Hikers Stranded Overnight in Olympic National Park Due to Storm

A severe storm in Olympic National Park stranded about a dozen hikers for nearly 24 hours due to fallen trees blocking roads. Kathleen Hart, a hiker, shared her experience after seeking shelter with others under challenging weather conditions.

Hart was hiking with a friend in Washington state when a road was blocked by a fallen tree around 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. The pair decided to return to the visitor center but encountered another blockage due to a second tree. The extreme weather, with thunder and lightning, heightened the danger.

We were just trying to find a place to not get hit by a tree that was falling. And with the thunder and lightning, it made it even more scary, Hart told KOMO-TV.

In search of safety, Hart and her friend reached an open parking lot near Hoh Road, joining others stuck there with six additional cars. Despite limited food and water, Hart noted the group remained supportive and protective of each other.

Attempts to reach authorities led Hart to contact local police and 911 multiple times, who instructed her to reach out to park rangers. Hart only made contact with a ranger the following day at noon, Nov. 8. By 1:30 p.m., rangers had cleared the road, allowing the group to leave by 2 p.m.

A statement from Olympic National Park confirmed the storm’s impact, with strong winds and heavy precipitation causing power outages and road closures. All roads and affected areas have since reopened.