Planning Your Wilderness Backpacking Trip

The Daniel J. Evans Wilderness remains one of the wildest regions in the contiguous United States. Nearly 50,000 campers enjoy Olympics' wilderness annually, with additional thousands exploring local day hikes. Listed below are various resources to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.

 

Step One


Decide where to backpack and check area regulations and amenities

 
Backpacking Map of Olympic National Park
Wilderness Trip Planner Map

Our primary map of wilderness backpacking campsite locations and amenity information about each site

An interactive map showing backpacking campsites in Olympic National Park
Interactive Trip Planner Map

An interactive map of the wilderness that includes campsite information/locations, trail distance measuring tools, satellite imagery, & more

 
 

Still have Questions? Drop by or call a Wilderness Center - Information Center Hours & Locations

 

Step Two


Check the current trail conditions and road conditions. Consider forecasted weather, tidal restrictions, stream levels, and snow conditions.

 
High tide near oil city
Weather, Tidal, & Wildlife Safety

Links to local weather resources, basic tide information & current tide predictions near La Push/Quillayute River WA, & wildlife safety tips

Upper Lena Lake covered in snow
Trail Conditions Page

Updates on trail conditions

 

Step Three


Reserve your permit. Permits are required year-round for all overnight backpacking. The majority of backcountry campsites can be self-booked through Recreation.gov.
 
Mount Olympus
View of Mt. Olympus

Visit Recreation.gov here to book your Backpacking/Wilderness Permit

 

Step Four


Check the additional resources below for information that may pertain to your trip.

 
 

In 1988, Congress designated 95% of Olympic National Park as Wilderness. In December 2016, Congress re-designated the "Olympic Wilderness" as the "Daniel J. Evans Wilderness" to honor Senator Evans' dedication to preserving our wildest places. The Wilderness Act of 1964 directs federal agencies to manage wilderness so as to preserve its wilderness character. Find out more about National Park Service Wilderness areas, wilderness designation, the Wilderness Act and other nearby wilderness areas.

Import our Camp Area and Trailhead locations into your mapping program (Google Earth, CalTopo, etc.) and GPS

Last updated: January 5, 2024

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Port Angeles, WA 98362

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