Washington Olympic National Park, WA Olympic National Park Info

WA Olympic National Park Description
Often referred to as "three parks in one", Olympic National Park encompasses three distinctly different ecosystems—rugged glacier capped mountains, over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth and temperate rain forest. These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine in character (about 95% of the park is designated wilderness) and are Olympic's gift to you.

Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and five kinds of animals are found on the peninsula and live nowhere else in the world.

WA Olympic National Park Information
Hours/Seasons: The park itself is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most roads remain open year round, although several are subject to winter closure because of snow. Some campgrounds are open year round, while others close for the winter. Visitor center hours vary throughout the year. It is best to contact the park for current information.

Directions: From the Seattle/Tacoma area, travelers may reach U.S. 101 by several different routes, either by crossing Puget Sound on one of the Washington State Ferries or by driving south around Puget Sound. Travel time along any of these routes is approximately two-and-a-half to three hours from the Seattle/Tacoma area to Port Angeles, where the main park visitor center and park headquarters are located. All major rental companies serve the SeaTac Airport. Rental cars are also available on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Angeles, Sequim and Grays Harbor.

WA Olympic National Park Fees:
Entrance Permit and Pass - $10 - 7 Days
Campground Permits - $8-$12 one time
Ozette parking pass - $1
Wilderness Permit - $5 plus
The Permit Registration Fee is $5.00 for a single permit good for up to 14 days and a maximum of 12 people. The Individual Nightly Fee is $2.00 per person per night for any overnight stay in the park backcountry. Call the Wilderness Information Center for backpacking info, permits and reservations.

Weather: Olympic has a moderate marine climate with pleasant summers and mild, wet winters. Summers are generally fair and warm, with high temperatures usually between 65 and 75 degrees F. Summer is the driest season, with heavier precipitation during the rest of the year. Winters are mild, with temperatures at lower elevations in the 30's and 40's.

For Additional Information Contact:
Olympic National Park
600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798

Visitor Center 360-565-3130
Wilderness Information Center 360-565-3100
Olympic NP Headquarters 360-565-3000
E-mail OLYM_WIC@nps.gov