike within the Hoh Rainforest

The magical, ethereal Hoh Rainforest is personally my favourite a part of Olympic National Park – and it is a favourite amongst most different park guests, too!

The Hoh Rainforest is a temperate rainforest that covers about 24 miles, and (as its identify would recommend) it is one of many wettest locations in your complete United States, receiving on common almost 140 inches of rain per 12 months.

The Hoh Rainforest might be extraordinarily busy throughout the summer season months (it is not unusual for folks to have to attend 1-2 hours to even get into the parking space throughout busy summer season weekends), but it surely’s blissfully quiet throughout the winter.

Hoh Rainforest in winter
The Hoh Rainforest is so vibrant within the winter!

Visiting the Hoh Rainforest in winter could also be one of many higher instances to go to if you would like the paths to your self. You could possibly spot every little thing from Roosevelt elk within the forest to Coho salmon within the streams and rivers. Winter can be when the moss and lichen on the bushes shall be its thickest and most vibrant, giving off optimum FernGully vibes.

The customer middle right here closes from January 2 via early March, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the forest and hike the paths. (The Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail are each must-dos.)

Morning light beams in the Hoh Rainforest
Morning mild beams within the Hoh Rainforest

READ MORE: Visiting the Hoh Rainforest in Winter: Everything You Need to Know

5. Visit the Pacific Beaches

Olympic National Park is usually confined to the central a part of the Olympic Peninsula. But the park additionally features a sliver of shoreline that stretches for miles down the Washington coast.

Important observe: Not solely is it essential to observe Leave No Trace ideas if you’re visiting this a part of Olympic National Park, however you additionally want to concentrate to the tides. Some of those seashores are extra safely visited at low tide – and you may undoubtedly need to know when low tide is for tidepooling! Check tide instances right here.

Driftwood on Kalaloch Beach 4
Driftwood on a Pacific seaside

While you may not need to go for a dip throughout the winter months, there are nonetheless a number of nice nationwide park seashores to go to, together with (from north to south):

  • Shi Shi Beach* – Located far up north on the peninsula, this quiet seaside requires a hike to achieve (2 miles from the parking space to the seaside, and one other 2.5 miles to the well-known Point of Arches). This is a well-liked seaside for wilderness tenting, however you will want a allow for it.
  • Rialto Beach – One of the preferred seashores, recognized for sea stacks, driftwood, tide swimming pools, and the additional hike out to Hole within the Wall. (The hike to Hole within the Wall is 3.3 miles spherical journey, however you’ll be able to attain the seaside itself with out mountaineering.)
  • La Push Beaches* – First, Second and Third seashores (these are their official names) are shut to at least one one other, and all barely totally different. Second Beach is the preferred, with an extended stretch of sand and big sea stacks. It does require a 2 mile round-trip hike to go to.
  • Ruby Beach – Situated proper off the 101, Ruby Beach is likely one of the simpler seashores to go to – but it surely’s nonetheless epic! It’s obtained every little thing: sea stacks, piles of driftwood, forested cliffs, plus tide swimming pools at low tide.
  • Kalaloch Beaches – There are a number of seashores simply south of Ruby Beach numbered 1-4, with 4 being essentially the most northerly seaside. Beach 4 is definitely my favourite, with a rugged path right down to a sand-and-rock seaside with piles of driftwood and wonderful tide swimming pools. The Tree of Life close to the Kalaloch Campground can be price stopping to see.
Kalaloch Beach 4
Kalaloch Beach 4

*Shi Shi Beach and the La Push seashores are technically inside Olympic National Park, but additionally on Indigenous land. The La Push seashores belong to the Quileute Nation, and you will be passing via their neighborhood in La Push. The trailhead to Shi Shi Beach is on land owned by the Makah folks, and you may want a separate Makah Recreation Permit with a view to park/go to right here (the permits price $20, and might be bought within the city of Neah Bay).

Bonus: Cape Flattery

It’s not a part of Olympic National Park, however it’s a part of the Makah Nation. If you are going to go north and go to Shi Shi Beach and want to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass anyway, you could as nicely profit from your move and in addition detour to Cape Flattery.

Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is essentially the most northwesterly level within the contiguous United States, and it’s extremely a lot price visiting! A 1.5-mile out and again path leads via some lovely forest and to a few totally different viewing platforms on the coast. From these, you’ll be able to view sea stacks, crashing waves, and the Cape Flattery Lighthouse on Tatoosh Island.

The path is a mix of dust and wood boardwalks and is usually downhill on the way in which out, however the views are undoubtedly well worth the return hike.

Amanda at Cape Flattery
Excellent climate luck at Cape Flattery

Bonus: Quinault Rain Forest

Another space that is not technically inside Olympic National Park that I nonetheless assume is price visiting is the southern facet of Lake Quinault. The northern shore of the lake is inside Olympic National Park, whereas the southern shore is inside the Olympic National Forest. (And the entire lake is owned by the Quinault Nation.)

You can really drive a loop round the entire lake, however there are two spots alongside the southern shore that I believe are must-visits:

  • Quinault Rain Forest – A half-mile path will take you thru previous development forest, partially alongside Willaby Creek. This path is lush and a bit bit wild-feeling; a really totally different rain forest vibe than what you will discover within the Hoh Rainforest!
  • World’s Largest Sitka Spruce – A brief 10-15 minute stroll will carry you to this forest large, which towers 191 toes above the bottom.
Quinault Rain Forest loop trail
Quinault Rain Forest
Amanda hugging the World's Largest Sitka Spruce
Hugging the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce

How many days do you want in Olympic National Park?

This query is less complicated to reply throughout the winter, since sure components of Olympic National Park shut. In winter, I like to recommend at the very least 3 days to discover all of the totally different components of Olympic National Park. During the summer season months, 4-5 days (or extra!) might be higher.

If you simply need to see the highlights, although (i.e. Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, and possibly 1 or 2 seashores), you’ll be able to match it into 2 days should you handle your time nicely.*

Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent

*Just do not forget that there’s much less daylight throughout the winter! You could solely have 8 hours of daylight to work with, and understand that the totally different sections of the park is usually a couple hours’ drive aside.

Where to remain in Olympic National Park in winter

Here are a couple of lodges you’ll be able to take into account for a winter ONP journey. (Note although that the park is massive and principally wilderness, that means driving instances between totally different components of the park can typically be lengthy. You would possibly need to keep in a couple of place should you’re visiting for greater than 2 or 3 days.)

  • Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles – Port Angeles is the gateway to the Hurricane Ridge part of Olympic National Park, and this resort is a superb base. The lodge is massive, but its frequent areas and rooms really feel cozy. In the winter, you’ll be able to curl up by the hearth within the foyer, or courageous the weather to make use of the resort’s (heated) outside pool and sizzling tub. (Read critiques right here | Book a room right here)
  • Woodland Inns in Forks – This motel in Forks is a good base for exploring the Hoh Rainforest and La Push seashores. They hire out particular person cabins that look rustic on the surface, however are trendy and comfy (and model new) on the within. Each cabin has a kitchenette and fireside, and my pal and I really regretted solely staying one evening! (Read critiques right here | Book a cabin right here)
  • Kalaloch Lodge on the coast – Kalaloch Lodge is likely one of the nationwide park lodges. Situated proper on the coast close to Ruby Beach and the Kalaloch Beaches, the lodge has 10 rooms in its predominant constructing, and in addition rents out particular person cabins, some with ocean views. It’s a preferred spot for winter storm-watching, and in addition base for exploring the southern portion of Olympic National Park. (Read critiques right here | Book a room right here)
Woodland Inns cabin in Forks, WA
Woodland Inns cabin in Forks

And the Lake Crescent Lodge is in an important location in the course of the park. The lodge’s Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins are tremendous cozy, and are available full with lake views. HOWEVER, the lodge closes for some time throughout the winter months; it is normally open from April 1 via the next January 1, with restricted availability in November and December.


Check out these different nationwide park winter guides, too:


Olympic National Park in winter FAQs

Where is Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is situated within the middle of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state within the Pacific Northwest. The park covers numerous space, and has 4 distinct areas: the Pacific shoreline, alpine areas, the temperate rainforest on the west facet, and drier forests on the east facet.

From Seattle, it takes 2-3 hours to achieve both the alpine space of the park (i.e. Hurricane Ridge, with an entrance in Port Angeles) or the jap forest. It takes 4 hours from Seattle to the Hoh Rainforest, and three hours to get from Seattle to the Pacific seashores.

When is Olympic National Park open?

Olympic National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 12 months per 12 months. Visitor facilities and sure different issues inside the park have seasonal opening hours, however the pure components of the park are at all times open (so long as street circumstances enable).

How a lot does it price to go to Olympic National Park?

The entrance price for Olympic National Park is $30 for passenger automobiles, $25 for bikes, and $15 for hikers and bicyclists. The entrance price lets you go to for 7 consecutive days. But you would possibly need to buy a nationwide parks move, which is $80 however good at any NPS-managed website for one 12 months.

Hoh Rainforest sign
Is Olympic National Park open in winter?

Yes, Olympic National Park is open within the winter, and it is a good time to go to! You can go to the rainforest, seashores, and even mountain areas throughout the winter.

What closes in Olympic National Park in winter?

Some issues do shut (or have restricted opening hours) within the winter in Olympic National Park, together with sure park roads, lodges, and customer facilities.

Things that shut fully within the winter embrace: Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Sol Duc Road resulting in it; Lake Crescent Lodge (closes Jan. 1 via March); the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center (closed Jan 2 till early March); and the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.

Things which have restricted opening hours within the winter embrace the street to Hurricane Ridge, which is open solely on weekends within the winter, and provided that the climate permits.

Find extra information about what closes when right here.

Lake Crescent Lodge
The Lake Crescent Lodge closes for a pair months throughout the winter
When is winter in Washington?

Winter in Washington state spans from December via March, although the moist, wet season normally rolls in to the extra temperate coastal areas of the state in October.

How chilly does Olympic National Park get in winter?

Because Olympic National Park encompasses a number of various kinds of pure areas (mountains to rainforest to coast), winter temperatures can range enormously relying on which a part of the park you are in.

In higher-elevation components of the park (like Hurricane Ridge), winter temps are normally beneath freezing (20s-30s F throughout the daytime), and you may anticipate finding snow on the bottom.

In lower-elevation components of the park, daytime winter temperatures normally common within the 40s (F), with nighttime temps dipping into the 20s or 30s. Once March rolls round, temperatures can rise into the 50s.

Does it snow in Olympic National Park?

In the mountainous a part of the park (like at Hurricane Ridge), sure, it snows usually in winter. The annual snowfall whole at Hurricane Ridge is 400+ inches per 12 months.

Snow can be potential within the lower-elevation components of Olympic National Park throughout the winter (like within the Hoh Rainforest), but it surely’s not frequent and normally melts pretty shortly if it does fall. Rain is more likely within the lower-elevation components of the park.

Snowy mountaintop in Olympic National Park
Snowy mountaintop in Olympic National Park

Who’s satisfied to go to Olympic National Park in winter?



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