What's New at Olympic

The mountains, forests, and coasts offer diverse recreational opportunities during the winter months in Olympic National Park.

 

Winter 2012

Winter is a great time to visit Olympic National Park. The summer crowds are gone and recreational opportunities are numerous.

Hurricane Ridge showcases one of the many diverse facets of winter on the Olympic Peninsula. Typically snow-covered in the winter, Hurricane Ridge provides high mountain recreational opportunities, including cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and snow play.

Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday during the winter season. Check HERE for the current status of the road and facilities at Hurricane Ridge.

Ranger-guided snowshoe walks begin December 15. Additional information about Hurricane Ridge in winter is available HERE.

The rain forests, including the Hoh and Quinault, are excellent destinations during the winter months. Winter is the wet season and the rain forest radiates in deep, healthy greens.

The coastal beaches are also relatively snow-free. Whatever the season, walking along the sandy beaches during low tide is a great way to explore the diversity of the intertidal zone.

More information on winter recreation is available in the park's newspaper, The Bugler.

Winter Wildlife
Elk are in the Staircase area.

Spawning coho salmon are in Taft Creek, a tributary of the Hoh River and a prime viewing area near the Hoh Visitor Center. Salmon are also spawning in the Quinault area, and this is usually a great time to view bald eagles feeding on fish.

Winter Weather
Weather is very changeable this time of year - dress in layers and be prepared for shifting temperatures, wind, and precipitation.

Winter storms are definitely a sight to see on the coast, but be careful of dangerous drift logs shifting in the surf, and high tides cutting off access points.

Closures
Please note that some roads, campgrounds, and other park facilities have closed for the season. Click HERE for dates, or call the visitor center at [phone] for the most current information.

Elwha River Restoration
Work on the Elwha River Restoration continues, and there are several options for viewing both online and in person. Check HERE for the latest information, including a blog and webcams showing the dam removals and their effects on the river and former lakebeds.

What's New Online
Check out the updated Glaciers and Climate Change webpages, which include an interactive map and photo comparisons.

 

Winter presents new and fascinating Olympic landscapes

NPS photo