Olympic National Park Statistics | How Many Tourists Visit

Page last update: 27 January 2025

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How many people visit Olympic NP each year?

Over 2.9 million tourists visited Olympic National Park in 2023.

Olympic NP welcomed 3.2 million visitors in 2019. Due to the pandemic, visitation dropped to 2.5 million in 2020 and 2.7 million visitors in 2021.
In 2022, Olympic NP welcomed 2.4 million visitors. Still 25% lower compared to the peak of 2019.
2023 shows a recovery in Olympic NP tourism visitation with over 2.9 million visitors. This was a 16% increase compared to the pandemic period but still 9% less compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).

Olympic NP generated over $279 million in direct tourism revenue in 2023.

In 2019, visitors to Olympic NP spent $276 million in tourism expenditure. With fewer visitors due to the pandemic, Olympic NP tourism revenue dropped to $213 million in 2020 and $250 million in 2021.
This trend continued in 2022 with $228 million in tourism expenditure. This was a 17% decrease compared to 2019.
However, Olympic NP tourism revenue generated $279 million in 2023 indicating an increase of 31% compared to the pandemic period and 1% higher than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

Olympic National Park welcomed over 2.9 million visitors in 2023. This showed an increase of 21% compared to the previous year but still 9% less than in 2019.
Over 454,000 campers stayed overnight at Olympic NP in 2023.

Olympic National Park’s tourism revenue generated $279 million in 2023. This indicated an increase of 22% compared to the previous year and 1% higher than in 2019.

Recreational visits in the National Park Service dropped to over 237 million visitors across 389 reporting parks in 2020 (a 27.6% decrease compared to 2019).
Olympic NP visitation fell to 2.5 million in 2020 and 2.7 million in 2021. This was a 22% and 16% decrease compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic), respectively.
Due to limited visitors, tourism expenditure dropped to $213 million in 2020 and $250 million in 2021. This showed a 24% and 10% decrease compared to 2019, respectively.

In 2024, Olympic National Park ranked #20 in the category “Best National Parks in the World”. It was designated by UNESCO as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Olympic National Park ranked #10 as the most visited park in the USA in 2023.

Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking

During Summer, June to August, Olympic NP can be crowded but it offers warmer temperatures and longer days, and most facilities and trails are open. Great for hiking, camping, and exploring diverse ecosystems.
If you’re interested in specific activities like winter sports, then Winter, November to May, is your best choice.
For most visitors, late Spring, May, and early Fall, September, offer a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery.

August is the peak tourist month in 2023 with 518,417 visitors. It is one of the drier months making it popular for hiking and exploring the park.
July saw 437,991 visitors, enjoying moderate humidity ideal for wildlife viewing and scenic hikes.

September attracted 389,551 visitors with mild weather and vibrant autumn landscapes.

October drew 322,314 tourists captivated by stunning fall foliage, a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.

November each welcomed about 224,522 visitors, with June offering pleasant weather and October showcasing striking autumn colors.

Backcountry Campers represented 42.5% of all campers with 158,000 visits.
While Tent Campers contributed 32.6% of all campers with 121,000 visits in 2023. This indicated a preference for traditional, accessible camping experiences.
RV Campers made up 24.7% of all campers with 92,000 visits, highlighting a preference for comfort and convenience while enjoying the outdoors.

Size: Covers over 922,000 acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the contiguous U.S.

Diverse Ecosystems: Includes rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains, offering an unparalleled variety of habitats.

Hoh Rainforest: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its lush greenery and towering trees, receiving up to 12 feet of rain annually.

Wildlife: Home to diverse species, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and over 300 bird species.

Hurricane Ridge: A popular destination with panoramic views, hiking trails, and winter recreation opportunities.

Lake Crescent: A glacially carved lake famous for its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

Recreation: Offers activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The park has over 600 miles of trails.

Coastal Wilderness: Features 73 miles of protected coastline, with tidepools, sea stacks, and secluded beaches.

Glaciers: Contains over 60 glaciers, primarily in the Olympic Mountains, including Mount Olympus.

There were 56 recorded deaths in Olympic National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:

Visitors should prioritise safety when visiting Olympic National Park for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Be prepared for weather changes: Visitors should dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. Weather changes rapidly.
Stay on designated trails: Visitors should stay on marked trails to protect the ecosystem and avoid getting lost.
Wildlife Safety: Observe wildlife from a safe distance; visitors should not approach or feed animals.
Hydration and Nutrition: Visitors should carry sufficient water and a means to purify it if necessary.
Navigation Skills: Visitors should have a physical map and compass, as GPS may not always be reliable.
Emergency Preparedness: Visitors should carry a basic first aid kit and know how to use it. They should have a plan for emergencies, including knowing the nearest ranger station.
Respect Natural Hazards: Visitors should be cautious near rivers and lakes as currents can be strong. They should stay away from cliffs and unstable terrain.
Cell Phone Reception: Visitors should be aware that cell phone reception may be limited or nonexistent in remote areas.

NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitations, Spending, Ranking, and Park Reports.