Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Enjoy the Outdoors
The Olympic National Forest provides a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site. To help you get the most of our your experience, read these helpful tips:
Keep Firewood Local!
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our national forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pets are allowed in the Olympic National Forest. They must be under control or on a leash. In developed recreation areas such as trailheads and campgrounds and busy trails pets must be on a leash and under control. Saddle, pack or draft animals are allowed only in authorized areas. Be aware that pets are restricted in Olympic National Park; be aware of where Park and Forest boundaries are.
When planning your trip, remember that regulations vary widely between Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. Many trails are shared by both agencies, including some that provide access to wilderness areas. It is imperative that you understand the rules that apply to the areas that you visit on the Olympic Peninsula.
Some differences in regulations on Olympic National Forest vs. Olympic National Park
| Forest | Regulations | Park |
|---|---|---|
| No | Wilderness overnight permit required | Yes |
| Yes | Wilderness limit on number of persons & stock in party | Yes |
| Yes | Wilderness closed to open fires | Yes |
| Yes | Other rules governing use in Wilderness | Yes |
| Yes | Firearms allowed | Yes |
| Yes | State fishing license required | No |
| Yes | Pets allowed on trails | No |
| Some | Trails open to mountain bicycles | No |
| Some | Trails open to motor vehicles | No |
| Some | Trails open to pack and saddle stock | Some |
| Yes | Roadside camping allowed outside of campgrounds | No |
| Some | Recreation Pass required to park at trailhead | No, but required at fee stations |
| No | Fireworks are allowed | No |
A Washington State fishing/hunting license is required when fishing/hunting in Olympic National Forest. Hunting and fishing regulations within the forest are under the jurisdiction of Washington State. Please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.
Yes, the following are prohibited in Wilderness areas:
- Groups consisting of more than 12 persons and/or 8 head of livestock.
- Starting and/or maintaining open fires, such as camp, cooking and warming fires above 3,500 feet elevation.
- Gathering wood for starting and/or maintaining open fires or stoves above 3,500 feet elevation.
- Tethering of livestock to trees and/or other vegetation, except for incidental use not to exceed 30 minutes.
- Possessing and/or transporting unprocessed vegetative matter such as hay, straw, grass or grain. The use of pelletized or certified weed-free feed is required in all National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. This helps prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
- Caching or leaving equipment, personal property or supplies unattended for a period in excess of 24 hours.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 6 months. (Orders Number 900-017, 018 & 024, pursuant to 36 CFR, sections 261.50 (a) and (b).)