Olympic National Park
Located on 1,441 square mile Olympic National Park is a favorite of residents and visitors alike. The Park’s pristine natural beauty is composed of 3 distinct ecosystems—the subalpine forest and the meadow, the temperate forest, and the Pacific shore. It has also been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage site by the United Nations.
The large park is encompassed by the Olympic Mountains and has 13 rivers running throughout-much like slices of a pizza. Consequently, there is no one road which traverses the entire park. It is home to unique plants like the Olympic mountain milkvetch and indigenous animals such as the Olympic marmot, the Olympic mazama pocket gopher and the Olympic mud minnow.
The park’s proximity to the beach allows it to receive moist, cool air as well as an average rainfall of 200 inches annually--making it the wettest climate in the lower 48 states. The best time to visit is during the summer, but come prepared for cooler temperatures, fog or rain. When planning your tour of Mount Olympic and the surrounding Park areas, you will want to allow for at least 3 days.
Kayaking in Olympic National Park
Thanks to the 13 rivers that divided the park, you can enter and explore the majestic region a variety of ways ranging from kayaks to canoes. Due to the often treacherous waters, you will want to enlist the help of a guide company to visit this beautiful National Park by water.
Beaches of Olympic National Park
Along route 101 and 112, you will find many beach areas. On Rialto Beach near Forks, you can hike along the coast and see offshore rocks. The beach at Port Angeles has many offerings. You can visit Hurricane Ridge; go on art walks, heritage tours, visit the NOAA Olympic Coast Discovery Center and visit quaint shops and great eateries. For beach combing, bird watching and fishing head to Sekiu, Challam Bay or La Push.
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