Planning Your Wilderness Backpacking Trip

The Daniel J. Evans Wilderness remains one of the wildest regions in the contiguous United States. Nearly 50,000 campers enjoy Olympics' wilderness annually, with additional thousands exploring local day hikes. Listed below are various resources to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.

Backpacking permits are required year-round in Olympic National Park

 

Wilderness Trip Planning Maps

 
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A trail in the alpine with views of distant mountains.
Trail Conditions Page

Updates on trail conditions

Sunset at Shi Shi Beach
North Coast Routes

Backpacking route descriptions along the North Coast

Sea Stack on First Beach
South Coast Routes

Backpacking route descriptions along the South Coast

Sun beams shine through a cloud above a forested, calm lake.
Trail Descriptions - Northside

Backpacking trail descriptions for the northern region of Olympic National Park

Campsite in the Rainforest
Trail Descriptions - Southside

Backpacking trail descriptions for the southern region of Olympic National Park

 
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Person crossing large creek by foot

Wilderness Backpacking Safety Page

Check out helpful information for situations you may encounter while traveling through a wilderness area such as tips for stream crossings, snow travel, and inclimate weather.
 
Snow in the Sol Duc
Weather Seasons & Forecasts

The weather is extremely variable from season to season and place to place in Olympic National Park, visit our weather page to learn more.

Sunset at Toleak Beach
Are the waves and tides safe for hikers?

Is your beach route currently under water? Timing and planning are key for coastal trips. Check out our Tides & Safety page to learn more.

Black bear on grassy field
Safety Around Wildlife

A wildlife sighting can be the highlight of your trip, but do you know the best ways to stay safe?

 

Import our Camp Area and Trailhead locations into your mapping program (Google Earth, CalTopo, etc.) and GPS


In 1988, Congress designated 95% of Olympic National Park as Wilderness. 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 Wilderness Act of 1964 directs federal agencies to manage wilderness so as to preserve its wilderness character. Find out more about National Park Service Wilderness areas, wilderness designation, the Wilderness Act and other nearby wilderness areas.

Last updated: November 26, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

600 E. Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362

Phone:

360 565-3130

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