wildlife in the olympic national park

Olympic National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain lions, river otters, bald eagles, marmots, and more. The park’s varied ecosystems—from coastal areas to dense rainforests—support an incredible array of species.

Wildlife You Might Encounter

• Black Bears – Common in forested areas, especially near Hoh Rainforest and Sol Duc.

• Roosevelt Elk – Often seen in Hoh Rainforest, Sequim Dungeness Valley and along the Bogachiel River.

• Cougars  – Rarely spotted, but present in remote areas.

• River Otters – Found near lakes and coastal regions.

• Bald Eagles – Frequently seen soaring over Lake Crescent and coastal areas.

• Olympic Marmots – Unique to the Olympic Peninsula, often spotted at Hurricane Ridge.

Wildlife Safety Measures

To ensure a safe and respectful experience, follow these guidelines:

• Keep Your Distance – Stay at least 50 yards away from large animals like bears and elk.

• Never Feed Wildlife – Feeding animals disrupts their natural behaviors and can make them aggressive.

• Store Food Properly – Use bear-proof containers or store food in your vehicle when camping.

• Make Noise While Hiking – Talking or clapping helps alert animals to your presence, reducing surprise encounters.

• Keep Pets Leashed – Unleashed pets can provoke wildlife and put both animals and humans at risk.

• Be Aware of Sensitive Seasons – Avoid disturbing animals during mating, nesting, or winter survival periods.

Our Most Commonly Sighted Wildlife?

Olympic National Park is home to the Columbian black-tailed deer, a subspecies of mule deer. These graceful animals can be found throughout the park, from subalpine forests and meadows to river valleys. They are particularly common along the edges of forests where there is ample shelter and open grazing areas.

Columbian Black-Tailed Deer Facts

• Size: Smaller than Roosevelt elk, typically weighing up to 200 pounds (90 kg).

• Habitat: Found in mountain meadows, forest edges, and river valleys.

• Diet: Grasses, lichens, plants, and berries.

• Role in the Ecosystem: They help maintain balance in the food web—if their population grows too large, overgrazing can occur, while too few can leave predators struggling for food.

If you're visiting Hurricane Ridge or Lake Crescent, keep an eye out for these deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. It is very common that traffic is stopped due to deer.