Olympic National Park encompasses nearly a million acres, protects a vast wilderness with thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline.
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 Daniel J. Evans Wilderness is one of the wildest places left in the lower forty-eight states.
Enchanted Valley and East Fork Quinault Pilot Project
Beginning on May 15th, 2024, the East Fork Quinault River Trail and Enchanted Valley area will be managed like the Seven Lakes Basin, Grand Valley, Cape Alava, and similar permit areas on a trial basis. For the duration of the trial, which will last up to three years, there will be a maximum of 208 users or 30 permits per night, whichever is reached first. This change will help protect the wilderness experience and natural resources in the picturesque valley. For more information, please contact the Wilderness Information Center at (360) 565 3100 or olym_wic@nps.gov.
Trail Closures - North Fork, Skyline, and Elwha River Trails
In the wake of the 2023 Olympic Lightning Fires, backcountry trail and Burned Area Emergency Response crews developed a strategy to reopen damaged trails as safely and quickly as possible. However, the following trail sections will remain closed until trail crews can return to the areas to assess the damage and plan for repairs:
While these trail closures are in effect, hikers will not be able to complete the Press Route, or exit the Bailey Range from the Elwha Snowfinger. It will also not be possible to complete the Skyline Trail as a loop from Low Divide. For more information, please contact the Wilderness Information Center at (360) 565 3100 or olym_wic@nps.gov.
A permit is required for all overnight stays in the wilderness year-round. A wilderness permit allows the permit holder and their group to camp in a designated camp area.
A permit is required for all overnight stays in the wilderness year-round and are available by advanced reservation through Recreation.gov.
When planning your trip, keep the following in mind:
Leave No Trace
Please follow all principles of Leave No Trace including: Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors.
For more information on planning your adventure in the wilderness of Olympic National Park, visit our Wilderness Trip Planning page.
Recreation Fee:
Adults (16 and older) - $8 per person per night
Youth (15 and under) - free
Annual Olympic National Park Wilderness Pass – free for pass holder only
Reservation Fee:
A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each overnight permit reserved including Annual Olympic National Park Wilderness Pass holders.
Cancellation Policy:
You may cancel your reservation three or more full days before your reservation start date and receive a refund. The $6 reservation fee is non-refundable. Quota from cancelled permits will be immediately released and available on Recreation.gov.
Change Policy:
You may make any change to your permit itinerary if space is available up until the day before your reservation date, and before your permit has been issued at a Wilderness Information Center (additional fees may apply). Once your permit has been issued, you cannot make changes to the permit unless approved by a ranger at a Wilderness Information Center.
Your start date cannot be changed without cancelling your permit and starting over.
600 East Park Avenue Port Angeles WA 98362
(360) 565-3100