{"id":21108,"date":"2016-04-16T12:06:09","date_gmt":"2016-04-16T19:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21108"},"modified":"2023-06-09T10:48:50","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T17:48:50","slug":"olympic-national-park-visitor-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide","title":{"rendered":"Olympic National Park Visitor Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s note: This article was published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need to travel, check&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/travelers\/faqs.html#:~:text=After%20travel%2C%20all%20travelers,local%20recommendations%20or%20requirements.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the CDC FAQ page about COVID-19 risks for travelers<\/a>,&nbsp;which<\/em>&nbsp;<em>provides the latest guidance. For general information about outdoor activities, read&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/news\/recreate-responsibly-an-activity-specific-guide\">Recreate Responsibly: An Activity-Specific Guide<\/a>. For information about current restrictions at Olympic National Park, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/conditions.htm\">the park\u2019s alerts and conditions page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you love the outdoors, Olympic National Park of Washington State is a dream destination with three different ecosystems to explore:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Its horseshoe cluster of&nbsp;mountains&nbsp;contains more than 150 glaciers and 13 rivers radiating outward. Below the snowy peaks are subalpine forests and meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer.<\/li>\n<li>The park also includes 60 miles of wild rugged&nbsp;coastline&nbsp;with massive sea stack formations stretching into the surf and tide pools teaming with colorful starfish and sea anemone.<\/li>\n<li>Finally, the western side of the park is home to an&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/learn\/nature\/lowland-forests.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>old-growth temperate rain forest<\/b><\/a>&nbsp;full of moss-draped Douglas firs, giant western hemlocks and Sitka spruce trees. Winter storms soak the lush vegetation with 150 inches of rain annually. The park actually contains four rain forests in all: Bogachiel, Hoh, Queets and Quinault.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Accessing the Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Route 101 skirts the Olympic Peninsula and gives you glimpses into the park\u2019s 141,000 square-mile interior, but the full beauty of the Olympics can only be experienced on foot.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re planning a visit, check our suggestions for getting the most out of your trip. The National Park Service is also a good resource for information on&nbsp;camping,&nbsp;day hiking,&nbsp;backpacking,&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;and&nbsp;paddling&nbsp;in the park.<\/p>\n<p>REI also offers curated adventures in the Olympics, so you can simply enjoy an adventure and let us handle the rest!<\/p>\n<span class=\"cb-button cb-black cb-normal cb-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.com\/adventures\/p\/olympic-national-park\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow\">Browse Trips in Olympic National Park<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" role=\"presentation\"><path d=\"M16 12a.997.997 0 0 0-.288-.702l-5.005-5.005a1 1 0 0 0-1.414 1.414L13.585 12 9.29 16.295a1 1 0 0 0 1.417 1.412l4.98-4.98A.997.997 0 0 0 16 12z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div>&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h2>Camping in the Olympics<\/h2>\n<p>The park has a total of 16 National Park Service (NPS)&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">campgrounds<\/a>. Twelve are open year-round, four seasonally. All are accessible by car, except Dosewallips. Kalaloch can be reserved during the summer, while the rest are entirely first-come, first-served. Here are a few of our favorite options:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deer Park&nbsp;(14 sites, non-reservable):&nbsp;<\/strong>At 5,400 feet, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm#CP_JUMP_754941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deer Park<\/a> is the only high alpine campground in Olympic National Park and offers an amazing 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Dungeness Valley and much of Puget Sound. It sits on an exposed ridge, so it can be windy.<\/p>\n<p>Deer Park is first-come, first-served, which can mean rolling the dice in peak season. There are no water sources, so bring what you need. The campground is typically open from June to mid-October. The last third of the 18-mile access road is twisting and rugged, with steep drop offs. Check the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/campgroundstatus.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">campground status<\/a>&nbsp;before you go to make sure the road is open. See more information in the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/upload\/Deer%20Park.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deer Park brochure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dosewallips&nbsp;(30 sites, non-reservable):&nbsp;<\/strong>A section of the access road to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm#CP_JUMP_755004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dosewallips<\/a> campground washed out in 2002, so you need to walk the 5.5 miles from the parking area. However, that makes it perfect for secluded tent camping. It\u2019s a pretty location set on the fast-flowing Dosewallips River and is often used by hikers on their way in or out of the backcountry.<\/p>\n<p>Not to be confused with the campground in nearby Dosewallips State Park, this one is set inside the national park. See more information in the Dosewallips area brochure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mora Campground&nbsp;(94 sites, non-reservable):&nbsp;<\/strong>Located in a dense coastal forest, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm#CP_JUMP_755208\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mora<\/a> is a short 1.5 mile walk from Rialto Beach with its crashing surf and towering sea stacks. The walk is actually along a roadway, so if you\u2019re camping with kids you might want to drive to Rialto. The wide, sandy beach is home to many tidepools. An easy hike north takes you to Hole-in-the-Wall, a tunnel that\u2019s been carved by waves into the headland.<\/p>\n<p>See more information in the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/upload\/mora.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mora area brochure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kalaloch&nbsp;(170 sites, reservable):&nbsp;<\/strong>Fair warning\u2014<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm#CP_JUMP_755196\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalaloch<\/a> is the most popular campground on the Olympic Peninsula, but if you score a site in summertime, you\u2019re in for a great experience. The campground directly overlooks the coast, and sites along the bluff offer front-row views of surf and sunsets. Walk a mere fifty yards from any site and you\u2019re beachcombing. Hike a mile north to explore tide pools and secluded coves. Chances are good for spotting harbor seals, eagles and maybe a puffin.<\/p>\n<p>From mid-June to mid-September, sites are only available by reservation. Make one online at&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recreation.gov<\/a>&nbsp;or by calling 877-444-6777 (reservations are available up to 6 months ahead of time). If you\u2019re camping in the off-season, Kalaloch is a must. The crowd thins out nicely, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See more information in the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/upload\/Kalaloch-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalaloch area brochure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h2>Hiking and Backpacking in the Olympics<\/h2>\n<p><!-- BEGIN Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<div><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 1200px; height: 500px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/widget\/map?favs=1&amp;location=fixed&amp;x=-13765361&amp;y=6079718&amp;z=8.9&amp;h=500\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><!-- END Hiking Project --><br>Outside of summer, when it can rain occasionally, you can bet on regular rain at lower elevations and snow in the mountains. That means bringing waterproof gear\u2014jacket, boots, pack (or pack cover) and a tent with a waterproof rainfly. For more information on day hikes and backpacking trips, visit the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/trail-guide.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trail guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Backcountry permits<\/strong><b>:&nbsp;<\/b>Camping in the park\u2019s backcountry requires a&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wilderness-reservations.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wilderness Camping Permit<\/a>. In high-use areas, called \u201cQuota Areas,\u201d permits are limited and reservations are required for all sites from May 1\u2013Sept. 30. The park accepts reservations starting on March 15 for the whole season.<\/p>\n<p>In some Quota Areas, 50 percent of the permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a WIC (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wic.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wilderness Information Center<\/a>) up to 24 hours in advance. The Port Angeles center is open year-round; the Quinault center and Staircase Ranger Station are open during summer months.<\/p>\n<p>For backcountry sites outside of Quota Areas, permits aren\u2019t limited and can be picked up at a WIC on or before the day you start your hike. Check the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wilderness-reservations.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wilderness backpacking reservations page<\/a>&nbsp;for the online reservation form and a link to the Quota Area map.<\/p>\n<p><b>Bear canisters:&nbsp;<\/b>Along with a permit, you\u2019ll need a bear canister any time you stay overnight in the backcountry. All scented items (from food and trash to sunscreen and chapstick) needs to go inside when you hunker down for the night. You can rent bear canisters for a nominal fee at a WIC. Visit the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wilderness-food-storage.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wilderness food storage<\/a>&nbsp;page to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Recommended Hikes in Olympic National Park<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p>Whether you\u2019re hiking or backpacking, you have lots of options. To find some less-traveled gems, we talked with the experts at our&nbsp;REI Silverdale, Wash., store, who shared a few of their favorites. (Though not included here, some longer backpacking trips well worth exploring include the Hoh River Valley, Gray Wolf Pass, Enchanted Valley and O\u2019Neil Pass\/Lake LaCrosse.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7002046\/ozette-triangle\">Ozette Loop: Cape Alava to Sandpoint Day Hike or Overnight<\/a> (easy; 9.4-mile loop):&nbsp;<\/strong>This is one of the nicest hikes on the Olympic coastline, and it\u2019s a great first backpacking trip for kids. Do it in the shoulder seasons and you\u2019ll have less company. The first leg is an easy 3.3-mile trek through dense groves of Sitka spruce and western cedar. Much of the trail is on cedar-planked boardwalk, which can be slippery when wet. When you arrive at Cape Alava, you\u2019ll be treated to the sight of sea stacks towering in the ocean mist. Keep your eyes open for sea otters and sea lions, and eagles perched in the trees.<\/p>\n<p>The second leg takes you south along the beach with its many tide pools. At Wedding Rocks, one mile down, look for ancient Makah petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the high-tide line. If you camp on the beach, you\u2019ll need a permit and bear canister. Water sources are few, so it\u2019s best to bring all the water you need.<\/p>\n<p>The route out begins at Sandpoint, 3 miles south of Cape Alava. Find more information about the Ozette Loop&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/ozette-loop.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7012499\/third-beach-to-toleak-point\">Third Beach: Day Hike or Backpack<\/a> (easy; 3.6-mile round-trip):&nbsp;<\/strong>This is another coastal destination that\u2019s great for kids, whether you\u2019re backpacking or doing a day hike. Just south of First and Second Beaches and the small fishing village of La Push, the Third Beach trail is a little longer and a little less crowded than the other beaches. Visiting in the shoulder seasons will mean less company on the trail but a greater chance of rain.<\/p>\n<p>After 1.8 miles of easy hiking you\u2019re on the wide, sandy beach. A waterfall on the tall bluff to the south sends water crashing into the waves. Enormous sea stacks extend into Strawberry Bay and provide a dramatic backdrop for photos. The beach is a mile long and has plenty of tidepools to explore. If you plan to camp on the beach, you\u2019ll need a permit and a bear canister. Find more information about Third Beach&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/third-beach-trail.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7001857\/sol-duc-river-trail\">Bogachiel River Trail via Sol Duc Overnight<\/a> (moderate; 25\u201350 miles round-trip; 2\u20137 days):&nbsp;<\/strong>Just north of the popular Hoh Rainforest is the lesser known Bogachiel Rainforest. It has the same ancient, moss-covered Douglas fir, spruce and western red cedars but is less visited. The trail follows the Bogachiel River and takes you into the heart of this rainforest wilderness.<\/p>\n<p>The route begins at Sol Duc, where the trail climbs gradually to Mink Lake, then continues south through meadows until it reaches 4,100 feet at the junction of two trails: Little Divide and Bogachiel River.<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy the view of snowy Mount Olympus before turning right and making your way down to the Bogachiel Valley. You\u2019re likely to encounter some wet, muddy ground, so wear hiking boots that can handle it. As you glance up at the towering canopy of old-grown trees, keep your ears open for the sound of bugling elk. The Bogachiel is home to lots of Roosevelt elk.<\/p>\n<p>Five camping areas are spaced out along the remaining 11 miles of trail, letting you shorten or lengthen your trip as needed. When you return to the trailhead at Sold Duc, there\u2019s a bonus waiting: the soothing hot springs at Sol Duc resort.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7 Lakes Basin\/High Divide Trail Overnight (moderate to strenuous; 19 miles loop; 2\u20133 days):&nbsp;<\/strong>Snow usually lingers well into summer on this trail, so it\u2019s best from early July to mid October. The route follows a high alpine ridge (High Divide) with jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers, lush valleys, sparkling blue lakes and maybe mountain goats and black bears. This trip draws a lot of backpackers, so you might want to save it for early fall.<\/p>\n<p>Hike the loop counterclockwise by starting out on the Sol Duc Falls Trail. At 0.8 miles, turn onto Deer Lake Trail, where the trail climbs steadily to Deer Lake and continues south into the 7 Lakes Basin area and High Divide.<\/p>\n<p>A less-used option for first camp is Hoh Lake. You\u2019ll be treated to less-crowded camping at a pretty lake. Sunset can be especially beautiful with colorful displays of alpenglow. Finally, word has it that Hoh Lake has the best privy in the park. From its seat you get an exceptional view of glacier-clad Mount Olympus.<\/p>\n<p>Once back on the High Divide, the trail descends to Heart Lake and Sol Duc Park before looping back to the Sol Duc River for a level hike to the trailhead. Find more information about this trail&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/high-divide-loop.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7001965\/north-fork-quinault-river-trail\"><strong>North Fork Quinault River Trail Overnight Loops<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is the starting point for two beautiful backpacking trips. Before starting, check the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wilderness-trail-conditions.htm#CP_JUMP_450764\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trail conditions page<\/a>. After a storm, downed trees along the trail can turn a pleasant hike into a grueling ordeal. These hikes are best from mid to late June after the snow has melted and before the trail becomes crowded. Find more information about these trails&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/north-for-quinault.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>21-Mile Loop (moderate; 3 days):&nbsp;<\/b>This is a good choice for people who haven\u2019t done much backpacking because there\u2019s good access to water sources from beginning to end. Hike north for 6.5 miles through the old-growth forest along the North Fork of the Quinault River, then spend the night at Elip Creek camp. The next day, turn left at the trail junction and hike five miles to the Skyline Trail junction, where you turn south. The alpine tarns you\u2019ll see make for great swimming and picturesque mountain-reflection photos. Spend the second night at Three Lakes camp, then hike back to the trailhead the next day.<\/p>\n<p><b>47-Mile North Fork\/Skyline Loop (strenuous; 5\u20138 days):<\/b>&nbsp;For this route, continue north after Elip Creek camp for another 9.5 miles to Low Divide at 3,600 feet. Stock up on water here before turning left onto a ridge trail through beautiful alpine meadows. The views here are gorgeous enough to rival anything you\u2019ll see in the Cascade range. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats, black bears and elk. The trail gets a little difficult between Lake Beauty and Kimta Peak, and there isn\u2019t much water access in this section. Then it\u2019s all downhill back to the trailhead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h2>Other Ways to Explore the Olympics<\/h2>\n<p><b>Climbing:&nbsp;<\/b>The Olympics offer alpine rock climbing on remote routes. Good options include Mt. Constance (7,743 ft.), Mt. Deception (7,788 ft.) and Mt. Olympus, the highest peak in the park at 7,980 ft. Learn more about climbing routes, safety tips and climbing guides on the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wilderness-climbing.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">climbing page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Paddling:&nbsp;<\/b>The coastline, rivers and lakes in or near the park provide lots of spots where you can explore the park\u2019s different ecosystems on your kayak, canoe or paddle board. For more information on how to plan your paddling trip, visit the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/boating.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">boating page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Winter activities:&nbsp;<\/b>During the winter, hiking trails in the rain forest and coastline tend to be snow-free. For snow activities, the Hurricane Ridge visitor center is a good launching point for snowshoeing, tubing, snowboarding and both cross-country and downhill skiing. View the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/visiting-in-winter.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">winter activity page<\/a>&nbsp;for current weather and road conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h2>Tips for Visiting the Olympics<\/h2>\n<h3><b>Getting to Olympic National Park<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the northwest corner of Washington State. See the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/directions.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Directions &amp; Transportation page<\/a>&nbsp;for information on traveling to the peninsula.<b>&nbsp;<\/b>You can also check<b>&nbsp;<\/b><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/current-road-conditions.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">road-closure details<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/current-weather-conditions.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">current weather conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Park Fees and Passes<\/h3>\n<p>Fees for entering the park depend on the type of pass you choose and your vehicle. You can opt for a single-use park pass, an annual parks pass or the America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass that covers all national parks and federal fee areas. See all fee details on the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/feesandreservations.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fees and passes page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Guidebooks and Maps<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">park service website<\/a>&nbsp;is an excellent general resource for guidebooks and maps. You can also find them at the&nbsp;<a href=\"\/stores\/silverdale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">REI Silverdale, WA store<\/a>, online at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/\">REI.com<\/a>&nbsp;and at&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.discovernw.org\/mm5\/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&amp;Store_Code=NWIAONLINE&amp;Category_Code=2OLYNP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Your Northwest<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Lodging<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The park has two year-round lodges (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.olympicnationalparks.com\/accommodations\/lake-quinault-lodge.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quinault<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thekalalochlodge.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalaloch<\/a>), one seasonal lodge (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.olympicnationalparks.com\/accommodations\/lake-crescent-resort.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Crescent<\/a>) and two seasonal cabin resorts (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.olympicnationalparks.com\/accommodations\/sol-duc-hot-springs-resort.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sol Duc Hot Springs<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.olympicnationalparks.com\/stay\/lodging\/log-cabin-resort.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Log Cabin Resort<\/a>). Communities outside the park also offer lodging. For reservation info (book well in advance) and other details, visit the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/lodging.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lodging page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Animal Safety<\/h3>\n<p>Olympic National Park is home to all kinds of&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/learn\/nature\/animals.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wildlife<\/a>, including black bears, mountain goats and cougars. The park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wildlife-viewing.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wildlife viewing page<\/a>&nbsp;provides tips on when and where to see different animals. Before you head out for a hike or other activity, check in with the nearest visitor center or backcountry office for information on recent animal activity. It\u2019s also important to know what to do if you encounter a black bear, mountain goat or cougar. Visit the park\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/wildlife-safety.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wildlife safety<\/a>&nbsp;page for more information.<\/p>\n<p><i>Written by Steve Burke. REI Silverdale Associate Val Loughney Stapleton contributed to this article.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text parbase section\">\n<div class=\"mb10\">\n<h3>Related articles<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/backpacking-checklist.html\">Backpacking Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/rainwear.html\">Rainwear: How to Choose<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\">The Ten Essentials<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Editor\u2019s note: This article was published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need to travel, check&nbsp;the CDC FAQ page about COVID-19 risks for travelers,&nbsp;which&nbsp;provides the latest guidance. For general information about outdoor activities, read&nbsp;Recreate Responsibly: An Activity-Specific Guide. For information about current restrictions at Olympic National Park, visit the park\u2019s alerts and conditions page. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":21193,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1456,113,1459],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-21108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-national-park-visitor-guide","tag-national-park","tag-olympic-national-park"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Olympic National Park Visitor Guide","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/09\/iStock_040417_0001_Olympic_NP_Guide.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/09\/iStock_040417_0001_Olympic_NP_Guide.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Emily Irelan"}],"creator":["Emily Irelan"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["national park visitor guide","national parks","olympic national park"],"dateCreated":"2016-04-16T19:06:09Z","datePublished":"2016-04-16T19:06:09Z","dateModified":"2023-06-09T17:48:50Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Olympic National Park Visitor Guide\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/olympic-national-park-visitor-guide\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2017\\\/09\\\/iStock_040417_0001_Olympic_NP_Guide.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2017\\\/09\\\/iStock_040417_0001_Olympic_NP_Guide.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Emily Irelan\"}],\"creator\":[\"Emily Irelan\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"national park visitor guide\",\"national parks\",\"olympic national park\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2016-04-16T19:06:09Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-04-16T19:06:09Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-06-09T17:48:50Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/09\/iStock_040417_0001_Olympic_NP_Guide.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21108"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":189813,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21108\/revisions\/189813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21108"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=21108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}