Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Obstruction Point Road Closure
The Obstruction Point Road has been closed indefinitely due to the Eagle Point Fire (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/waolp-eagle-point-fire-). During the closure there will be no public road access to the Obst ruction Point trailhead, parties hoping to reach Grand Valley will need to begin at Deer Park trailhead or modify their travel plans. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for more information (OLYM_WIC@nps.gov or (360) 565-2992).
Elwha, Dodger Point, Hayden Pass, North Fork Quinault, Skyline, and Martins Park Trail Closures
Due to wildfire activity, the following trail closures are in effect until further notice:
- Elwha River Trail from Whiskey Bend to Low Divide
- Hayden Pass Trail
- Dosewallips River Trail from Dose Meadows to Hayden Pass
- Long Ridge Trail
- Dodger Point way trail
- North Fork Quinault River Trail from the junction with the Elip Creek Trail to Low Divide
- Skyline Trail from the top of the Elip Creek Trail to Low Divide
- Martins Park Trail
Contact the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-2992 for more information.
Permit & Season Information
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.
Once reserved, your permit will be issued by WIC staff 5-7 days before the start of your trip, you will then be able to log in to your account and print the permit yourself. Permits that are listed as Walk-up on the detailed availability screen are only available by contacting the Wilderness Information Center.
Reservations for the summer season (May 15th through October 15th) become available on April 15th at 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST
Although the park is open year-round, reservations for high country areas are restricted to a shorter summer season due to snowpack. Please contact the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center for more information.
To book a cross country trip (e.g. Bailey Range) or a campsite that is not shown on the Wilderness Trip Planner Map, please contact the WIC at (360) 565-3100.
Need to Know
When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:
Permits are available by advanced reservation through Recreation.gov. Once reserved, your permit will be issued by WIC staff 5-7 days before the start of your trip, you will then be able to log in to your account and print the permit yourself. Permits that are listed as Walk-up on the detailed availability screen are only available by contacting the Wilderness Information Center.
- If you cannot find a route or campsite please call one of the Wilderness Information Centers.
- All food, garbage and scented items must be stored in approved bear canisters on the Wilderness Coast, in the Royal Basin/Royal Lake area, Enchanted Valley area, and the Sol Duc River/High Divide Loop area including Mink Lake area, Cat Basin and all other areas in the Main Fork Sol Duc River drainage wilderness. Permit holders may borrow bear canisters for free at Wilderness Information Centers.
- Bear Canisters are also required in areas where it is not possible to hang food 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the tree trunk such as the Bailey Range and similar areas.
- Pets are prohibited on park trails, meadows, beaches, or in any undeveloped area of the park. Pets in Olympic National Park
- Camping is only permitted in the camp area designated on your permit itinerary.
- The maximum group size is 6-12 depending on camp area.
- Permit holder must be at least 16 years of age at the time of purchase. Those 15 years old and younger are free but must be included in the group size.
- Affiliated groups may not combine to form a group of more than 12 people at any time, and must camp and travel at least one mile apart.
- Maximum stock is 8; stock are prohibited in some camp areas and on some trails.
- Weapons other than firearms, vehicles, bicycles and other wheeled devices are not permitted on park trails, meadows, beaches or in any undeveloped area of the park.
- The use of firearms is prohibited in the national park.
- A fishing license is not required for fishing in Olympic National Park.
- Groups of seven or more camping in the Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin, Hoh Lake Trail, Hoh River Valley, Grand Valley, Royal Basin, Flapjack Lakes, Lake Constance and Upper Lena Lake areas must camp in designated group sites.
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.
Fee Policy
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
Cancellation Policy:
You may cancel your reservation seven 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.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
600 East Park Avenue Port Angeles WA 98362
Phone Number
(360) 565-3100
