Olympic National Park

A park of three distinct ecosystems: rugged Pacific coastline, glaciated mountains, and temperate rainforests. It's home to Roosevelt elk, black bears,...

Olympic National Park at a Glance

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
47.967000, -123.605000
Area
3734 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Safari Activities in Olympic National Park

  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Boating
  • Paddling
  • Ranger programs
  • Coastal exploration
  • Visiting Hurricane Ridge

Getting to Olympic National Park

Nearest airport: Big Andy Airport, 15 km away.

Nearest international airport: William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM), 19 km away.

Weather & Climate in Olympic National Park

The warmest temperatures in Olympic National Park occur in August, averaging 18.6°C (up to 23.9°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 3.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 22.6mm. Average humidity: 71.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 3.4°C (rainfall: 326.5mm)
  • February: 3.0°C (rainfall: 156.3mm)
  • March: 4.3°C (rainfall: 119.0mm)
  • April: 6.7°C (rainfall: 121.0mm)
  • May: 10.9°C (rainfall: 78.3mm)
  • June: 14.5°C (rainfall: 95.3mm)
  • July: 18.2°C (rainfall: 22.6mm)
  • August: 18.6°C (rainfall: 36.0mm)
  • September: 15.6°C (rainfall: 80.7mm)
  • October: 10.6°C (rainfall: 167.7mm)
  • November: 5.0°C (rainfall: 250.1mm)
  • December: 3.2°C (rainfall: 283.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

The best months to visit Olympic National Park are July, August, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 3.35°C, rainfall 326.5mm, sunshine 3.9 hrs, humidity 83.4%
  • February: Poor, temperature 3.01°C, rainfall 156.3mm, sunshine 5.3 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • March: Poor, temperature 4.29°C, rainfall 119mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 80%
  • April: Poor, temperature 6.68°C, rainfall 121mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 10.94°C, rainfall 78.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 76.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.49°C, rainfall 95.3mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 75.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.18°C, rainfall 22.6mm, sunshine 13.8 hrs, humidity 71%
  • August: Great, temperature 18.57°C, rainfall 36mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.55°C, rainfall 80.7mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 74.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 10.6°C, rainfall 167.7mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • November: Poor, temperature 4.96°C, rainfall 250.1mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • December: Poor, temperature 3.24°C, rainfall 283.6mm, sunshine 3.6 hrs, humidity 85.1%

Wildlife in Olympic National Park

Home to 47 recorded species including 19 waterbirds, 18 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 2 predators, 2 marine & freshwater, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Olympic National Park

Based on average temperature of 9.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 79%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Olympic National Park

7 safari lodges available.

budget

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Pacific Northwest

Visitor Tips - Olympic National Park

We love Olympic National Park for its unparalleled ecological diversity, where ancient temperate rainforests meet rugged Pacific coastline and glaciated peaks. We recommend allocating ample time to explore each distinct ecosystem; the transition from mist-shrouded valleys to alpine meadows is truly breathtaking. The sense of wildness here feels timeless, a profound escape into nature's grandeur.

Gate Times

Olympic National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round, but access to specific areas, roads, and visitor centers varies significantly by season. Hurricane Ridge Road, for instance, often closes for snow in winter. We strongly recommend checking the official National Park Service website for current road conditions, facility hours, and any required timed-entry reservations for popular areas like Hurricane Ridge or Hoh Rainforest, especially during peak summer months. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary for National Park Service rangers. However, if you engage a private guide for activities like kayaking, hiking, or climbing, we recommend tipping 15-20% of the tour cost for excellent service. There are no 'camp staff' in the traditional safari sense here, and malaria is not a concern in Olympic National Park.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Olympic National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Olympic National Park for a comprehensive experience of its diverse landscapes and wildlife?

For access to all areas, including Hurricane Ridge and mountain trails, and the best chance for clear weather, late spring through early fall (June to September) is ideal. During this period, you can enjoy hiking, coastal exploration, and increased opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk and marine birds. However, spring offers lush rainforests and active wildlife with fewer crowds.

What specific wildlife viewing opportunities make Olympic National Park a unique 'safari' destination in the United States?

Olympic National Park offers distinct wildlife encounters across its three ecosystems. You can spot Roosevelt elk grazing in the temperate rainforests or river valleys, observe black bears foraging in various habitats, and potentially see mountain goats on the higher alpine ridges. Along the rugged coastline, a rich marine birdlife, including various seabirds and shorebirds, is abundant.

How can I best plan my visit to fully experience Olympic National Park's unique combination of glaciated mountains, temperate rainforests, and rugged coastline?

To fully appreciate the park's diversity, allocate at least 3-5 days. Dedicate time to Hurricane Ridge for stunning mountain views and potential mountain goat sightings, explore the lush Hoh or Quinault Rainforests for elk and unique flora, and spend a day or two along the Pacific coast at places like Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach for tide pooling and marine birdlife. Consider a multi-stop itinerary to minimize travel time between these distinct zones.

Given Olympic National Park's rugged terrain and wildlife, what are the most important safety considerations for visitors?

When exploring, always be prepared for rapidly changing weather, especially in the mountains and along the coast; carry appropriate layers and rain gear. Practice bear safety by carrying bear spray and storing food properly, and maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, particularly mountain goats which can be aggressive if approached. Inform someone of your itinerary, especially for backcountry hiking or coastal exploration.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Olympic National Park, and how can I enjoy its vastness without encountering crowds?

Entry to Olympic National Park typically costs around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or you can use an America the Beautiful annual pass. To avoid crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), explore less-trafficked trails, or start your day early at popular spots like Hurricane Ridge or the Hoh Rainforest. The park's immense size (3734 km²) naturally disperses visitors, making it easy to find solitude.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.