Pacific Northwest Loop
Rainforest, wild coast, a glaciated volcano and the 'American Alps', all within a few hours of Seattle.
Best time to visit · Washington
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Rainforest, wild coastline and glaciated peaks in one park.
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is July–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for September. It's busiest in July and August.
Month by month
Best monthsJul–Sep
Best valueSep
BusiestJul and Aug
Established1938
Olympic by season
Winter Fair
Wet and stormy, which makes it a good time for storm-watching on the coast and seeing the rainforest at its greenest. Hurricane Ridge Road is open on a limited schedule.
Spring Fair
Rivers run high and the rainforest is lush. Mountain trails stay snowy, and showers are frequent.
Summer Prime
The driest months by far. Hurricane Ridge, the high trails and the beaches are all at their best from July through September.
Fall Good
Early fall is still lovely. Rain returns in October, mushrooms appear and salmon run up the rivers.
What to do
- Walk the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest
- Explore tide pools at Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
- Drive up to Hurricane Ridge
- Visit Ruby Beach at sunset
- Paddle Lake Crescent
Local tip
The park is a giant loop with no road through the middle, so plan at least three days and base yourself on different sides.
Good to know
Olympic protects three distinct ecosystems: glaciated mountains, temperate rainforest and 70 miles of wild Pacific coast.
Before you go: Check tide tables before coastal hikes; some headlands can only be passed at low tide. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5–3 hours.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Olympic month-by-month ratings
Road trips with Olympic
Questions about visiting Olympic
When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park?
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is July–September. For great conditions with fewer people, aim for September. It's busiest in July and August.
What is the worst time to visit Olympic National Park?
November through April are the weakest time, when conditions are at their worst.
When is Olympic National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in July and August. September offers the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Olympic National Park worth visiting in winter?
Wet and stormy, which makes it a good time for storm-watching on the coast and seeing the rainforest at its greenest. Hurricane Ridge Road is open on a limited schedule.
Do you need a reservation for Olympic National Park?
Check tide tables before coastal hikes; some headlands can only be passed at low tide. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Olympic National Park?
The most convenient airport is Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5–3 hours.
How many days do you need at Olympic National Park?
Most road trips spend 3 to 4 days here.
More in Pacific Northwest · National parks in Washington · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.