Quick Answer: When To Visit Olympic National Park

When should I go to Olympic National Park?

The best time to visit Olympic National Park is July through August, when temperatures are usually warm, most roads and facilities are open, and a full range of programs are available You can find an updated list of seasonal activities in the Olympic Bugler, the park’s digital newsletter

How long should you spend in Olympic National Park?

Still, a great Olympic National Park itinerary to get acquainted with the park can be enjoyed in three days Maybe a long weekend for those in the Seattle area or an action-packed three days added on to a longer itinerary for visitors to the Pacific Northwest

Is October a good month to visit Olympic National Park?

The best time to avoid crowds in Olympic National Park is in October, November, and December The rate of tourism falls steeply during these months even though there are plenty of things to do in the park during the winter

Should I visit Olympic National Park in May?

May and June is generally the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park in order view Black Bears During the spring, these fascinating large mammals start to become active in the river valleys where they eat the early spring plant growth

Where should I stay if I visit Olympic National Park?

12 Best Lodging Options for Olympic National Park Kalaloch Lodge Photo Source: Kalaloch Lodge Lake Crescent Lodge Lake Quinault Lodge Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles Quality Inn & Suites at Olympic National Park, Sequim The Pacific Inn Motel, Forks Glen Ayr Resort, Hoodsport

Is Olympic National Park crowded in June?

All trails and parking lots are busy June-August Peak summer visitation time is from 10am – 5pm To avoid the crowds, try to arrive before 10am or visit after 5pm, and after 6 pm during holidays June, July and August are the three busiest months for visitation

Is Mt Rainier or Olympic National Park better?

It has been said that Olympic National Park has more diverse activities to offer than Mount Rainier But if you are just after the hike, then Mr Rainier is a better option for you Mount Rainier can give you a spectacular view of the mountains and Washington

What is the closest city to Olympic National Park?

Towns & Cities Near Olympic National Park Port Angeles, WA 18 mi / 6 mins Sequim, WA 173 mi / 26 mins Port Townsend, WA 475 mi / 1 hour 5 mins Forks, WA 565 mi / 1 hour 9 mins Neah Bay, WA 706 mi / 1 hour 41 mins Seattle, WA 824 mi / 2 hours 32 mins Hoodsport, WA 836 mi / 1 hour 43 mins

Do I need a reservation for Olympic National Park?

No, you don’t need reservations to visit Olympic National Park However, if you plan to spend the night in or around the park, you should have reservations for lodging, camping, or backpacking

Is September a good time to visit Mt Rainier?

Sweet spot months with fewer crowds and a high chance of good weather are June and September (immediately after Labor Day crowds disappear) In September it’s even snow free, and the visitor centers and all its facilities are usually open until the end of September

Is September a good month to visit Olympic National Park?

September is a great time to visit for the fall colors and visible wildlife However, starting in mid-October, the west side of Olympic is often deluged with rain You might also try driving to the park from the southwest via Aberdeen If you choose this route, you can see everything the peninsula offers in a nutshell

Is Olympic National Park open in September?

Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round The most popular months to visit are June through September For updated information about closures, please call the Road and Weather recording at 360-565-3131 or the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 360-565-3130

How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Port Angeles?

The Straight Shot (Route 123), from Clallam Transit, delivers passengers to Port Angeles from Seattle in under three hours The route includes a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island

Is it safe to visit Olympic National Park?

Olympic is a wilderness park filled with natural wonders and potential hazards Your safety is not guaranteed Regulations are strictly enforced to protect you and the park’s resources All wildlife and wildlife encounters come with inherent risks to visitors

Is Mt Rainier worth seeing?

Mt Rainier is always worth the trip unless it is just totally ‘socked in’ with rain and clouds But even then the trails to the waterfalls and places like Grove of the Patriarchs are still interesting If you are planning a trip to the Oregon Coast next year and have two weeks, do the entire coast

Can you sleep in your car in Olympic National Park?

Overnight parking is adjacent to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and the area also offers 88 campsites, hiking trails and a diverse collection of wildlife including the Pacific tree frog, Olympic black bear, northern spotted owl and Roosevelt elk

What is there to do in Olympic National Park in June?

10 BEST Things to do in the Olympic National Park Hurricane Ridge Hoh Rainforest Lake Crescent Lodge Visit Sol Duc Falls Coastal Beaches Bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail Hiking in Olympic National Park Hit the Water!

Is North Cascades or Olympic National Park better?

If you like more leisurely day hikes and sights accessible from the road, Olympic National Park would be better and there are lots more motels, cabins and places to stay Mt Baker is best seen north of North Cascades Park in the Mt Baker recreation area out of Bellingham

How many days do you need in Mt Rainier National Park?

On average, it takes between 9 and 13 days to hike the entire loop Along the hike, you will cross rivers and streams, walk through canyons and temperate forests, and get to see Mount Rainier from all angles

What city is Lake Crescent in?

Lake Crescent is a deep lake located entirely within Olympic National Park in Clallam County, Washington, United States, approximately 17 miles (27 km) west of Port Angeles on US Route 101 and nearby to the small community of Piedmont Lake Crescent Surface elevation 580 ft (180 m) Settlements Piedmont

What town is the Hoh Rainforest in?

The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park’s most popular destinations The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks