Olympic National Park Ready for Memorial Day Weekend; Visitors Invited to Enjoy Their Park

Date: May 21, 2010
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005
Contact: Dave Reynolds, 360-565-2985

Nearly all Olympic National Park destinations are now open to park visitors, just in time for Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer.

“Spring is an ideal time to hike, camp, picnic, sightsee or simply relax in Olympic National Park and we invite people to come out and enjoy their park,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin.

Warmer temperatures and longer, drier days bring increased park visitation, along with road construction and repair projects, several of which have been scheduled within Olympic National Park this summer.

The 12.2-mile long section of Highway 101 that skirts the south shore of Lake Crescent is scheduled for pavement repairs during the week of June 1 through 9, from 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. daily. Travelers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes while the repairs are being completed. Electronic message boards, to be placed along Highway 101 at Laird’s Corner east of the lake and Sappho on the west, will also advise motorists of an optional detour using Highways 112 and 113.

“This project will improve safety and traveler access along Lake Crescent and we ask for people’s patience and understanding during the short-term delays,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin.

Staircase
The Staircase Campground remains open. Road access to the campground reopened May 14.

Dosewallips
The Dosewallips Road remains closed due to a washout outside the park boundaries in Olympic National Forest, so access to the campground is walk-in (5.5 miles) only.

Deer Park
The Deer Park campground is scheduled to open June 11, snow permitting.

Hurricane Ridge Road and Heart O’ the Hills
Hurricane Ridge Road will be open daily throughout the summer season, road and weather conditions permitting.

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, as well as the snack bar and gift shop, are also open.

The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is currently open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and will be open 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. beginning May 28; the visitor center will also stay open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29.

The Wilderness Information Center is open daily from 7:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Wilderness Information Center will offer expanded hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29.

The Heart O’ the Hills Campground is open year-round.

Elwha Valley
All roads in the Elwha Valley are open. The Elwha Campground remains open, and the Altair Campground will open May 25.

Lake Crescent
Fairholme Campground and the Lake Crescent Lodge are now open. Log Cabin Resort is open on weekends only until June 17, when it will open seven days a week. The Fairholme General Store will open on Friday, May 21.

Sol Duc Valley
Sol Duc Road, the Sol Duc Campground and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are all open for the season.

Hoh Rain Forest & Forks Information Center
The Hoh Road and campground are open. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. beginning this Friday, May 21.

The Park and Forest Information Center in Forks is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and will be open daily beginning June 18.

Pacific Coast
Kalaloch, Mora and Ozette—Olympic National Park’s road-accessible coastal destinations—are now open, including all roads, campgrounds and trailheads.

Visitors hiking portions of the Pacific coast should check with the Wilderness Information Center for current trail and tide conditions.

The Kalaloch Information Station will be open daily beginning Friday, May 21.

Kalaloch Lodge remains open year-round. South Beach Campground, located just south of Kalaloch, will open May 28.

Queets Valley
The Lower Queets Road is open seven miles to Matheny Creek; the Upper Queets Road is also open. Both roads are marked at their intersections with Highway 101.

The Queets Campground is open.

Quinault Rain Forest
The Quinault Loop Road, which includes the Quinault North Shore and South Shore Roads, is open. The North Fork Road and North Fork Campground are open. The Graves Creek Road and Campground are open.

Park Trails & Wilderness Information Center
Visitors are encouraged to stop by or call the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100 for current trail reports, spring hiking safety tips and trip planning suggestions.

Several feet of snow remains on the ground, beginning at elevations above 3,000 feet. Even at low elevations, hikers are reminded to use caution and be aware of downed trees, trail damage, high and swift creek crossings, and changing weather conditions.

The Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) is open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will be open extra hours for the holiday weekend on Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.