Olympic National Park in October

Summer is peak season for good reason. July through September offers the best weather, with temperatures in the 70s and minimal rain. But here's the catch — everyone else knows this too. Expect crowds at Hurricane Ridge and long waits for campsites. June works well if you don't mind some lingering snow at higher elevations. The wildflowers start blooming in alpine meadows, and you'll beat the worst crowds. Plus, hotel rates haven't hit peak summer prices yet. Winter transforms the park completely. Hurricane Ridge becomes a snow playground with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The coast stays relatively mild, and you might have Ruby Beach almost to yourself. But many roads close, and weather can change fast. Avoid October through March unless you're prepared for rain. The peninsula gets 12+ feet of precipitation annually, most of it falling during these months. The rainforest looks magical in the mist, but hiking becomes muddy and miserable.