WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK? Best Travel Guide

Olympic National Park, which is found in the northwesterly most point of the lower 48 states, spans almost a million acres and offers a fantastic variety of topography. Within a day’s drive of each other, the park has approximately 70 miles of wilderness coastline, glaciated mountain peaks, old-growth temperate rain forests, and rich river valleys. An enormous variety of wildlife species can also be found at the Olympics. Some of the well-known or at least appreciated species by park visitors include sea otters, black bears, Olympic marmots, elk, deer, mountain lions, orcas, and a plethora of others.

But having a lot of things to see, what is the best time of the year to visit the Olympic National Pack? Read on to get the best answers to your question, such as “When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?”

#1. Spring Time

With fewer visitors, spring can be a good time to visit the Olympics. Usually beginning in mid-May, the route to Hurricane Ridge is a true winter wonderland when it first opens at the end of April. Cool-to-cold temperatures dominate, and higher-elevation trails don’t fully freeze out until the end of June or the beginning of July. Even if the weather starts to warm up in the spring, it is still erratic. In the higher elevations, it can snow or rain often and even last into the month of June.

The park reports that this time of year is the second busiest for visitors, and seasonal campgrounds begin to open. The best time of year to see Roosevelt Elk close to the rainforests of Olympic National Park is in the early spring, which in the lowlands of the park begins in March.

When visiting Olympic National Park to see black bears, May and June are often the best months to go. These intriguing big creatures emerge in the river valleys in the spring and begin to be active there, where they feed on the newly emerging plants. Furthermore, Olympic National Park offers outstanding opportunities for bird watching during the spring bird migration, particularly around May. In the spring, when temperatures are rising and humidity levels are still high, it’s common to observe banana slugs, amphibians, snails, and other typical rainforest critters on hiking routes in Olympic National Park.

#2. Summer Seasons

when is the best time to visit olympic national park — Image Source: National Park Service

Summer is also the ideal season to explore Olympic National Park because it is accessible year-round, the trails are pristine, and the days are long. The average monthly precipitation is historically lowest in the month of July to August. Even though the summer months are frequently sunny with beautiful mountain scenery, many of the characteristic rainforest species of Olympic National Park, such as banana slugs, won’t emerge in low humidity. Late April often marks the beginning of the high country access season, which includes Hurricane Ridge hiking and animal viewing excursions.

As the snow melts, wildlife from Olympic National Park, including the Olympic marmot, Columbian black-tailed deer, Olympic chipmunk, snowshoe hare, black bears, butterflies, and breeding birds, comes to life in the Olympic Mountains. As long as the soil is moist, flowers will continue to blossom. The drawback of visiting the Olympics during the summer is the crowds, but there are still many spots in the park where you can be alone with nature. Wildflowers and marmots also awaken from their winter hibernation in the summer.

#3. Fall

September Olympics’ fall season can be pleasant thanks to the stunning fall foliage found at middle and lower elevations. As kids return to school and summer vacations end, the number of people in the area also decreases in the fall. Autumn also brings a lot of rain to Olympic National Park. Olympic’s rain forest remains green for a reason.

The ideal time to see Roosevelt Elk in the fall is on an elk and hiking tour in the Hoh Rainforest, which is surrounded by Big-Leaf and vine maples that are in full bloom. As snow frequently does not start to fall until September to October, fall continues to be a fantastic time to explore the high country.

Wildlife in Olympic National Park, including black bears, will continue to graze in the mountains as long as there is still food available, such as huckleberries. Along with wildlife observation, climbing Olympic National Park’s mountains in the fall is just breathtakingly magnificent. Starting in late August and lasting through October, it’s typical to see uncommon species like the Golden Eagle, Merlin, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and Western Meadowlark during their fall migration. In the fall, temperatures continue to be high and

#4. Winter

Olympic winters are generally gloomy, yet some people manage to enjoy them. The route to Hurricane Ridge typically has 30 to 35 feet of snow, and it is available for weekend skiing when the weather allows. However, it closes in the fall and doesn’t reopen until late spring, making it difficult to access the Olympic Mountains. And all of these variables produce ideal conditions for avalanches.

Consider scheduling your rainforest hike in Olympic National Park during the winter months if you’re looking for tranquility. The temperate rainforest, which is incredibly green, comes to life when precipitation is at its highest. Given the increase in precipitation, the waterfalls in Olympic National Park are hardly distinguishable from their summer counterparts from November.

Due to the slightly cooler temperatures, shorter days, and slower plant development in the winter, many typical rainforest creatures in Olympic National Park hide. But there’s no denying that winter is a fantastic season to see moss and lichen from the rainforest. Roosevelt Elk also remain active throughout the year and during the winter in Olympic National Park.

Read Also: WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND? Ultimate Guide

When Is the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park’s Wildlife?

Olympic National Park offers outstanding opportunities for bird watching during the spring bird migration, particularly around May. Considering the fact that Olympic National Park is a beautiful place to visit. However, not all seasons and times are suitable for visiting the park. But July and August are the perfect months to visit the park’s wildlife.

The drawback of visiting the Olympics during the summer is the crowds, but there are still many spots in the park where you can be alone with nature. Wildflowers and marmots also awaken from their winter hibernation in the summer.

History of Olympic National Park

It is true that there is always a history behind the origin of anything, and the Olympic National Park is not excluded from that history. Briefly, let’s look at its origin and its major languages. In the first place, the Olympic National Park was first declared Mount Olympus National Monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1922. But 15 years later, in 1938, Teddy’s cousin, Franklin Roosevelt, changed the name to Olympic National Park.

Secondly, its native languages are Lower Elwha Klallam Quileute, Skokomish, Quinault, Hoh, Makah, and Port Gamble S’Klallam. You don’t need any reservations before going into the park. But if you plan to spend the night there, you will need a reservation for lodging, backpacking, and camping. Olympic National Park is centered in Port Angeles, which is a community in the northwest of Washington State.

The Olympic National Forest, which receives fewer visitors but is nevertheless breathtaking, borders the park. Unless you reside in the Pacific Northwest, traveling by flight to Seattle’s Sea-Tac airport is the quickest way to reach Olympic National Park. Given that Seattle is a significant Delta and international hub, flights there are typically not prohibitively expensive. As an alternative, you can fly into Vancouver, British Columbia YVR. And drive down for 5 hours, or fly into Portland, Oregon PDX and drive up for 4 hours.

Best Time of the Year for Hiking in Olympic National Park

The question of when is the best time to visit Olympic for hiking in Olympic National Park is spring and summer when the climate is most pleasant. If you wish to travel up in the Olympic Range, it will be better to schedule your vacation for the spring or summer. Because the high country can see snow as early as September.

Before beginning any trail, it is crucial to always check the trail’s status to see how any prevailing conditions will affect the path. Olympic National Park has more than 600 miles of trails, so there is something for everyone. You can select a route that is suitable for you. Regardless of your expertise or level of fitness because they range from flat and easy to highly strenuous.

Best Time to Do Backpacking in Olympic National Park

Since it is the driest season of the year, and the majority of the snow has melted from higher elevations. Summer is the ideal time of year for backpacking on the Olympic Peninsula. By May and June, the snow has typically melted, allowing access to the high country. And the wet spring has made the pathways through the rainforest even more lush.

It is particularly remarkable in the summer because of the moderate evenings and pleasant days, which are ideal for spending the night outside. Make sure you understand how to acquire backcountry permits so you can access the areas you desire.

Things to Do at Olympic National Park

There are several activities and fun times at the park, which include the following:

Discover the Hoh Rain Forest: The largest temperate rainforest in America is the Hoh Rain Forest. The quietest location in North America is there as well. A herd of wandering Roosevelt elk can sneak up on you if you’re quiet enough.

Obstruction Point Trail hike: The most gorgeous trail in the Olympics is the Obstruction Point Trail. Drive up Hurricane Ridge Road to the trailhead and turn left towards Obstruction Point at the top.
From Hurricane Ridge, observe the sunset: Every hour of the day or night is lovely at Hurricane Ridge. This area is arguably the most well-known.
Take in the dazzling night sky: On clear nights, the Olympics offer some amazing astronomy. There are some stunning Milky Way and night sky panoramas, from Hurricane Ridge and other parts of the park. Summertime is when the Milky Way is primarily visible.
Summit Canada’s Blue Mountain and Look Out: Some of the park’s best vistas can be found on Blue Mountain, an easy climb from Deer Park in Olympic National Park. On a clear day, British Columbia is visible across the Juan de Fuca Strait.
At Rialto Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest is Rialto Beach. The park has a ton of beaches, but this one is ideal for the Olympics. Bald eagles can be spotted perched on the treetops, keeping guard. On the beach, enormous, ancient trees have washed ashore. The morning fog layer that Sitka spruces hold in the trees burns away to reveal dazzling shafts of sunlight.

The Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Olympic National Park

Every time you visit Olympic National Park, the entrance charge is the same cheap amount. Fall and winter are the least expensive seasons to visit the park. Travel expenses decrease over this time, with holidays being the exception. There are other options for keeping on a tight budget when visiting the park. Camping is typically more affordable than staying at a hotel if you already have the necessary gear. Even if you stay in one of the park’s lodging options, you can save money by bringing your own meals rather than buying them there.

What Are the Best Seasons to Visit Olympic National Park?

Actually, the best seasons of the year to visit Olympic National Park are during spring, winter, fall, and summer seasons. That is between May -June, July-August, September -October, down to November. Because at this time the weather feels different and the activities around this period are fun-filled and unique.

How Many Days Do You Need in Olympic National Park?

If you want to see the edge, the Pacific Coastline, and the temperate rainforests, you need at least three full days in Olympic National Park.

Is Fall the Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park?

Spring through fall is the best season for sightseeing in Olympic National Park. This time of the year is great. Since, by late April, the terrain is lush and bright with life after the rainforests receive up to 50 inches of rain in the winter.

Is May a Good Month for Olympic National Park?

Yes, for the purpose of wildlife, the park is usually open in the month of May and June. Summer is also the ideal season to explore Olympic National Park because it is accessible year-round and the trails are pristine.

Where Can I Stay in olympic national park?

Olympic offers a variety of camping options in some of the most stunning campgrounds in the entire globe. You can camp beside lakes, in the mountains, on beaches, next to rivers, close to hot springs, in rain forests, and more in the Olympics. Olympic National Park has 15 campsites with a total of 841 campsites that are available for tent, RV, walk-in, and backcountry camping.