Olympic Packing List

Pack for rainforest rain, coastal wind, and alpine snow

National Park · Washington Best time: July–September for alpine zones; October–April for rainforest Beginner to Expert
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Olympic National Park on Washington's Olympic Peninsula encompasses temperate rainforests, rugged Pacific coastline, and glaciated peaks — all in one park. Use this packing guide as a starting point, then let PackList's AI personalize it based on your exact dates, activities, and gear preferences.

About Olympic National Park Service

With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, 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. Come explore!

Current Weather & Patterns

38°F — Rain (current forecast).

Current Park Alerts National Park Service

Hurricane Hill Road Closed Mon-Thurs Through June 30 Park Closure

Due to a water system rehabilitation project, Hurricane Hill Road will be closed Monday-Thursday through June 30. The road will reopen every Friday-Sunday as long as all vehicles continue to clear the area by Sunday evening and do not impede construction activities on Monday morning. Hurricane Ridge Road will remain open throughout the construction period. See the Hurricane Ridge section on the Alerts and Conditions page for more information.

Staircase, Adjacent Wilderness Areas Closed due to Bear Gulch Fire Impacts Park Closure

Park crews have been removing hazard trees and repairing infrastructure. The Staircase developed area will reopen when multiple safety, infrastructure, and visitor services goals are met within Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. For a full list of closed trails and campsites, visit our Fire Conditions and Updates page.

South Shore Quinault Road Washed Out Beyond Park Boundary Information

South Shore Road – which is maintained by Jefferson County – is closed due to a major wash-out. For more information, visit the Jefferson County website.

Essential Gear & Permits

Must-Have Essentials

  • Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants (Hoh Rainforest gets 140 inches/year)
  • Waterproof pack cover or dry bags for gear
  • Gaiters for muddy trails
  • Tide table for coastal hiking (sections flood completely)
  • Bear canister for backcountry
  • Insect repellent

What to Wear

Clothing & Footwear

  • Waterproof rain gear head to toe
  • Multiple wool base layers (merino dries faster)
  • Wool hiking socks (3+ pairs)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Warm hat and gloves for alpine zones
  • Rain hat with brim

Gear & Equipment

Backpacking & Camping Gear

  • Trekking poles (essential for muddy coastal routes)
  • Tide table (free at ranger stations)
  • Camp stove that works in rain
  • Waterproof tent or extra tarp
  • Stuff sacks for all clothing and sleep system
  • Bear canisters (required in backcountry)

Food & Nutrition

Food Planning

  • Warm, high-calorie foods (you lose heat faster in wet conditions)
  • Extra snacks — hypothermia risk increases calorie needs
  • Hot drink supplies: tea, hot cocoa, instant coffee

Safety Tips for Olympic

Check tide tables before hiking coastal routes — you can get trapped by tides

Log rolling on beaches — never stand on driftwood logs on ocean beaches

Hypothermia risk is high in wet conditions even at 50°F — pack extra warm layers

Cougars are present — make noise and never run

Popular Activities

hikingbackpackingcampingtide poolingwildlife watchingkayaking

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