What are the best backpacking trails in Olympic National Park?

• Oil City Trail: Oil City Trail begins at the mouth of the Hoh River, 25 miles south of Forks, Washington. Oil City Trail is rated as “Easy” on the scale of difficulty for its flat terrain and maintained trail. On the Oil City Trail, hikers will view stunning sea-stacks, ocean views, and wildlife including bald eagles and seals.
• Ericson's Bay Primitive Trail: Ericson’s Bay Primitive Trail is a two mile long trail located in Ozette Lake on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula. Labeled as moderate on the scale of difficulty, Ericson’s Bay Primitive Trail ventures through a coastal forest of ancient trees; the trail is not maintained and the boardwalk can be slippery.
• North Coast Route: Shi Shi Beach Trailhead to Ozette Trailhead is an easy to strenuous hike along the west side of the Olympic Peninsula. Most of the trail is flat, but there are some steep overland sections. Featuring forest cliffs and coastal beaches, hikers should allow for 2 days to complete this 15 mile hike.

Do I need to obtain a backcountry camping permit?

If you are planning to camp in a non-designated campground, you will need a backcountry permit.

Wilderness Camping Permits may be obtained at: 

• Main Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles in person or by phone. The WIC is located within the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Phone: (360) 565-3100 
• Quinault Wilderness Information Center located at the South Shore Lake Quinault Forest Service Ranger Station. Phone: (360) 288-0232 
• Olympic National Park/Olympic National Forest Recreation Information Station in Forks. Phone: (360) 374-7566 
• Staircase Ranger Station near Hoodsport. Phone: (360) 877-5569.

If you are not passing by a park wilderness office on your way to the trailhead or you plan to arrive early or late, call the WIC to arrange your permit ahead of time.

To see what specific regions of Olympic National Park require, see Olympic National Park’s website: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservations.htm

What sort of rules and regulations apply to me in the backcountry?

The Leave No Trace principals apply for all hiker backcountry camping Olympic National Park. These rules include hiking out everything hikers bring into the park (including toilet paper), burying human waste, observing wildlife from a distance, and not traveling “off trail.” Fires are banned in forested regions and some sections of beach.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

Olympic National Park: (360) 565-3100