The summer months, specifically June through August, are the best time to visit this park as temperatures are warm and wildflower meadows explode with color—but everyone else knows to come in summer too, so prepare for crowds. Early fall from September to October is also a great time to visit, and though the weather can be unpredictable, the rain tends to hold out. Most of the rainfall in the park occurs between November to April. If you don’t mind getting wet, those early months can be a good time to have the park to yourself. January to April are less desirable as temperatures drop, most lodging will be closed, and camping is unavailable. The exception: skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding enthusiasts, who head to Hurricane Ridge, where the mountain records 30 to 35 feet of snow a year (just check avalanche conditions before any trip).
What to do in Olympic National Park
Hiking
No national park visit is complete with a hike. Seemingly straight out of a fairytale is the Hall of Mosses trail located in the Hoh Rainforest. The short, flat 1.1-mile loop hike will take you under large moss-covered Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock trees. (The trail is open year-round, but you’ll have to leave dogs at home.) If you want a hike with a little more punch, try the six-mile roundtrip hike to Hurricane Hill. At the top, marvel at panoramic mountain and water views. On a clear day, you will be able to see Vancouver Island, BC, and parts of the San Juan Islands. For more of a day hike, head to Lake Ozette to start on the Ozette Triangle Trail. The 9.4-mile loop has an elevation gain of 538 feet and covers both forest and beach terrain.
Hot springs
No trip to Olympic National Park is complete without a hot spring session. The best place to go? Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Located west of Lake Crescent, inside the national park, the source of the spring water comes from rain and melting snow, and is then directed into four spa pools ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 104. Guests staying at the resort get access, or you can book a 90-minute session in advance. (The springs close during the winter.)
Stargazing
The best views happen at night. Stargaze in the summer when there is less rain to disrupt your view and enjoy the near-total absence of human-caused light. Head to Hurricane Ridge to take part in a night sky program led by the Olympic Dark Rangers who will help you see galaxies, stars, and constellations through their free public telescope program; or join a three-mile round trip hike to Hurricane Hill for a constellation tour at the top.
Boat on Lake Crescent
Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and get a different point of view by booking a guided boat tour just 18 miles west of Port Angeles at one of the deepest lakes in the park: Lake Crescent, which is 624 feet deep. You’ll spend 90 minutes learning about the history of the lake, the surrounding geology, and Indigenous stories. Stick around after the boat tour, as Lake Crescent has several hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming during summer and fall. You can also rent a rowboat from Lake Crescent Lodge. (The boat tour runs Thursday to Sunday, from mid-June to mid-September.)
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
While trails in Olympic National Park may close due to winter weather, Hurricane Ridge is in its prime during the snow season. At an elevation of 5,242 feet, Hurricane Ridge offers all types of winter sports from snowboarding to downhill tubing. Cross-country ski and snowshoe 15 to 20 miles of routes in the region—but beware that no trails are groomed or marked. For those who want a less rugged experience, Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area offers lift facilities and equipment rentals. The ski area is the westernmost in the U.S. and one of just three lift-serviced ski areas located inside a U.S. National Park. Backcountry skiers can also explore slopes and bowls in the area including Hurricane Hill, Sunrise Ridge, and Klahhane Ridge. If you visit in winter, just know that you’ll need snow tires or chains to access these areas.
