Olympic National Park

Situated on the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest is the stunning Olympic National Park where you can see not one, not two, but three very different environments all within one place!

Pacific coastline, Olympic Mountains, and temperate rainforest await visitors to this national park, but being so large you will need to allow yourself plenty of time to properly explore. You can reach the park by car or RV but there are hardly any roads to take you into the real wilderness, somewhere you’ll have to explore on foot. However, many excellent sections of park, in the outer regions, can be accessed by vehicle and still give you the opportunity to see parts of all three regions.

In the coastal region, 73 miles of coastline is rugged yet extremely beautiful and features plenty of sandy beaches. The coast is best explored by hiking either the 3 mile Lake Ozette trail or the 9 mile Ozette Loop.

On the western side of the park temperate rainforest has thrived in the wet environment and you’ll see an abundance of moss clad coniferous trees. For a good introduction try the Hall of Moss Trail which is suitable for the whole family at a comfortable mile and a half to a grove of older trees, including Douglas Firs and Western Hemlock.

Standing tall and proud above it all are the Olympic Mountains, right at the center of the national park. These mountains are covered in ancient glaciers, including the Hoh Glacier that’s around 3 miles long and is on Mount Olympus. The peak of Mount Olympus can be reached on foot via an 18 mile hike from the Hoh Visitor Center, and although the trail is well maintained this shouldn’t be attempted without a good pair of hiking boots and hiking gear.

With all these different environments it’s no surprise that the Olympic National Park is home to many different species of flora and fauna too, many of which are unique to here. Kids usually find the Banana Slugs to be particularly fun ones to look out for – these bright yellow slugs can grow several inches long!

There are many ways we can help to show you the Olympic Peninsula and National Park, especially from the water. Sea kayaks, float trips, or whitewater rafting are all available, just let us know which one you’d like to try.

Quick Facts:
--- Olympic National Park began life as a National Monument in 1909 but was re-designated a national park in 1938. Since this time the wonderful natural scenery has also earned it a place on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and it’s been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve too; an impressive list of credentials for sure!