Summer has the best weather conditions, with warm temps and lower rainfall, but the park and parking lots will be crowded during peak hours. Late spring and early fall are also good times to visit, with decent weather and smaller crowds. Some areas of the park will not be accessible during winter months, though the park is open year-round.
Olympic National Park really does have it all–rainforests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and 70 miles of rugged coastline. However, with more than three million visitors per year, the crowds can be intense. It’s a good idea to think about what types of activities you want to do and what time of day you want to visit so you can plan your ideal experience.
What To Expect In The Summer
Rainforests mean lots of rain–and the summer months are popular because they promise the least amount of precipitation. The temperature will be cool to mild. In addition, summer is a great time for hiking and camping, as all of the trails and campgrounds should be open.
Of course all of this means the park gets very busy in June, July, and August.
The busiest times of day for popular areas include 10am-2pm for Hurricane Ridge and 10am-5pm for Hoh Rainforest. Entering during these times of day will mean long lines for parking, including a possible wait time of over two hours. Holiday weekends are especially busy.
You may benefit from being an early riser if you want to visit in the summer. Entering the park before 10 am may reduce your wait time and allow you to enjoy less-crowded trails.
Alternatively, come by in the late afternoon or at the dinner hour. The park is open 24 hours.
What To Expect In The Spring
If you really want to experience the park without the crowds, spring might be your best bet. (Spring break may be an exception, however.) The weather will be cool and rainy.
Wildlife becomes particularly active in the spring as it comes to life and gets ready for summer months. Bird watching is also excellent beginning in May.
Due to snow melt and high rainfall, the waterfalls will be spectacular in the spring. Wildflowers also begin blooming in early spring.
Spring weather is unpredictable, however, and you will need to make sure you are prepared for lots of rain and varying temperatures. In addition, not all high-elevation trails will be open in the spring months due to snow (though your photos of snowy peaks may be spectacular!). Check trail conditions here.
If fishing is your thing, spring will be a great time due to high rainfall. Whale migration also occurs in April and May.
What To Expect In The Fall
While the Pacific Northwest is known for its evergreen forests, Olympic National Park delivers stunning autumn colors as well. As in spring, prepare for cool to cold weather and rain.
Snow begins to cover mountain peaks in late September to early October. In lower elevations, this is the beginning of the rainy season, but with the lush canopy protecting you from the heaviest rain, fall is still an excellent time for exploring the park without the crowds of the high season.
Fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities are still excellent in the fall, especially with the lack of crowds. Whales migrate back down the coast in October and November.
What To Expect In The Winter
Winter can be an excellent time to visit National Parks, when the crowds are thinnest.
At Olympic National Park, you can ski, snowboard, or snowshoe at Hurricane Ridge in the winter, weather permitting.
Low-altitude areas such as Quinault Rainforest or Rialto beach, while rainy, are somewhat mild. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing during the winter months.
What Is The Best Time For Hiking?
Trails will be very busy in the summer months, and parking lots at trailheads may be full. If you want to hike during June-September, it is best to arrive at the park early in the morning or after around 4pm.
You can find details on hikes here.
Hiking is also excellent in late spring or early fall, but it will be rainy. High-elevation trails may become impassable due to snow from October through May.
Keep in mind that all overnight hikes will require a permit, which must be obtained in advance. These permits will be more readily available in the off season.
What Is The Best Time For Camping?
Some campgrounds accept reservations in the summer months, but are first-come, first-served during the rest of the year. These sites will fill quickly during summer.
Backcountry permits are available and required year-round.
Summer offers the warmest and driest weather for camping, though late spring and early fall also offer good camping opportunities. Additionally make sure to always have access to a good waterproof tent when camping as rain can appear quickly at times.
Other Tips For Visitors to Olympic National Park
No matter what time of year you are visiting, it’s a good idea to check the map and make a plan in advance. Olympic is a big park, with long driving-distances between the various areas.
It is essential that you check weather conditions and confirm all roads are passable before you set out–even in the summer. Check the park’s website for updates and road conditions, or follow @olympicNP on Twitter for updates.
Keep in mind that the temperature fluctuates depending on where you are in the park, even in summer. High-altitude areas can be as much as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than sea level areas. Thunderstorms are possible, even in summer.
Another way to avoid summer crowds is to visit the less-popular areas of the park. Look at the Places To Go section of the park’s website for some ideas outside of Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rainforest.
The fluctuating weather and crowds at Olympic National Park mean it might be good to have a backup plan each day–and some flexibility. The entire place is beautiful, so even if you don’t get to follow your planned itinerary exactly, you will still end up with a memorable experience in an exquisite place.
Conclusion
Olympic National Park is a stunner and shouldn’t be missed. With a little planning you can figure out what time of year–or time of day–is best for you.
