In just 33 miles, the terrain of Olympic National Park rises from a wild Pacific coastline through dense old-growth forest to 7,980-foot Mount Olympus. Close to 1 million acres of land and water, 95 percent of which is designated wilderness, protect a landscape carved by glaciation. Islands called “sea stacks” rise from the ocean along the rocky coast and a temperate rain forest, nurtured by up to 167 inches of rain annually. More than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of lakes lure anglers to the park. Hundreds of miles of trails draw day hikers and backcountry campers.
Olympic National Park has 365 miles of trail designated for horses, burros, llamas and mules. Some trails, such as sections of the Duckabush River, Gray Wolf River and Happy Lake trails require a high degree of skill for both rider and horse because of deadfall, river crossings and narrow trails. The Park Service limits camping with horses to stock camps on the Duckabush River, North Fork Skokomish River, Dosewallips River, West Fork Dosewallips River, Hoh Lake and Hoh River trails, and at the Sol Duc River Drainage areas. Camping facilities are primitive, and may or may not include a pit toilet or potable water.
Equestrians must supply pellets and rolled grain rather than hay or loose grain for their horses, to prevent the spread of invasive weeds. Groups may not be larger than 12 campers and eight horses. The Wilderness Information Center loans bear-resistant panniers for food and scented items to campers without their own. Horses may only graze within 1/4 mile of campgrounds, but the park service only allows the animals to be tied to a tree for one hour or less. Otherwise, campers should use the hitch racks provided, picket lines, high lines or hobbles more than 200 feet from streams and ponds. Avoid foot trails not designated for equestrians -- bridges may not be strong enough to support your horse.
A permit is required for wilderness camping in Olympic National Park, and reservations are required or highly recommended at some areas. At the time of publication, the National Park Service does not accept reservations via e-mail or telephone. Reservations can be made by fax or mail beginning on May 15 of each year. A fee is charged for camping, in addition to the entrance fee, but there is no additional cost for horses. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for permits and trail condition reports. Permits also are available at Quinault Wilderness Information Center, the Olympic National Forest Recreation Information Station, and Staircase Ranger Station.
