• Olympic: Three Parks in One

    Olympic

    National Park Washington

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Changes to Visitor Services Due to Sequestration

    Due to mandatory, across the board budget cuts, some visitor services at Olympic National Park have changed. See the Plan Your Visit section for more information.

  • Hurricane Ridge Road Closure for guard-rail work

    Tueday, June 18 (6:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

  • Olympic Hot Springs Road Closed

    The Elwha Valley's Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to public entry beyond the Altair Campground during removal of the Glines Canyon Dam. Olympic Hot Springs is not accessible from the Elwha.

  • Elwha River Closures

    Boating is prohibited on the Elwha River between Upper Lake Mills Trail and Altair Campground.

Tides and Your Safety

ocean waves with rocky islands in background

Don't get trapped by a rising tide!
Always carry -- and know how to use -- a tide table, topographic map and a watch whenever hiking along Olympic's coast!

 

Several points along the coast are only passable at lower tides. Always carry a tide chart, available at visitor centers and coastal ranger stations. DO NOT GUESS! Know when the tides will occur and plan your hike according.

Strong winds or storms can significantly elevate tides and create hazardous conditions. Be attentive to your surroundings and never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean.

 

La Push/Quillayute River Tide Table

Note: for Ozette area & Shi Shi Beach, add 30 min to the times listed on these charts.

December 2012 July 2013
January 2013 August 2013
February 2013 September 2013
March 2013 October 2013
April 2013 November 2013
May 2013 December 2013
June 2013 January 2014

NOAA Tide Predictions
 

When hiking the coast, you will need a topographic map that shows you the headlands that are only passable at lower tides. This map along with your tide table are essential to safely enjoying this rugged wilderness.

Did You Know?

white flower

Does this flower look familiar? The bunchberry, a common groundcover of Olympic's lowland forest, is closely related to the dogwood trees found throughout North America.