Olympic National Park: Hours, Fees & Things to Do

Alerts
Plan
Things to Do
Directions
Camping
FAQ

Diversity is what Olympic NP is all about with its amazing range of precipitation and elevation. This park is about 1,000,000 acres and protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and distinct ecosystems that include glacier capped mountains, old growth rainforests and over 70 miles of wild coastline.

At a glance

Entrance $30

Hours Open 24 hours

Camping 12 campgrounds

Alerts 8 active

Been to Olympic National Park?

Current Park Alerts

Danger: New Lightning Fire Southeast of Mt. Barnes

Fire managers are responding to a lightning fire in a remote area 1.5 miles southwest of Mt. Barnes. The fire is less than one acre. Crews continue to use helicopter‑delivered water drops to support ongoing fire suppression efforts. There are no closures or evacuation orders. Additional updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Danger: Bat Tests Positive for Rabies, Visitors Urged to Report Potential Contact

A rabid bat was found at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9th. At approximately 2 p.m., the bat swooped down onto an unidentified woman and was temporarily caught in her hair. This individual is at risk for rabies and should seek healthcare immediately, as well as contact the Mason County Health Department at 360-427-9670 ext. 405. More at the link.

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Danger: Crews Responding to Mount Tom Creek Fire

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.

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Park Closure: Mora 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.

Caution: Full 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.

Caution: Staircase 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.

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Information: 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.

Information: South 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.

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Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →

Plan Your Visit

Hours & Season

Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, although some roads, campgrounds and facilities are open seasonally.

Entrance Fees

$30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
$15 – Entrance - Per Person

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.

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

Reservation required

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.

Getting There

Address: Olympic National Park Visitor Center Port Angeles WA 98362

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 driving directions → Official NPS directions →

Where to Stay – Campgrounds

Queets Campground

20 sites · $15/night

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 sites · $15/night

Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, South Beach offers panoramic ocean views and beach access.

North Fork Campground

9 sites · $20/night

Surrounded by temperate rain forest, this small and remote campground is a great spot for campers seeking solitude.

Ozette Campground

15 sites · $20/night

Adjacent to Lake Ozette, this small campground is great for those that enjoy lakeside camping and water activities

Kalaloch Campround

170 sites · $24/night

Oceanside camp at Kalaloch with some sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Online reservations accepted for peak season. Check recreation.gov for current season…

Graves Creek Campground

30 sites · $20/night

Located in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Olympic National Park?

The entrance fee for Olympic National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.

Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Olympic National Park?

Some entry windows or activities at Olympic National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.

When is Olympic National Park open?

Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, although some roads, campgrounds and facilities are open seasonally.

What are the best things to do in Olympic National Park?

Popular things to do in Olympic National Park include Walk the Moments in Time Trail, Hurricane Ridge Shuttle, Watch for Salmon at Salmon Cascades, Observe Animals at Olympic National Park. See Things to Do above for photos and details.

Are there campgrounds in Olympic National Park?

Yes — Olympic National Park has 12 campgrounds, including Queets Campground, South Beach Campground, North Fork Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.