Olympic National Park
Official park boundary · National Park Service
Take the scenic way to Olympic National Park.
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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!
Olympic National Park is a national park of the United States located in Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. The park has four regions: the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the west-side temperate rainforest, and the forests of the drier east side. Within the park there are three distinct ecosystems, including subalpine forest and wildflower meadow, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific coast.
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.
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.
Source: National Park Service
Valid for seven consecutive days. Applies to private, non-commercial vehicles (15 passenger capacity or less). The pass covers all vehicle occupants.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
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.
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.
Park facts, fees, and activities confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
- 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.
- 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!
Source: National Park Service
Where is Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park is in Washington.
When was Olympic National Park established?
Olympic National Park was established in 1938.
How big is Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park covers 1,442 square miles (922,649 acres).
How much does it cost to enter Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park charges $30 per private vehicle. Other rates apply to motorcycles, cyclists and walk-ins, and some parks add their own reservation or surcharge on top.
Can you camp in Olympic National Park?
Yes. The National Park Service runs 12 campgrounds in Olympic National Park, with 719 campsites between them.
Does Olympic National Park have a visitor center?
Yes. Olympic National Park has 5 visitor centers: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge Visitor Contact Station, Kalaloch Ranger Station, Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.
- Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112Nationally designated · 3 mi away
- Cascade LoopNationally designated · 29 mi away
- JCT SR 109 VIC QUEETS TO JCT SR 5 VIC OLYMPIAEnters the park
- BOUNDARY OF MAKAH INDIAN RES TO VIC LAIRDS CORNER3 mi away
- JCT SR 101 VIC HOODSPORT TO JCT MT ROSE INTERSECTION3 mi away
- JCT SR 101 VIC DISCOVERY BAY TO KINGSTON FERRY ZONE14 mi away
Day trips start here
- Olympic National Park · 7 mi
- Olympic Peninsula · 9 mi
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