Can you fly a drone in Olympic National Park?

No. Olympic National Park prohibits launching, landing or operating drones anywhere in the park. That covers Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc, and the park's wild Pacific coast, including Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach and Second Beach. Sub-250 g drones are included.

Why drones are banned

The National Park Service has prohibited drones in park units since 2014 under 36 CFR 1.5. Olympic's laws and policies page states that launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft on park lands and waters is prohibited unless the superintendent approves it in writing. Olympic has extra reasons:

• Wilderness. About 95% of the park is designated wilderness, valued for natural quiet.
• Coastal wildlife. Sea stacks and offshore islands host nesting seabirds, and seals and sea otters haul out along the shore.
• Rescue and fire flights. Helicopters work the mountains and coast.

Violations can bring up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, plus confiscation.

The coast has extra layers

Beyond the park's own ban, the waters and islands off the coast are protected too:

• Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary restricts low-flying aircraft near sensitive areas such as seabird colonies.
• Washington Islands National Wildlife Refuges cover the offshore rocks and islands.
• Tribal lands, including the Makah Reservation at Cape Flattery and the Quileute land at La Push, set their own rules. Ask the tribe before flying.

Where you can fly on the peninsula

• Olympic National Forest wraps around the park. National forests generally allow recreational drones outside wilderness and temporary flight restrictions. But much of the forest near the park is wilderness too, such as The Brothers, Buckhorn and Colonel Bob wildernesses. Use a forest map.
• Washington state parks allow drones only in designated areas or with a permit from State Parks. Apply at least 60 days ahead.
• Towns and private land, such as Port Angeles or Forks, with the owner's permission and an airspace check.

Airspace

William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island across the strait bring air traffic. Check B4UFLY or Aloft before every flight and get LAANC approval in controlled airspace.

Washington rules

Washington has no state license for recreational pilots, but commercial pilots must register each drone with WSDOT every year. See Washington drone laws.

Before you fly

1. Pass the TRUST test.
2. Register drones of 250 g or more with the FAA.
3. Confirm you're outside the park, wilderness and refuge boundaries.
4. Stay at or below 400 ft, in sight.

Rain and fog are common, and none of our consumer drones are waterproof. On dry days outside the park, the 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro handles mossy forest light well. More parks: can you fly a drone in a national park.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

Related guides

• Can you fly a drone at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
• Can you fly a drone in Big Bend National Park?
• Can you fly a drone in Denali National Park?
• Can you fly a drone in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park?
• Can you fly a drone in Glacier National Park?
• Can you fly a drone in Grand Teton National Park?

All drone laws →