Olympic National Park is on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. It is as unique as it is visually stunning. The rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforest, and Olympic mountain range come together to form a landscape like no other. Plentiful precipitation contributes to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region. To the west of the park is rainforest, with a thick woodland of gigantic Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western Redcedar trees, among many other trees, shrubs, and plants. The majestic Olympic Mountains stand in the middle of the park, with glaciers feeding into crystalline lakes and rivers below. The Pacific coastline stretches for 73 miles through the park, and these waters help contribute to its thriving greenery.
To the east are some nature-rich meadows with distinctive alpine zones. Despite the mountain snow, there is abundant wildlife in the park. Animals live in the sub-alpine areas year round including snowshoe hares, black bears, and blue grouse. Also in abundance here are fir trees and wildflowers. The alpine region grows a different variety of plants that can survive on the rocky, glaciated mountains. Birds and small mammals such as chipmunks can be found in this terrain.
The rest of the park’s overall climate is variable, depending on the season and elevation. It might go from sunny and warm to cold and rainy in the course of a few hours. In fact, Olympic National Park receives more rain than anywhere else in the continental United States, so visitors should come prepared for diverse weather conditions. There are many interconnected hiking trails throughout the park. There is a fabulous view of Strait of Juan de Fuca from Hurricane Ridge – one of the most popular park destinations. Hurricane Ridge is also accessible by car. The Hoh River Valley and rainforest is another popular destination with an abundance of nature trails, a visitor center, and a picnic area.
Many lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and natural hot springs are a hike away. Some famous tourist attractions include the Olympic and Sol Duc Hot Springs. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are fun adventures on the lowland rivers and lakes. Lake Crescent and Ozette Lake are nice places to canoe or take a boating trip. Fishing is a great option throughout the park, and a license isn’t required within its boundaries. The lakes and rivers in the Northwest are known for their salmon, trout, and steelhead. Mountain biking is another fun summer activity, and the Spruce Railroad Trail near Lake Crescent is the main biking path. Llama trips are a unique feature at the park. There are also designated areas for horseback riding and mountain climbing. Mount Olympus is a main attraction for climbers, rising nearly 8,000 feet. The Rialto Beach on the ocean is another famous place hikers go to catch a gorgeous sunset.
The park is also fun to visit in the wintertime. This mountainous region provides winter recreation at places such as Hurricane Ridge and Snowboard Area. People also like to cross-country ski and snowshoe here because there are so many paths and trails to take. The lowland region of the park is temperate enough to explore in the winter months if you don’t mind the rain. Olympic National Park is a setting for every kind of outdoor enthusiast all year.
To learn more about activities and lodging in Olympic National Park visit www.NationalParkReservations.com/olympic.htm You can also find great travel deals and earn free vacations by visiting Resorts 360 Vacations at www.Resorts-360.com
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