Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a land of beauty and variety. A day's exploration can take you from breathtaking mountain vistas with meadows of wildflowers to colorful ocean tidepools. Nestled in the valleys are some of the largest remnants of ancient forests left in the country. Olympic is like three magical parks in one. Take some time to explore its many faces!

Explore Boating in Olympic:

Kayak and Canoe

There are many kayak and canoe options in Olympic. The options listed below are the most popular and accessible areas in the park.


If you are paddling in the backcountry and plan on camping, a wilderness use permit is required. Only non-motorized boats are allowed in wilderness areas and boats must be carried on trails by foot or stock (in stock-use areas).

Climbing in the Olympic Wilderness

Olympic's rock formations are generally composed of shale, sandstone, and pillow basalt.

While offering excellent remote alpine climbing opportunities, the rock is often fragmented, chossy, and loose. Unlike the solid granite in the Cascades and other climbing destinations, Olympic rock holds few cracks for protecting with cams, nuts, and hexes. A sling girth-hitched around a rock horn or small tree is frequently the only way to protect a fall. Only a helmet can protect the skull and face from the showers of rock that come with every Olympic climb.

Fishing in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park protects over 75 miles of Pacific Coast, 600 lakes, and 4,000 miles of rivers and streams that support some of the most extensive runs of wild salmon, trout, and char remaining in the Pacific Northwest. Through the management of fish and aquatic environments, the park works to preserve and restore native fishes and their habitats and provide recreational fishing opportunities for the enjoyment of park visitors. Fisheries biologists work with the State of Washington and eight treaty tribes each year to establish harvest and gear regulations.

Hiking

Before You Go ...

Even on short hikes, be prepared for changeable weather. Carry food, water, raingear and extra layers of clothing.
Do not drink water directly from streams. We recommend boiling water or using a water filter or other treatment that kills or filters giardia and cryptosporidium. Iodine tablets do not kill cryptosporidium.
Stay on trails to avoid injury to yourself and the park's vegetation.
Pack out all trash, including food waste.
Pets are not allowed on park trails or beaches -- except for the following areas where leashed (up to six feet in length) pets are permitted:
Spruce Railroad Trail (Olympic Discovery Trail)
Rialto Beach one-half mile north to Ellen Creek
All Kalaloch beaches (from Ruby Beach south to South Beach)
Peabody Creek Trail

Wildlife Viewing

Many wild animals dwell within Olympic National Park. Despite their abundance, viewing wildlife is often a matter of luck and diligence. Review the information below for tips to increase your chances of seeing wildlife during your visit!

Hurricane Ridge in Winter

At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge is Olympic's alpine destination in winter. Typically snow-covered, Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. Hurricane Ridge's winter season is generally mid-December through the end of March.

Hurricane Ridge Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area

The Hurricane Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Area is a small family-oriented ski area operated by the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club. The ski area includes two rope tows, a poma lift, and tubing area.The ski area is generally open from mid-December through the end of March, weather permitting.

Sliding & Tubing at Hurricane Ridge
Sliding is permitted at no cost for children ages eight and under at the Small Children's Snowplay Area west of the visitor center and parking lot. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed.