Severe Weather Leads To Closures At Olympic National Park

By Compiled From N... - January 12th, 2023

Rough weather was expected through the weekend at Olympic National Park/NPS file

Rough weather led Thursday to the closure of a handful of campgrounds and roads at Olympic National Park in Washington state.

Park staff said rains, gusting winds, and pounding surf along the Olympic Coast were forecast to increase through the day and continue into the weekend.

Campground Closures

The following campgrounds were closed Thursday. They are expected to reopen once park staff determine that conditions are safe for visitor use.

Quinault Campground
Queets Campground
Kalaloch Campground
Mora Campground

Visitors currently camped at these locations will be offered available space at alternative park campgrounds that remain open.

Road Closures

The following roads were closed beginning Thursday due to potential flooding or high winds, which may bring trees down in these areas. They are expected to reopen once park staff determine that conditions are safe for visitor use.

Upper and Lower Queets Roads
Graves Creek Road
North Fork Quinault Road
Mora Road beyond the Mora Ranger Station

Coastal areas of the park were expected to experience high surf, creating dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Other areas of western Washington may experience river flooding. Gusty winds and rain will make their way through lowland and coastal areas, a park release said.

Visitors are advised to use caution when visiting coastal areas and other areas of the national park through the weekend. Visitors should monitor weather reports and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Additional closures may occur due to changing weather conditions or emergencies. For more information on visiting the park and current conditions, visit www.nps.gov/olym or call (360) 565-3131.

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