Auto Tour
By John King
The rugged Olympic Mountains — a realm of deep valleys and glaciated crags — dominate the central part of the peninsula. Their western slopes face the prevailing westerly winds and the resulting copious rainfall (upwards of 200 inches per year) nurtures the western hemisphere’s largest temperate rainforest. On the opposite side of the peninsula, rainfall in the Dungeness Valley is so light (averaging less than 20 inches) that farmers must irrigate their crops.
President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the core of the peninsula as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909. In 1938 Congress enlarged its area and established Olympic National Park. Today the park covers more than 1,400 square miles, including a 60-mile strip along the Pacific. In recognition of its exceptional natural features and diversity, the United Nations designated the park a World Heritage Site in 1982.
The route is drivable year-round, although the best weather is in the summer and early fall. Rain — heavy at times, especially in the west — constitutes the primary driving hazard. Although precipitation occurs in all months, it is heaviest from November through April. Snow is relatively infrequent at lower elevations, but remains on the ground from winter into early spring above about 3,000 feet.
Because of COVID-19, please take recommended safety precautions if you are planning a future trip. Check before you go for amenities and capacity restrictions.
Along the way, explore McCleary, Elma, Montesano, Aberdeen and Hoquim.
Get ready for wild coastal beaches and lush rainforests of Olympic National Park.
Visit unique lakes, trails and scenic beaches, plus the westernmost point in the Lower 48.
Explore Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Elwa River and more.
Head north to visit Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend.
Visit unique lakes, trails and scenic beaches, plus the westernmost point in the Lower 48.