Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Igor Karni
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the State of Washington, USA. At 3733 square kilometers (1441 square miles), this national park is comprised of four diverse ecological regions, including the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the temperate rainforest, and dry forests.
If you are planning to visit Olympic National Park by electric bike, this article will answer all your questions!
Are e-bikes allowed in Olympic National Park?
Though there is currently no specific information about e-bikes in Olympic National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) states that e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are permitted in all units of the National Park System (learn more here)!
Additionally, per the federal USA and Washington state laws, e-bikes must have:
- A maximum motor output that does not exceed 750W
- A maximum speed that does not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h)
- A motor that only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling
Visit the link here to learn more about the USA’s electric bicycle laws.
Read also: Best specialized electric bicycle insurance companies in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.
How is Olympic National Park organized, is it bicycle-friendly?
Olympic National Park is fairly well organized for cycling. The most popular trail for cyclists is The Olympic Discovery Trail, a multi-use pathway that spans 135 miles.
Other trails include the Quinalt Rain Forest Loop Drive and Spruce Railroad. There are also several off-road trails you can explore, as well as some mountain biking trails which include Spruce Road Trail: Lake Crescent, Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail, Mount Muller Trail, Madison Creek to Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook, and Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail.
Where to stay during the trip?
If you’re interested in camping while visiting Olympic National Park, there are many options to choose from! Campgrounds include Deer Park Campground, Dosewallips Campground, Fairholme Campground, Graves Creek Campground, Heart O’ the Hills Campground, Hoh Campground, Kalaloch Campground, Log Cabin Resorts RV & Campground, Mora Campground, North Fork Campground, Ozette Campground, Queets Campground, Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground, South Beach Campground, Staircase Campground.
For more information, visit the NPS’ Camping webpage here. Additionally, if you are interested in backpacking while at the park, make sure to get a Wilderness Camping Permit first!
If you’d prefer to stay at a hotel, here are some top-rated options located near the park: Kalaloch Lodge Olympic National Park, Rain Forest Resort Village, Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic View Inn, Royal Victorian, Olympic Inn & Suites, 7 Cedars Hotel & Casino, Red Lion Inn & Suites Sequim, and Super 8 by Wyndham Port Angeles at Olympic National Park. Visit Booking.com, Expedia, or Trip Advisor for more recommendations!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
We advise taking food and snacks with you while cycling, since there are limited dining options within the park itself. However, there are four lodges situated in the park where you can find restaurants, which include the Roosevelt Dining Room, Springs Restaurant, Lake Crescent Dining Room, and Sunnyside Café.
Other restaurant options located near the park include Salmon House Restaurant, Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, Quinault Internet Café, Quinault Mercantile, The Tides, Dino’s Pizza and Grill, Nina’s Lake Cushman Café, Eagle Creek Saloon, and Hurricane Ridge Snack Bar.
What gear should I take on the trip?
Before embarking on your trip, ensure you have all your biking and safety gear with you.
This includes: your e-bike charger, a helmet, backpack, water, food, an extra battery pack, front and rear lights, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first aid kit, bike-appropriate clothing and extra layers, and a bike repair kit and pump.
Additionally, if camping, you should also bring your tent, sleeping bag, dishware, cutlery, extra food, and your booking information and ID.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
There are currently no maps that show e-bike specific charging stations in Olympic National Park. However, riders may be able to charge their e-bikes at some hotels, cafes, restaurants, and campgrounds. Be sure to ask for permission first!
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Olympic National Park?
Since there are many different trail types and landscapes at Olympic National Park, including road and mountain cycling options, we recommend choosing your e-bike according to the types of routes you are taking.
If you are planning to stay on relatively flat terrain, a city cruiser or commuter e-bike is appropriate. However, if you are planning on taking mountain biking trails or more challenging, uneven routes, we recommend using a hybrid e-bike or an electric mountain bike (eMTB)!
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Olympic National Park, or should I take one with me?
There are a few e-bike rental companies located near Olympic National Park. We’ll feature these later in the article!
You can also bring your e-bike with you; just be sure it abides by the federal USA e-bike laws!
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in Olympic National Park?
Due to the incredibly diverse range of landscapes in Olympic National Park, there are many natural sights to see while visiting!
From beaches to forests, mountains to lakes, and more, some of the most popular sites include Olympic Peninsula, Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Ruby Beach, Sol Duc River, Olympic National Forest, Lake Quinault, Hall of Mosses, Mount Storm King, Quinault Rainforest, Shi-Shi Beach, Salt Creek Recreation Area, Mount Olympus, Point of Arches, Spruce Nature Trail, Ruby Beach, and Rialto Beach.
In addition to cycling, visitors can also partake in activities like boating, fishing, hiking, tidepooling, backpacking, wildlife viewing, ranger led programs, and night sky programs!
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park on an e-bike?
The best time of year for both sightseeing and pleasant weather is springtime through early fall (May through September). Because wintertime can experience up to 50 inches of rain in the rainforest regions, and large amounts of snow on the mountains, winter is not ideal for cyclists.
If you are looking to avoid crowds, avoid visiting during the summertime, as this is the busiest season for tourism. However, bear in mind that the weather can still be unpredictable at any time, as rain and even snow can still occur in the late spring and early fall months. In the summer months, thunderstorms often occur at higher elevations. As such, be sure to bring extra layers and waterproof clothes!
Read also: Best known electric bicycle brands in the USA. And, Best e-bike financing options in the USA.
In terms of temperature, May to June see average temperatures between 43 – 67 degrees Fahrenheit (6 to 19 degrees Celsius), July to August see average temperatures between 50 – 74 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 23 degrees Celsius), and September to October see average temperatures 42 – 70 (5 to 21 degrees Celsius).
Resources to help plan your trip
To further plan your trip, visit the NPS’ Olympic National Park webpage here!
If you’re interested in renting your e-bike while visiting the park, here are some options. First, Pedego – Port Angeles offers rentals in 4-hour increments. Next, 7 Cedars has e-bikes that can be rented in 1 hour, 2-hour, half-day, and full-day increments. A third option is Elwha E-bikes, which offers both e-bike rentals and trail guide service if needed. Lastly, Discover E-bike offers rentals in 2-hour or 3-hour increments.
For more restaurant recommendations, view Trip Advisor’s list here!
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
And lastly, for further information on things to do while in Olympic National Park, visit Trip Advisor and Google Travel for more recommendations!
Take a quick video tour to Olympic National Park with this video:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
