Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park | 2024 Guide

From the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean to the lush greenery of the Hoh Rain Forest and the peaks of Hurricane Ridge — Olympic National Park is the place to be. It’s a must-visit spot for hikers and general nature lovers, boasting incredible views and plenty to keep you busy. But now, you might be wondering when to visit Olympic National Park.

Depending on your Olympic National Park Itinerary, different times of the year suit different activities, whether you’re backpacking, hiking, or taking a boat ride. Luckily, the park is open all year round, and each season has pros and cons regarding what you can do and see.

That said, this guide will take you through each season and give you tips on the best and worst times to visit, how to get there, and a few ideas on things to do along the way. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in on the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park.

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How to Get to Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is quite large and has many entrances, so there are a few ways to get there, mainly by driving, taking a ferry, or flying.

If you’re flying in, the closest airport to Olympic National Park is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, around 130 miles or a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Hurricane Ridge entrance. If you’re coming from Canada, Victoria International Airport is about two and a half hours from the Hurricane Ridge entrance. This includes a 42-mile drive to the port and a ferry ride to the park.

If you’ve decided on a road trip to the park, you can access most entrances along US Highway 101.

Best Time to Go to Olympic National Park

So, when is the best time to visit Olympic National Park? That all depends on personal preference and what you hope to achieve from your trip, but summer is the most popular season by far. 

The summer months (June, July, August) include stunning warm weather and less rain, perfect for trying the park’s best outdoor activities. Entrance stations will have long lines because of the high demand, and the park will be bustling, but if you don’t mind, summer is the best time.

Visiting in late spring and early fall (September to mid-October) is an excellent option for avoiding most crowds while missing out on the worse weather conditions that winter brings. A hallmark of this time is the bright fall colors and spring greenery throughout the park that make for immaculate sights.

Worst Time to Go to Olympic National Park

There’s no definitive lousy time to visit the park, but most people tend to disagree with the winter weather and prefer warmer temperatures. Winter is the park’s rainy season, and temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. The wet weather isn’t ideal for hikers and backpackers, but it’s up to personal preference.

If you enjoy skiing, you can ski and snowboard up at higher elevations on Hurricane Ridge, so all is not lost in winter. Plus, the crowds in winter are by far the fewest, which many visitors might prefer over the busier, warmer months.

Visiting Olympic National Park in Spring (March to May)

Temperatures in spring are more on the cooler side, with highs ranging between 37°F and 48°F (3°C and 9°C) on average, but getting warmer toward the end of May. It rains for at least half of the season, but March experiences the most, with an average of 18 days of rainfall.

The spring season is beautiful, though, with the greenery of rainforests blooming and wildflowers blossoming throughout the park. Because of the frequent rain, you’ll find that even on dry days, the park’s waterfalls are absolutely gushing, so hikes and casual strolls are a must.

It’s also a great time to see wildlife, so you might capture some Roosevelt elk or any of the 300 bird species in the park, including bald eagles or northern pygmy owls. Birding in the Quinault or Hoh Rain Forest is particularly good during springtime.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park Spring

There are plenty of things to do in Olympic National Park in spring where you can benefit from the pleasant, mild weather. Here are a few choices to add to your itinerary that you will adore as an outdoor lover.

Explore Hoh Rain Forest 

Rainforests are a wonder to nature, boasting brilliant greenery, the serene sounds of rainfall, and the wildlife that roams about. So, the best time to visit Hoh Rain Forest is undoubtedly spring. Try hiking trails, examine the local plant life, or even go camping. And don’t forget to visit the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center.

Hike the Falls Creek and Quinault Loop Trail 

• Mileage: 2 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 217 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Hiking trails with lower elevations like this one are good to try since they don’t suffer from bad weather conditions as much. This trail is easy to traverse and nice and short, so you can experience a lot in a short time (about 45 minutes). You’ll see anything from the lush trees to the crystal clear Quinnalt Lake and gushing waterfalls.

Whale Watch at Kalaloch Lodge 

Olympic National Park in April and May is peak whale season, and Kalaloch is the best spot to see them. Gray whales begin to migrate across the Pacific Ocean during this season, and you can see them from Kalaloch Lodge. You should consider a whale-watching tour from Port Angeles to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

Visiting Olympic National Park in Summer (June to August)

From the get-go, summer is the warmest season of the year, with temperatures between 54°F and 63°F (12°C and 17°C) on average. Coupled with the warmer weather comes sunnier days and less rain. These sunny days make it easy to make the most of all outdoor activities. That said, don’t leave your rain jacket at home, as there can be a few days of rain, though only three or so.

The park boasts even more greenery and wildflowers due to the spring rain, so you can expect to see more of nature’s beauty. Wildlife, including elk, deer, and birds, continue scampering along the valleys and rivers. You’ll also spot some otters and sea lions at Pacific Coast beaches.

That said, summer gets very busy, with the park experiencing around three-quarters of its yearly visitors, so expect longer waiting times at park entrances and plenty of people on popular trails.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park in Summer

Summer is peak season, so most activities will be good to go. Whether you’re hiking Enchanted Valley or Sol Duc Falls, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

Explore Hurricane Ridge 

If you want to visit Hurricane Ridge (which you should), summer is the best time (though winter is a close second). The drier conditions in summer make it much easier to visit since rainy weather can lead to closures. It’s a quick 17-mile drive from Port Angeles and offers stunning views of the mountain ranges with blossoming wildflowers across the meadows.

Try the Enchanted Valley Trail 

• Mileage: 26 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 3,255 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Backpacking Enchanted Valley is an incredible experience in warm weather. Whether you’re seeking to admire the waterfalls, rivers, and local wildlife (bears included), the Enchanted Valley trek is a must-add to your to-do list.  Remember that wilderness backcountry permits are required, but don’t worry — they’re easy to obtain.

Hike the Sol Duc Falls Trail 

• Mileage: 1.6 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 226 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This is by far one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. It offers brilliant views of the forest and wildlife, and the journey’s highlight is the beautiful Sol Duc Falls. The trail is easy enough for most people to get through and should take around 42 minutes. It also has many picnic areas, restrooms, and tables along the trail for you to take a breather. 

Visiting Olympic National Park in the Fall (September to November)

Fall is a very aesthetic time of year. The fall foliage is stunning, with the mossy forests and bright orange, red, and yellow hues of the tree canopies. While this time is pretty to look at, it’s much more rainy and cold, but if that’s your vibe, you’ll adore the fall.

On average, high temperatures will range between 37°F and 55°F (3°C and 13°C), and seven to 18 days of high precipitation, with September having the least amount of rainfall. So, keep that raincoat handy. 

On the plus side, if the weather isn’t a bother, you will enjoy fewer crowds and likely reduced prices on lodgings and camping accommodations on your trip.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park in the Fall

The temperature might be dropping in the fall months, but there are still a ton of activities that you’ll have easy access to. Here are a few options to consider adding to your to-do list.

Visit Lake Crescent 

While most would argue the best time to go is in summer, this can often be super crowded, so quieter times like spring and fall are a great option. Lake Crescent is one of many lakes you can try, surrounded by gorgeous trails, fall foliage, and waterfalls galore. It’s perfect for relaxing strolls and some epic photo opportunities. 

Photograph Thunderstorms On the Coast 

Heading down to the rocky shores of beaches like Kalaloch, Rialto, or Ruby Beach provides the perfect opportunity for some moody photography. With the forests along the water’s edge, you’ll feel like you’re straight out of Twilight, which is fitting since Forks is just 25 miles away.

Visit Staircase 

The Staircase recreational area is another stunning place to see on your trip. From waterfalls to the flowing North Fork Skokomish River, there is so much beauty to appreciate. You can take a day hike here on one of the trails or stay at one of the various Staircase campgrounds. 

Visiting Olympic National Park in Winter (December to February)

Winter is wet here, with rain at lower elevations and snow higher on the mountains. You’ll find between 14 and 18 precipitation days throughout the season. Accompanying that is a cold average temperature between 32°F and 36°F (0°C and 2°C) — it rarely gets warmer than this.

Rainforests will still thrive during this time, and beaches will be greeted with winter storms, which, like fall, are an impressive yet chaotic sight. That said, the weather conditions are very unpredictable, so blizzards can happen in the blink of an eye. It’s always best to keep your sights on the weather forecasts.

Luckily, most of the park remains open. You might miss out on a few ranger-led programs, but there are fewer people to contend with and reasonable accommodation prices.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park in Winter

You might think your options are limited in the colder months, but if you can brave the weather, these activities might be just the thing to keep you busy.

Visit Lake Quinault 

Lake Quinault is a beautiful place to be during the colder seasons (fall is a good shout, too). You can cozy up by a fire at Lake Quinault Lodge or experience short winter strolls through the area, soaking up the snow-covered mountains in the distance. Plus, you have the added benefit of fewer crowds and good deals on accommodation.

Go Birdwatching

If you’re a bird fanatic, you’re in for a treat. There are over 250 different bird species that you can come across, from the mighty bald eagle to the winter wren and common sparrows. The best spots to check out for birding include Lake Ozette, Ruby Beach, the Quinault Rain Forest, and Sol Duc Valley, to name a few. 

Go Cross Country Skiing 

Hurricane Ridge is good all year round, but wintertime allows you to get some snow on your boots and try skiing. Snowboarding and tubing are available at the Winter Sports Club, too. If you need extra help, you can sign up for some lessons, but at the end of the day, nothing trumps the magical views.

Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

Overall, Olympic National Park is a go-to spot for nature lovers and travelers from all walks of life. Whether you’re taking a casual stroll through rainforests in spring or skiing through the snowy mountains of Mount Olympus during winter months, you won’t be left wanting.

And if you don’t want your journey to end here, why not check out this day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle guide? After all, you can’t go wrong with adding another national park to your bucket list.

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