Record Crowds Flock to Olympic National Park This Summer—How to Secure Permits, Parking, and Crowd-Free Views

Last updated: August 11 2025 Olympic National Park visitors are being urged to rethink campfire plans and check daily alerts as the fast-moving Bear Gulch Fire continues to reshape travel across Washington’s prized wilderness. A park-wide campfire ban took effect August 1 and remains in force while firefighters battle the lightning-sparked blaze that has already scorched 5,556 acres and is only 3 percent contained. Campfire Ban Now Park-Wide The National Park Service issued the temporary prohibition on all wood-burning and charcoal fires—at campgrounds, backcountry sites and picnic areas—citing critically dry fuel conditions and limited firefighting resources. Portable gas stoves with on-off valves are still allowed. Rangers remind visitors that violating the ban can bring fines up to $5,000 and a mandatory court appearance. What’s Closed Right Now • Lake Cushman & Staircase: Popular lakeside trails, Staircase Campground, and Forest Service Road 24 are shut down due to smoke, falling debris and active fire behavior. • Cushman Ridge: Mason County has issued a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notice for remote cabins and trailheads. • North Shore Road: Construction delays compound detours on the park’s north side, so add extra driving time if you’re heading to Hurricane Ridge or Lake Crescent. Firefighters Save 1,000-Year-Old Cedar A rare bright spot came when hotshot crews wrapped a 14-foot-wide western red cedar with fire-resistant foil, successfully steering flames around the 1,000-year-old giant near the Big Cedar Trail. The tree is one of the largest living organisms in the park and a major draw for nature photographers. Visitor Tips for a Smoky Summer • Track Air Quality: Check the Washington Smoke Blog or AirNow before heading to lower-elevation rain-forests where inversion layers can trap particulates. • Start Early: Trailhead parking at Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge fills before 8 a.m. on weekends; arriving at dawn helps beat both crowds and afternoon smoke plumes. • Plan for Heat: Alpine areas may still reach 80 °F. Carry at least 3 liters of water per person and electrolyte tablets. • Respect Closures: Stepping around a sign can divert firefighters or search-and-rescue away from the front line. Economic Ripples Across the Olympic Peninsula August typically delivers the park’s highest monthly visitation—more than 600,000 trips in 2024, according to NPS data. Early estimates suggest hotel bookings in Port Angeles and Sequim are down 18 percent week-over-week since the fire flared on July 29. Local outfitters report cancellations for sea-kayak tours along the coastal strip, even though those beaches remain open and smoke-free. Why Wildfire Risk Is Rising Olympic National Park is famed for its temperate rain-forests, yet July rainfall was just 0.7 inches at Quillayute Airport, 46 percent of normal. Prolonged drought is drying old-growth logs and creating ladder fuels that carry flames into the canopy. “We’re seeing fire behavior more typical of eastern Washington,” said Incident Commander Maria Lopez during Monday’s briefing. How You Can Help • Delay Your Campfire: Even after the ban lifts, choose a gas stove to limit sparks. • Pack Out ALL Trash: Wind-blown litter can ignite if hot embers land on it. • Donate: The nonprofit Washington’s National Park Fund accepts wildfire-specific gifts that finance extra trail patrols and rehabilitation projects. • Stay Informed: Subscribe to InciWeb Bear Gulch Fire updates or follow @OlympicNPS on social media for real-time alerts. Looking Ahead Fire crews are focusing on protecting cultural sites in the Skokomish tribal area and building containment lines along steep Cushman Ridge. Weather models hint at a marine push by Thursday that could raise humidity and tamp down extreme fire growth, but officials caution that full containment may take weeks. For now, the best way to support Olympic National Park is to visit responsibly: follow the campfire ban, respect closures, and discover less-traveled gems like the Ozette Triangle or Shi Shi Beach, where salty breezes keep smoke at bay. A safe trip today helps ensure that the park’s towering cedars—and the people who protect them—will still greet travelers for centuries to come.