By the time the storm reaches the other side of the Olympic Range, it has lost a lot of its moisture, and because of this, the west side of the park is much more wet than the east side (and why the Queets, Quinault and Hoh Rainforests are all on the west side of the mountains).In autumn, the Peninsula experiences more storms rolling in from the ocean, so there is a rise in precipitation. Iconic rivers, deep lakes, and 22 waterfalls. Olympus to Victoria B.C., forms one edge of the rain shadowan oval area with its start on the northeast flanks of Mt. To get the best elk experience, head to the Hoh Rainforest, this is one of their favorite habitats in the park, and a great place to find elk in the autumn. In 1889, an expedition, sponsored by the Seattle Press, left Port Angeles in hopes of exploring the wilderness of the Olympic Wilderness. Stop at the Sol Duc River overlook to view the salmon jumping up the Salmon Cascades. Better weather, of course, goes hand in hand with more crowds, so the shoulder seasons of spring (May through June) and fall (October through November) are worth considering as well. Learn About Visiting Olympic National Park in Autumn. Rocky, craggy beaches full of sea life. Today the Roosevelt elk are the largest herds of unmanaged elk in the Pacific Northwest. September 13, 2022. There are a lot of evergreens in the region (fir, cedar, hemlock, and various pines, for example), so lots of green year round. Some days, it can pour up to 6 inches of rainfall. The rain forest valleys of Forks and Quinault see an average of 120 inches of rain each year. But in fall, these coats are speckled with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Accessing the Parks live ridge-cam (Hurricane Ridge Webcam) is a good idea and could save you time and frustration. Print/PDF Map. The weather is fairly temperate along the coast and in the rainforests, but adventures within the mountainous region of the park will be significantly colder and snowier. Thanks a bunch, can't wait till I get there, a year away but plenty of time to plan. Temperature In September, the average high-temperature marginally drops from a moderately hot 74.1F (23.4C) in August to a pleasant 68.5F (20.3C). The trail consists of long traverses interspersed with steep climbs, until you reach Royal Lake at 7.2 miles, the reds and oranges of autumns foliage creating a perfect reflection in the crystal-clear water. In autumn, the maple and cedars that live in this magnificent rainforest change into brilliant reds and oranges, popping against the otherwise dense green foliage. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Olympic National Park was founded by Teddy Roosevelt to protect the native elk. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Rialto Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall, Second Beach and Shi Shi Beach are the best places to watch these ravenous and raging storms reach the coast. With all the appropriate gear and delicious backcountry meals provided, you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands, as your safety is the companys main priority. A small portion of the forests are maples that would lose their leaves, but the evergreens and moss are always on view. No matter what interests you, there is so much you can do to explore the park. Places To Go. With so many trails in Olympic National Park, it may be difficult to decide which ones are best this time of year. You will be mesmerized by the clear, blue-green water of Quinault River, the moss-covered treesstraight out of a fairy tale, and the mystery of the old-growth forests. Olympus. The rains tend to start at the end of the month; most years we have plenty of sunny days and clear nights during the first two to three weeks of October. The snowiest period will be in mid-November. The situation at Cairns News having a shortage of information on the site is a shortage of staff plus the editor has annual commitments taking up to 2 months away. ok, this time next year is when I plan on being at ONP for a week or so. The route takes you through ancient and mysterious old-growth forests, pristine alpine meadows and over deep river crossings. The colors are spectacular and all of your senses will be heightened as you hike next to the Hoh River. In late September through early October, coho salmon from the Pacific enter the Sol Duc River by means of the Quillayute River and leap, with great determination, over the cascades en route to their spawning grounds. Hiking through Hoh Rainforest is a magical experience; characterized by gigantic trees, tumbling moss, Roosevelt elk, chirping birds and the rushing river. They frequently offer amenities you can't find elsewhere (like swimming pools) Someone is at the front desk to assist you with information, personal needs, or visitor information services. . Storm-watching at the coast: Watch the coast become moody as dramatic storms roll in, creating dark and dense clouds, with angry waves beating against the rugged rocks. The sound of elk bugling to show off to their harems. Where to stay while at Olympic National Park, Time needed to drive from Port Angeles to SeaTac airport, Getting from Seattle to Olympic Nat. Also, check out the Olympic National Park web site: http://www.nps.gov/olym/ and posts by TA experts for the region. The forests are lush and green year round. See mountain wildflowers at the height of their bloom from the end of June into mid-July. Our Best Deal of the Holiday Season, Ends Nov. 13. Difficulty: Moderate (pretty flat but a long hike) Recommended duration: 3 days, 2 nights. . Clallam County Jefferson County. Hurricane watch issued in Florida as Nicole tracks toward US, Tornado survivors 'at a loss of words' following deadly severe weather, 1st blizzard of the season to blow across Rockies into Plains, Hurricane Ian slashed Election Day polling sites in hard-hit county. . The relatively flat terrain is perfect for all levels of experience, including families, or first-time backpackers. There are numerous edible species and far more inedible types of fungi around the park. The best time of year to visit Olympic National Park for wildlife viewing is during spring (May & June) yet summer is the most popular - find out why: April, May, June, July, August, and September usually brings warmer, drier weather to the Olympic Peninsula. And, as these deciduous change into yellows, oranges and reds, they pop extraordinarily against the greens of the rainforest. Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, but from October through May some roads, campgrounds and other visitor facilities are closed or offer reduced hours. By Peter Segall October 26, 2022 1:30 am. Starting on the northeast side near Port Angeles, we like the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This festival is an enthusiastic celebration of creativity! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Because most of the crowds have left in early September, you will experience solitude and seclusion along most trails. We have lots of pictures of autumn color on www.kaleberg.com. DST Changes. Scattered clouds. And here is one about Obstruction Point in September this year: http://www.kaleberg.com/pages/kaleberg-hurricane-ridge.php. Nicole predicted to become a hurricane before making landfall in Florida. Although you may not expect it at first, the forest is one of the best places to be in the rainy autumn. It would help to know how many days you are talking about. Discover all that you can see and do in Olympic National Park! When to reschedule? The photography is great this time of year. Winter in Olympic National Park is a great time to get cozy at Kalaloch Lodge and marvel at the storms that roll in from the Pacific Ocean. http://tour.airstreamlife.com/wordpress/?p=853. Early October is usually gorgeous in this part of the park. This September and into October so far have been pretty nice. The Park experiences two to four extreme weather events annually, characterized by torrential rains and high winds lasting several days. Experience the most intense Pacific storms on the coast in the fall and early winter. The town of Sequim lies well inside the south side of the rain shadow and enjoys the driest climate (an average of just under 17 inches of rain annually) of anywhere in western Washington. A New Sweepstakes is Just Weeks Away! Get the monthly weather forecast for Olympia, WA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Re: Olympic Peninsula in October. In other portions of the peninsula, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, except during the night. Other animals you may in encounter in the autumn include: marmots, birds and mountain goats. The weather is usually pretty good, the crowds smaller, and there are many nice campgrounds. The biggest drawback to visiting in autumn is that this is the start of the rainy season. About miles further from Royal Lake, you can take in the view of Upper Royal Basin, with its alpine meadows and milky-blue tarns. Permits are required and can be obtained at one of the Wilderness Information Centers in the park. Several untouched . The heaths and heathers on Hurricane Ridge and the Pot Holes above Deer Lake are also ablaze with color. Lake Quinault Lodge is situated by the side of a shimmering lake and offers cozy rooms available with fireplaces. There are many benefits of visiting Olympic National Park in the autumn, as well as a couple of drawbacks. Fall is the mating season for elk and the bulls have odd behavior rituals to show their dominance. Six months later they arrived at Quinault Lake. The Heart O' the Hills area, including the Heart O' the Hills Campground, will remain open. In the tiny pools that gather after the tide recedes, you can find tiny marine organism crammed into a space the size of a dinner platesometimes up to hundreds of these tiny, vibrant, spiky creatures! Port Townsend. . Just bring some rain gear, a light rainjacket with a hood or a poncho works best. Below are the most popular things to do in Olympic National Park in autumn: Hiking: Autumn is a magical time of year to go for a hike in Olympic National Park. Although it may be a little rainy this time of year, with the right gearrain gear, waterproof boots, lots of socks, layers, etc.you are sure to have an incredible backpacking trip in Olympic National Park. With any luck, youll also see opportunist eagles, otters, and even bobcats snacking on the easy prey. Welcome to Olympic National Park! Start on the Upper Dungeness Trail until you reach the junction for Royal Basin Trail, just over a mile in. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The thick canopy of deciduous and coniferous trees, draped with mosses and ferns, creates a nice cover as youre walking in the rain. http://www.kaleberg.com/pages/kaleberg-hurricane-ridge.php. Snow can appear in the high country as early as late September. The reason that Olympic National Park sees so much annual rainfall is because of the Rain Shadow Effect: When a storm rolls onto land from the Pacific Coast, it reaches a huge obstacle at the Olympic Range. Below are the average temperatures and days of precipitation in autumn for the three locations: When deciding when to visit the park, you should take the activities you want to do into consideration. The road is open whether or not there is visibility at the top. Although you may not expect it at first, the forest is one of the best places to be in the rainy autumn. Explore Olympic Peninsula or Visit Your Favorite Getaway. But in higher elevations, it's one of the best times for winter . Contact Info Mailing Address: 600 E . Nowadays, it takes backpackers only four to five days to complete the same journey. Its the only place that can be accessed year-round, where a large portion of the Parks interior is visible, including Mt. The worlds greatest snowfall occurs on Mt. Go-Washington. Expect cool summers, mild and cloudy winters, lots of moisture in the air and consistent daily temperatures. For example, we hiked the Hoh Rain Forest last Monday in brilliant sunshine and temps in the low to mid seventies. October 21, 2022. Olympic National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. There are exceptions, of course, but generally, you can: Hurricane Ridge is a popular site in the Park, and for good reason. Viewing platform over the Salmon Cascades along the Sol Duc River, A maple tree in the Olympic rainforest during autumn, Tree arch on Hall of Mosses Trail in autumn, 4 Active Adventures in Olympic National Park, Along the Quinault River through the Quinault Rainforest, Highway 101 between Forks and Lake Crescent. Learn More. Our You should be able to get some wonderful pictures. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Scattered driftwood, waves crashing against rugged rocks, storm clouds setting a dramatic moodeverything about the coastline in the autumn is classic Pacific Northwest, and something you do not want to miss.Last, but definitely not least, one of the best things about visiting in autumn is the lack of crowds. National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Be prepared for wildlife, weather, tides, and wilderness. At Olympic, forest, coastal, and mountain ecosystems combine to create a spectacular wilderness park. We are are the driest we have been in many many years this year. The Olympic Peninsula weather varies from season to season and place to place. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14209626', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hoh Rain Forest: http://www.bobspacificbeachhouse.com/pictures.html. Hurricane Ridge is the most popular spot for birders in the autumn, many gathering early in the morning at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. If clouds are like giant sponges, saturated with moisture, they need to rise to get over the mountain range, and with all that moisture, they are just too heavy. Coho Salmon return during October - December; Steelhead . Autumn comes with a punch in Olympic National Park. Current Hazards. With thick trees, ferns and mosses, you will be able to experience the ecology of Olympic National Parks old-growth forest. Eagles, otters, and bobcats feeding on spawning salmon. Huge colored maple leaves twice as big as your hand. . Autumn dreams: Plan a fall trip to the Olympic Peninsula. NASA's Artemis I moon rocket to stay on launch pad as Nicole approache We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest. Great backpacking destinations along this route include ONeill Creek, a 13.2 mile trip, and Enchanted Valley, a 26 mile trip. The mountains shelter the northeast side and there is less chance of precipitation there, with the probability of precipitation increasing going further west. The September-October period should be a nice time of year to visit ONP, with likelihood of better weather all around in September. Top Olympic Peninsula, United States fishing charters in 2022. The Quillayute River System. Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, P.O. Take advantage of the most snow-free hiking available in the deep backcountry from August to mid-October. Hop out of the car and head to the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) along the Morse Creek area (off Highway 101) to see the fall leaves along this walkable and bike-able paved pathway that follows the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The tree canopy in the rainforest is so thick you probably won't even notice the rain unless it happens to be windy and pouring. The waterfalls around Lake Quinault were flowing freely in early September, which should have been their low point. Complete weather information for Olympic Peninsula, Washington including forecast, average temperatures and more. Explore Olympic with Award Winning Guides. The Park experiences two to four extreme weather events annually, characterized by torrential rains and high winds lasting several days. Winters see moderate temps in the low elevations, with highs in the 30s and 40s and some snow. 9.12.22 As of September 6, Obstruction Point Road is also closed at its junction with Hurricane Ridge Road through the remainder of the 2022 season. Weather. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. These will provide the best opportunity to experience the fall foliage and other magical aspects of autumn in Olympic National Park. Are the rain forest areas green all year round or do they go into a fall and winter mode too? I am back on part time basis after health issues you get when you hit 80. In the wet months, October to April, expect some form of wet eight out of every ten days. At 3.3 miles, you will be able to smell the ocean before you can see it, and the trail drops you off at the coast. Start on the Upper Dungeness Trail, and after one mile, turn right at the junction for Royal Creek Trail. *Truthful Travel Tip: Being informed of the weather is key when visiting this area. They are frequently walking . The deciduous trees throughout the old-growth forest stand boldly with their exuberant colors. An Insider's View of the Olympic Peninsula - 5 Ways to Slow Down and Embrace Fall. Youll hear them wail called bugling. October through June is the rainy season in this northwest corner of Washington State so many people stay away. Backpacking along the Quinault River is absolutely enchanting. The links below provide annual weather information and predictions of variations (+) and (-) from normal for this year. Elevation gain: 1,400 ft. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 143 h 47 min to complete. 2. Feb 3, 2023 - Feb 4, 2023. So at lower elevations, it is the start of the rainy season; the park can receive up to 12 feet of precipitation annually. September, the first month of the autumn in Olympic National Park, is also an agreeable month, with an average temperature varying between 68.5F (20.3C) and 47.5F (8.6C). Make sure you read the parks fishing regulations before heading out. The fall rains just started here about 3 days ago, but we expect some occasional clear days till the end of the month. Olympic has Mild Winters and Pleasant Summers. Its more of a subtle scene compared to east coast color shows, until a breeze causes giant colored leaves to drop around you. Soon after starting at Lake Ozette, you will reach boardwalks that lead you through dense Western redcedar, Bigleaf maple, Licorice ferns and Cat-tail moss. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Annual rainfall totals on the western Olympic Peninsula routinely exceed 140 inches and often approach 200 inches. The Olympic Peninsula, and Olympic National Park in particular, is no exception to the above observation by Cliff Mass, author of The Weather of the Pacific Northwest. For a chance to catch the biggest variety of fish, plan to head offshore between May and October. Summers are fair and warm, with daily highs reaching 75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight drops into the 40's. Winter brings daytime highs in the 40's and chilly temperature readings at night into the 20's. A curved line, drawn from Mt. The answer to the question When is the best time to visit the Park? depends on what you want to do or experience. ), so especially in shoulder months, come . Its quite a sight. Backpacking through the Hoh Rainforest is idyllic in the autumn. The path winds next to the meandering river; dramatic rapids are seen and heard throughout the route, helping you to realize how powerful the Skokomish River is. As you are planning your trip, make sure you take a look at the parks trail conditions, so you know which campsites you can string together for a multi-day trip. Fortunately these events usually happen between October and January when, with the exception of snow enthusiasts, few visitors are in the Park. Olympic Peninsula Links . dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable Early October is my absolute favorite time in ONP. Witness the Parks waterfalls between October and August. Look for Lake Quinault and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Time/General. Get answers to your questions about Olympic National Park, Browse all 4,349 Olympic National Park topics . The crowds have dissipated by October, so finding the permits you desire is simple and easy, and you may have the chance of complete solitude on the trail. Because the weather is unpredictable, make sure you look at the forecast throughout your trip. Today we have mixed clouds and sun. The sound of elk bugling to show off to their harems. Douglas Scott. The Olympic Peninsula is a large arm of land in western Washington that lies across Puget Sound from Seattle, and contains Olympic National Park.It is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the east by Hood Canal.