Sometimes, you just want to head out on a spontaneous backpacking trip. But with Olympic National Park, that’s easier said than done. Popular trails like the Seven Lakes Basin High Divide, Hoh River to Blue Glacier, Royal Basin, and Enchanted Valley usually require permits booked months in advance. Summer weekends? Forget about it—unless you’re lucky enough to snag a last-minute cancellation.
So, what happens when a free weekend opens up and you don’t have a permit? You don’t have to skip the adventure. There are some incredible, permit-free camping spots in the Olympic Mountains that are perfect for last-minute trips. In this post, I’ll share three great alternatives in Olympic National Forest. These spots are just outside the National Park boundary, so you’ll still get the epic views without the hassle of permits
Discover Permit-Free Camping in the Olympic Mountains
The Olympic National Forest offers some of the best permit-free camping options for last-minute trips. These three areas are not only close to Olympic National Park but also feature jaw-dropping views, easy access, and diverse camping experiences. Whether you’re looking for alpine lakes, panoramic ridgelines, or summit views, you’ll find the perfect spot here.
Each of these camping areas has its own unique appeal. Depending on your preferences—be it a peaceful lakeside setting, a dramatic mountain pass, or a breathtaking summit—you’re bound to find one that fits your style. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which one to choose for your next adventure. Let’s dive into the three permit-free camping spots I think you’ll love!
#1 Marmot Pass: Epic Views and Flexible Camping
The first permit-free camping option on this list is Marmot Pass. This 12.5 mile hike offers an incredible mix of lush forests, alpine meadows, and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains.
For a detailed guide to Marmot Pass, including trail maps and tips, click here.
One of the highlights of this trail is the incredible scenery. The views of Warrior Peak and Mount Constance are particularly stunning, dominating the landscape and offering some of the best vistas in the area.
When it comes to camping, Marmot Pass provides plenty of options. You can set up camp below the pass, at the pass itself, or continue further along the ridgeline for even more dramatic views. For those seeking the ultimate campsite, head up the ridge to the left of Marmot Pass, parallel to the Dungeness Trail. This area offers flat, grassy camping spots with spectacular views of Warrior Peak and Mount Constance.
Important Note About Water: Water availability at Marmot Pass is limited, especially in the summer months when streams dry up. Be prepared to carry extra water or refill at Camp Mystery before ascending. In the winter or early spring, you can melt snow, but this won’t be an option in the warmer months.
The camping options just below Marmot Pass are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, especially if you enjoy watching marmots in their natural habitat. The grassy meadows here provide an ideal home for the Olympic Marmot, and it won’t take long to spot them busily foraging and preparing for winter. After spending some time here, you’ll quickly see why it’s called Marmot Pass!
#2 Silver Lakes: Alpine Lakes and Stunning Peaks
The second permit-free camping option on this list is Silver Lakes. This 13.2 mile hike offers a blend of old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and pristine lake camping, all just outside the Olympic National Park boundary.
For a detailed guide to Silver Lakes, including trail maps and tips, click here.
The best part about this hike is the alpine lake camping experience. If you love camping at alpine lakes then this is probably the best option for you.
Silver Lake offers a variety of camping options, from lakeside spots along the shoreline to forested sites perched on the ridgeline above. The grassy shores on the southwest side of the lake are particularly scenic and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some Olympic marmots foraging in the meadows.
No matter where you camp, the surrounding landscape is awe-inspiring. Nestled in a natural bowl between towering peaks, Silver Lakes feels like a secret alpine paradise, and with out the need for permits make this a top pick in my book.
The lake itself is shallow in many areas, with trout frequently surfacing—perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at fishing. The views are equally impressive: the backside of Mount Townsend dominates the scenery, while Hawk Peak rises to the left and Silver Lake Peak to the right. The close proximity of these peaks creates a sense of being well-protected within the rugged beauty of the Olympics, making Silver Lakes a must-visit spot.
I highly recommend hiking to the saddle above Silver Lakes. It’s a short half-mile climb with 400 feet of elevation gain, and the views are absolutely worth it. From the top, you’ll see peaks like Mount Constance and Warrior Peak, and on clear days, even Mount Rainier in the distance.
#3 Mount Townsend: Panoramic Summit Views
The third permit-free camping option is Mount Townsend, a classic 8.5 mile hike in Olympic National Forest known for its panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and even Mount Rainier on clear days.
Most hikers who camp along the Mount Townsend trail will use Camp Windy as their base camp but the best views are only a mile further up the trail (although you’ll have to put in another 1,000 feet of elevation gain).
The initial camping area is left of the main trail and has numerous trees that will provide excellent tree cover from the wind. And yes it can get super windy up here! So if the forecast calls for anything but calm winds then this is your best location to camp.
Further up the trail, just below the summit of Mount Townsend, you’ll come across a grassy area that could serve as a great camping spot. While it’s exposed to the elements and best suited for calm weather, the views from here are nothing short of spectacular. This location offers the unique opportunity to enjoy both a stunning sunset and a breathtaking sunrise.
Similar to Marmot Pass, there is no water available near the summit of Mount Townsend. Make sure to fill up at Camp Windy during the summer months, as it’s your last reliable water source. In winter, be prepared to boil snow for drinking water.
Comparing the Top Permit-Free Camping Spots Near Olympic National Park
Here’s a quick comparison of the three permit-free camping spots to help you decide which one is best for your next backpacking trip:
| Camping Area | Distance | Elevation Gain | Highlights | Best For |
| Marmot Pass | 12.5 miles | 3,976 feet | Panoramic mountain views | wildlife enthusiasts |
| Silver Lakes | 13.1 miles | 3,894 feet | Alpine lake camping | Fishing and lake lovers |
| Mount Townsend | 8.5 miles | 2,982 feet | Summit views, sunset/sunrise | Photographers |
Best Time to Backpack These Permit Free Hikes
All three of these permit-free hikes are located within a 20-mile radius of each other and share similar elevations, meaning trail conditions will be comparable. For the best experience, plan your trip between June and October, when snow has melted and the trails are in their prime.
That said, these hikes are also doable in the winter if you’re prepared. Expect deep snow along portions of the trail, and be aware of avalanche risks, as all three routes traverse steep slopes. Always check the forecast and bring the proper gear if hiking in winter conditions.
Why These Permit-Free Camping Spots Should Be on Your List
Marmot Pass, Silver Lakes, and Mount Townsend each offer something unique, but they all have one thing in common—epic views without the hassle of needing a permit. These spots are perfect for those last-minute trips when you just want to head out for an overnight backpacking trip. Whether you’re into alpine lakes, panoramic ridge lines, or catching a sunrise from the summit, these hikes have you covered.
