Olympic NP in Spring — RV camping guide
PickRV Editorial
The small team behind PickRV
spring warmth
35°–61°F
Highlights
5
RV advisories
4
Permits
1
Spring at Olympic showcases the rainforests at their wettest and greenest. Hoh and Quinault rainforests receive 12-14 feet of rain annually; spring is the most dramatic. The coast comes alive with intertidal life. Hurricane Ridge (alpine) remains snowed in until late May or June. Multiple campgrounds open in spring: Kalaloch (year-round), Hoh, Mora, Heart O' the Hills. None have hookups.
Same park, other seasons
Pack for this
Typical weather, month by month
March
Wet · rainforest peak · cool
April
Wildflowers emerging · still wet
May
Drier · alpine still snowed in
What's special now
Highlights this season
Hoh Rainforest in peak greenery
Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 mi) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 mi). Ancient Sitka spruce draped in moss. Carry rain gear.
Ruby Beach intertidal life
Spring low tides reveal anemones, starfish, hermit crabs. Check tide tables.
Sol Duc Falls
0.8-mile easy hike to dramatic 3-tier waterfall. Peak flow in spring.
Lake Crescent boat rentals
Lake Crescent Lodge rents kayaks and rowboats. Glacial-blue water.
Wildflowers in lower meadows
Coltsfoot, salmonberry blossoms by April.
Time it right
When to go
Best window to plan
Late April through May for the best balance — rainforest peak, drier weather, before peak summer crowds.
Before you tow in
RV-specific considerations
Hurricane Ridge closed
Alpine road typically remains snowed in until late May. Plan a low-elevation trip in early spring.
No hookups anywhere
All campgrounds in park are dry camping. Generators allowed limited hours.
Kalaloch year-round
Oceanfront campground stays open all year. 31 ft max, $24/night.
Rainforest humidity
12-14 ft annual rainfall. Be prepared for everything to get wet.
Reserve ahead
Permits + reservations
Stay safe out there
Safety considerations
- Rainforest hypothermia risk — wet + cool is dangerous combo.
- Coast: never turn back to the ocean — sneaker waves kill.
- Slippery rocks at waterfalls — stay on trails.
- Black bears active by April — food protocol.
- Cell service is essentially absent.
No surprises
Honest pricing reality
What it actually costs
Kalaloch + Hoh + Mora + Heart O' the Hills: $24/night. Outside-park RV parks in Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim: $40-80/night spring rates.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
When does Hurricane Ridge open?
Typically late May or June, depending on snowpack. Road can be gated for plowing into July in heavy years.
Is the Hoh Rainforest worth visiting?
Absolutely — it's a UNESCO World Heritage component. Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail are short, family-friendly, transformative.
How wet is Olympic in spring?
Very. Hoh receives 12-14 ft annual rainfall, most in spring. Bring full rain gear, waterproof shoes, dry sacks.
Can I camp at Olympic in spring?
Yes — Kalaloch, Hoh, Mora, Heart O' the Hills typically open by April. All dry camping. Reservations through Recreation.gov.
What the NPS site won't tell you
The NPS rarely advertises this, but: the Quinault Rainforest (south rainforest, Quinault Lake area) sees a fraction of Hoh's crowds and has equivalent moss-draped scenery. Quinault Loop Drive (RV-accessible) is 31 miles through old-growth. Skip if you want Hoh's specific famous trails; embrace if you want solitude.
Sources we checked
Keep planning