🏔 Wilderness
Olympic Wilderness
About This Permit
Olympic National Park encompasses three distinct ecosystems: 73 miles of wild Pacific coastline, the largest temperate rainforest outside of South America, and rugged Olympic Mountains alpine terrain. The coastal strip between Rialto Beach and Oil City is one of the most dramatic wilderness routes in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Olympic coastal wilderness?
Yes. Overnight use of the coastal strip (including the popular stretch from Rialto Beach south) requires a wilderness permit. Quota zones are in place for the most heavily used coastal sections.
How do I get an Olympic wilderness permit?
Permits are reserved through recreation.gov. Camp area availability is updated in real time on recreation.gov — no sites are held as same-day walk-ups. Summer-season reservations (May 15–Oct 15) are released April 15 at 7:00am PT. Some permits marked "In Station" may be issued by Wilderness Information Center staff shortly before your trip start date; contact the WIC for those.
Key Facts
- State
- WA
- Season
- Permits required year-round for overnight backcountry camping. Summer-season reservations (May 15–Oct 15) released April 15 at 7:00am PT via recreation.gov (dates may vary slightly year to year).
- Quota
- Quotas on coastal strip, Hoh, and Quinault corridors; interior routes less limited
- Trailhead
- Hoh Rain Forest, Ozette Lake, Sol Duc, Rialto Beach
- Entry Point
- Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center, Port Angeles
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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