FIELD GUIDE / SUMMER 2026

Olympic National Park

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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.

Current conditions

Mora Road is closed to all traffic until October 15, 2026, and Rialto Beach is not reachable. Fill fuel and buy food in nearby towns before driving into the park.

[ROAD] Mora Road is closed

Mora Road is closed to all traffic Jul 8–Oct 15, 2026. Rialto Beach is not reachable. Use Ruby Beach instead.

[HOH] Hoh parking can wait

Hoh Rain Forest parking can have waits up to two hours. Arrive before 8am or after 5pm when possible.

[GAS] Fill up before the long drives

No road crosses Olympic. Fill fuel and buy food in Port Angeles, Forks, or nearby towns before driving into the park.

[PERMIT] Wilderness permits are required

Overnight wilderness trips require a permit in advance. Some trailheads and campgrounds also use reservations.

NPS conditions (large page)

Services by place

Every place lists all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.

Port Angeles / Visitor Center

Do this: Buy food, fuel, water, and supplies here before entering the park.

  • Food, fuel: Yes in Port Angeles.
  • Water: Yes in town and at the visitor center.
  • Signal: Usually good in town.

The main north gateway and the best place to check conditions before a long drive.

Lake Crescent

Do this: Fill water and buy food before leaving Port Angeles.

  • Food: Seasonal lodge, store, and restaurant.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes when facilities are open.
  • Signal: Weak or unreliable.

Fairholme campground uses reservations in the busy season.

Hurricane Ridge

Do this: Bring food, water, layers, and a full tank from Port Angeles.

  • Food: Seasonal snacks when facilities are open.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Signal: Weak or unavailable.

The road is exposed and can close for weather or repairs.

Hoh Rain Forest

Do this: Arrive early or late, carry food and water, and do not wait for signal.

  • Water: Seasonal at the visitor center when open.
  • Toilets: Yes when facilities are open.

Parking waits can reach two hours. The visitor center and campground are seasonal.

Mora / Rialto Beach

Do this: Do not drive here during the 2026 Mora Road closure. Use Ruby Beach.

  • Water: No dependable drinking water.
  • Toilets: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Signal: None or very weak.

Mora Road is closed Jul 8–Oct 15, 2026, so Rialto Beach is inaccessible.

Ruby Beach / Kalaloch

Do this: Use Kalaloch for seasonal food and water; carry supplies for the coast.

  • Food: Seasonal food nearby at Kalaloch Lodge or the mercantile.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes at developed stops.
  • Fuel: No dependable fuel.
  • Signal: Weak or unreliable.

Ruby Beach is the practical coast stop while Mora Road is closed.

Sol Duc

Do this: Buy fuel and supplies in Port Angeles or Forks before the turnoff.

  • Food: Seasonal resort restaurant and store.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes when facilities are open.
  • Signal: Weak or unavailable.

The hot springs resort and campground are seasonal.

Staircase

Do this: Bring food, water, and a full tank. Services are limited.

  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Signal: Weak or unavailable.

Staircase is a separate south-east section reached by a gravel road.

Report park conditions

Drive times

Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.

Port Angeles to Lake Crescent

Port Angeles → 30 min → Lake Crescent

Buy food, fuel, and supplies in Port Angeles before driving west.

Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge

Port Angeles → 45 min → Hurricane Ridge

The road is steep and weather can change quickly. Check the road page before leaving town.

Port Angeles to Forks

Port Angeles → 2 hr → Forks

There is no cross-park road. Forks is the south-west service stop for food and fuel.

Forks to Hoh Rain Forest

Forks → 45 min → Hoh Rain Forest

Parking can be full for hours. Carry food and water; cell service is not dependable.

Forks to Ruby Beach

Forks → 20 min → Ruby Beach

Use Ruby Beach while Mora Road and Rialto Beach are closed.

Port Angeles to Staircase

Port Angeles → 2 hr → Staircase

This is a separate south-east section. Check road conditions and bring supplies.

Help

Emergency: call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location, direction of travel, vehicle, and problem.

Park information: 360-565-3130

Road text alerts: text Road and weather conditions to 360-565-3131.

This independent guide is not the National Park Service and is not an emergency service.

Permits

Entrance pass

An entrance pass is required at fee areas. It does not reserve parking, a campsite, or a shuttle.

Official fees and passes

Wilderness permit

Overnight wilderness trips require a permit. Reserve popular camps and carry the required food-storage equipment.

Official wilderness permits

Camping

Some campgrounds use reservations and fill in summer. Check the current campground status before driving.

Official camping information

Short hikes

Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.