Travel Blog: Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park Mountain Reflection

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Olympic National Park is a truly unique site, known widely for its diversity; here you can experience one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US, witness huge snowy mountains, view scenic rivers, and walk along 70+ miles of coastline without ever leaving the park. The park includes four major ecosystems: subalpine, temperate rain forest, coastal, and lowland forest. If you're looking for vast wilderness, Olympic National Park is the place to go. There is something for everyone here: fishing, hiking, biking, boat tours, paddle boarding, and even spots to dine and shop throughout the park. Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake, is a great place to visit for some of these activities - here you can rent a rowboat or kayak, or go for a picnic. With its clear waters and beautiful scenery it is definitely a spot you can stay at all day.

Olympic National Park Rain Forest

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The Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Rainforest is a must see when visiting Olympic National Park. This forest gets its name from the Hoh River that flows from Mount Olympus to the coast. It is an enchanting rain forest that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale with its lush greenery and thick covering of moss. You can visit popular trails here, such as the Hall of Mosses trail, a short trail that takes you through an old growth forest where the trees are draped with vibrant mosses.

Staying at Olympic National Park

With so much to see, it's a good idea to stay overnight to experience all Olympic National Park has to offer. The National Park offers both campgrounds and wilderness camping locations, both of which can be made by reservation. If you’re looking for an easier stay, the park also offers lodging accommodations. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a popular choice. Here you can stay in a cabin surrounded by an evergreen forest right beside a river, with many natural hot springs within walking distance and hot spring pool access.

Click here to visit the Olympic National Park official website, where you can plan your entire stay.

Travel Blog written by Sarah Desmarais
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps