by 
Olympic National Park has released a statement about the status of the park during the Covid-19 pandemic. In brief, all visitor centers are closed and Hurricane Ridge has suspended all winter operations. Not mentioned in the following press release is that the Makah Tribe has restricted access to Shi Shi Beach, as the trail is accessed through tribal lands. The following was sent by Olympic National Park on March 17th, 2020.
Olympic National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center & Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center are closed until further notice. Winter operations at Hurricane Ridge were originally scheduled to end March 29. With the closing of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, winter operations at Hurricane Ridge have ended as of March 17.
Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Olympic National Park’s entrances, hiking trails, and campgrounds will remain open. Park visitors are asked to purchase their park passes online. For information and updates on park lodges and restaurants, please check the website for Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Sol Duc Hot Springs RV & Campground, Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort, as well as Kalaloch Lodge.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the digital tools already available to explore Olympic National Park. Please continue to enjoy Olympic National Park through the park’s webcams. There are many educational resources available to explore on the Olympic National Park webpage to help you stay connected to your national park.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Olympic National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
For current trail, road and travel information, visitors should consult the park website or call the recorded Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131. Visitors can also call our information line at 360-565-3130 with general park questions or email us. For questions related to backpacking permits and reservations, please call the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100.
Looking to Social Distance in and around Olympic National Park? Let us help.
Ebook copies available now!
