Click image below to enlarge.

olympic

A site for National Park Fans

National Park Nerd

Olympic National Park feels like three different parks all in one. The reason for this is because of the Olympic Rain Forest, the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific coastline. Each one of these areas is truly beautiful. The Olympic Rain Forest is the only rain forest in America.

There are plenty of hikes in the Olympic Rain Forest that are absolutely incredible including the Hall of Mosses. This is probably one of the most notable hikes in the park because of all the mossy trees. While on this hike you may feel like you are in a fairy tale walking through an enchanted forest. The hike is only about a mile long, but there is always something amazing to see. On this hike, and others around the park, you may stumble across a giant banana slug - so always watch your step! Another good area to go on a hike is to Sol Duc Falls. The hike is only about a mile long and ends with a breathtaking view of the waterfall surrounded by beautiful moss. 

The Olympic Mountain Range towers above the forest with the highest point being the Mount Olympus summit at 7,980 feet above sea level. To get a great view of the mountains, drive up to Hurricane Ridge. The road ends at the Hurricane Ridge visitor center, where you can get a panoramic view of the entire Olympic Mountain Range. If you follow the road past the visitor center, it will lead to a hiking trail named Hurricane Hill Trail, where on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean. While near the visitor center be on the lookout for mountain goats, deer and elk.  

The Pacific Coast of the park is absolutely beautiful. There are numerous small islands just right off the coast that provide a gorgeous ocean seascape. When you get the chance to see a sunset at one of these beaches - you won't be disappointed. Ruby Beach is one of the better beaches to watch the sunset.  If you are brave enough to cross a small river on the right side of the beach, you will be rewarded with a wonderful sunset view with a few small islands that are close by the shoreline. However, weather conditions sometimes make it difficult to see the sunset, because this region receives the most rainfall in the United States. This means that you should always be prepared and remember to bring a rain jacket. Another great beach to visit is Second Beach by the town of La Push. There is a bit of a hike to get to this beach, so if you want to go at sunset make sure to bring headlamps for the trip back.

Olympic National Park is a place that is difficult to describe in words, because of its amazing beauty.