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Olympic National Park-Travel mates?

Replies: 1 - Last Post: Aug 11, 2012 8:14 PM Last Post By: markharf

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kdlykins

kdlykins avatar

Aug 11, 2012 7:13 PM
Posts:  1

Olympic National Park-Travel mates?

Hi, I'm looking to visit Washington's Olympic National Park in mid-October. First question- Will trails still be accessible given the time of year, or will I run into problems with the weather? Second question- Is anyone planning on being there around that time/would like to meet up and do a little trekking? I'm pretty unexperienced, (being from Ohio), and this is my first trip out west. Let me know if anyone is interested!

markharf

markharf avatar

Aug 11, 2012 8:14 PM
Posts:  1,957

1

Most years the higher trails in the Olympics and Cascades will start to be snowed in by mid-October. Sometimes this starts to happen in mid-September, and sometimes even by Labor Day. There are lower trails which remain snow-free much later in the year.

Most years, mid-October is rainy season, with day shortening fast and the potential for rain (and snow) which doesn't let up for weeks on end. You'll want to think about that, and always have a plan B in mind.You'll need to choose wisely based on conditions at the time, not predictions for what might be true two months from now.

"A little trekking" could involve short dayhikes, of which there are hundreds, or longer overnights. If the former, you'll meet other folks easily enough in hostels, at trailheads, or along the trails. If the latter, it's going to be tough. You might search out some of the hiking websites--The Seattle Mountaineers, Northwest Trails, etc.

Note that if you're really that inexperienced, the Olympics offer many, many opportunities to get in over your head and perhaps never come back. Be careful and stay humble.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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