Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park

3 million visitors per year – 1,441 square miles – the best example of virgin temperate rain forest in the country. 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA.

On a relatively isolated peninsula with no roads traversing it, Olympic is one of the most pristine of the nation's parks. It has been referred to as the last frontier. It divides into three distinct environments: rugged coastline, virgin temperate rain forest, and rugged mountains, at the foot of which is the largest intact strand of coniferous forest in the lower 48 states. The park also plays host to 60 active glaciers.

Peak season tips: Though three-quarters of the precipitation falls from October 1 to March 31, Olympic still receives mroe rain than any other area in the United States. Always bring rain gear.

Camping : Nestled in thickets of spruce, the main coastal campgrounds of Kalaloch and Mora proide privacy and a sense of wilderness. For an even greater sense of solitude, try one of the two smaller campgrounds, Ozette Lake or Erocson's Bay – the latter is accessible only by canoe. All of the coastal campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Hoh campground is the largest in the rain forest. The four smaller campgrounds, especially the 29-site July Creek campground on Quinault Lake, have more privacy and better wildlife-watching.

On the mountain, the Deer Park campground, at an elevation of 5,400 feet, feels remote but it is accessible by car and provides an excellent base from which to explore the mountains.

Most of the 17 developed mountain campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but group reservations at Kalaloch and Mora campgrounds can be made through either the Kalaloch park ranger or the Mora park ranger.

Best one-day trip: On a drive up Route 101, you can take in the park's harbor seals, gigantic driftwood, and tide pools teeming with activity along the coast. On the right, you'll pass a sign for the world's largest cedar tree. Switch off onto the spur road to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. There is a ¾-mile round-trip hike that winds through the dense rain forest at the end of the road. Back in your car, turn onto the road to the Mora Campground, where there are several short scenic trails along the beach.

Flowers, just sakura flowers. Photo by Elena.