Staircase

At a glance

• Park: Olympic National Park
• Area: Olympic
• Place type: Entrance station
• Feature: Entrance sign
• Facility here: Restrooms
• Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Park hours: Open 24 hours daily throughout the year
• Seasonal access: Some roads, campgrounds, and facilities operate seasonally

Why visit

Staircase provides an entrance point to Olympic National Park and access to restrooms, parking, a campground, and several nearby trailheads. The entrance sign marks arrival in the park.

Several trail options begin within about 0.4 miles. These include the North Fork Skokomish Trailhead, Staircase Ranger Station trailhead, and Staircase Rapids Nature Trail trailhead.

Getting there

Staircase lies in the Olympic area of Olympic National Park. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the listed airport for reaching the region.

Port Angeles, Washington, is about 42 miles away in a straight line. Forks, Washington, is about 58 miles away in a straight line. These figures are not driving distances.

The main Olympic National Park visitor center is about 41 miles away. Road access may vary by season because some park roads and facilities close seasonally.

What to see and do

The entrance sign is the identified feature at Staircase. Restrooms are available here.

Nearby visitor services and access points include:

• Staircase Campground: Restroom, about 0.1 miles away
• North Fork Skokomish Trailhead: About 0.2 miles away
• Staircase Parking Area: Restroom, about 0.2 miles away
• Staircase Ranger Station: Trailhead, about 0.2 miles away
• Staircase Rapids Nature Trail: Trailhead, about 0.3 miles away

Visitors can use Staircase as an arrival point before continuing to the campground, parking area, or nearby trails. Confirm seasonal availability before relying on any road, campground, or facility.

History and nature

The available park information identifies Staircase as an entrance station marked by an entrance sign. No additional historical details are provided for this location.

Weather can differ substantially across Olympic National Park at the same time. Lower elevations generally have mild winters, while mountain areas can receive heavy snow.

When to go

Summer weather is usually fair and warm. High temperatures typically range from 65 to 75 degrees F. The period from July through September generally receives the least precipitation.

Precipitation is heavier during the remainder of the year. Winter conditions depend on elevation, with milder weather lower down and potentially heavy mountain snowfall.

Olympic National Park remains open 24 hours a day throughout the year. However, roads, campgrounds, and facilities may have seasonal operating periods. Prepare for changing conditions during every season.

Accessibility

Restrooms are available at Staircase. Additional restrooms are listed at Staircase Campground, about 0.1 miles away, and Staircase Parking Area, about 0.2 miles away.

The provided information does not specify accessible parking, routes, restroom features, or trail surfaces. Check the park’s current accessibility and facility information before visiting.

Fees and rules

Olympic National Park lists these entrance fees:

• Private vehicle: $30
• Motorcycle: $25
• Per person: $15
• Commercial van: $75

Follow posted rules throughout the Staircase area. Seasonal operations may affect roads, campgrounds, and facilities even though the park remains open year-round.

Nearby trails and places

Shady Lane Trail is about 0.2 miles from Staircase. The trail is about 1.3 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

Wagonwheel Lake Trail is about 0.2 miles away. It is about 2.6 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

Staircase Rapids Nature Trail is about 0.4 miles away. It is about 1 mile as mapped by the National Park Service. Its trailhead is listed about 0.3 miles from Staircase.

Other nearby places include the Staircase Campground, about 0.1 miles away, and the Staircase Parking Area, about 0.2 miles away. The North Fork Skokomish Trailhead and Staircase Ranger Station are each about 0.2 miles away.

Before you go

Check current conditions, road access, seasonal operations, and alerts on the park’s National Park Service website. Conditions can vary across Olympic National Park during the same period.

Carry water and pack layers for changing weather. Follow posted rules and leave no trace. Confirm that needed campgrounds, roads, and facilities are operating before departure.

Questions