Olympic National Park News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Olympic National Park - News section for more.
Damaged county road prompts temporary closure of Hoh Rain Forest campground, trailheads
December 20, 2024 | 2:39 pm
The Hoh Rain Forest area of Olympic National Park will temporarily close until the Upper Hoh Road is safe for travel. The Upper Hoh Road is maintained by Jefferson County and connects HWY 101 to the Olympic National Park boundary.
Low returns of wild steelhead prompt sport fishing pause in Queets River, Olympic National Park
December 3, 2024 | 1:16 pm
Due to the low forecasted return of wild steelhead, the Queets River will temporarily close to sport fishing on December 16, 2024. Anglers can continue to catch hatchery steelhead in the Salmon River through February 28, 2025. The Queets River is expected to reopen to recreational angling on June 1, 2025.
Olympic National Park winter operations begin November 29, 2024
November 26, 2024 | 2:12 pm
Hurricane Ridge winter operations will begin on November 29, 2024 in Olympic National Park. Weather permitting, the road will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 30, 2025 (closed December 25, Christmas Day). The area will also be open December 20-January 5, January 17-20, and February 14-17, 2025. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center will close for winter on December 1, 2024. Starting on March 1, 2025, the visitor center will be open 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The area's campground, trails and road will remain open throughout the winter.
Proposed mitigations for Olympic National Park water infrastructure project available for public review
November 15, 2024 | 10:54 am
On November 15, 2024, Olympic National Park published a Memorandum of Agreement describing mitigations for the adverse impacts of a water infrastructure project on Hurricane Ridge. To view the document, visit the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ HRWRMOA
Debris pile burn operations begin October 31 in Olympic National Park
October 30, 2024 | 1:17 pm
Starting on Thursday, October 31, the Olympic Interagency Fire Management Team will begin burning isolated debris piles in the Sol Duc, Mora, Hoh, Elwha, and Quinault maintenance areas of Olympic National Park. Operations will only occur during safe weather windows and will conclude by January 2025. Smoke will be visible at times from nearby trails and roadways while the burns are in progress. Fire crews will remain on scene and manage the burns until the fires are out.
Temporary bridge on N Shore Road to be removed for winter; Graves Creek remains accessible from S Shore Road
October 16, 2024 | 4:50 pm
Olympic National Park crews will remove a temporary bridge on the North Shore Quinault Road on October 23, 2024. This will split the Quinault Loop Drive into two out-and-back roads. Travelers can still use the South Shore Road to access the Graves Creek area. The temporary bridge is at risk of being damaged by rough winter weather.
Hazardous tree removal will impact Lake Crescent traffic October 7-19
September 26, 2024 | 12:42 pm
Starting on October 7, 2024, Olympic National Park will remove hazardous trees along the Lake Crescent section of US 101. Drivers should expect up to half-hour delays for alternating single-lane traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days of the week. The project is expected to finish by October 19, 2024.
Olympic National Park bat tests positive for rabies
September 25, 2024 | 12:08 pm
Olympic National Park staff have confirmed that a bat found in the park has tested positive for rabies. The dead bat was found in the breezeway of the Quinault Visitor Center on August 30, one day after a bat was reported to be vocalizing and having difficulty flying in the area. No known human contact has been reported with the bat.
Favorable weather conditions allow Olympic National Park to return to standard fire regulations
September 19, 2024 | 2:34 pm
Due to sustained improvements in weather conditions, Olympic National Park has lifted temporary fire restrictions. Campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are now allowed below the 3,500-foot elevation. Campers are still required by law to stay with their campfire from start to finish.
Boil water advisory issued for Kalaloch area; Olympic National Park crews work to restore water services after valve failure
September 19, 2024 | 1:47 pm
Update 9/20- The boil water advisory has been lifted. On 9/19, Olympic National Park issued a boil water advisory for the Kalaloch Lodge, campground, and all park facilities in the Kalaloch area.