Olympic National Park - map, photos and other informations

Description

Olympic National Park is an American national park located in the state of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. Established in 1938, this park encompasses over 922,000 acres of land and 295 miles of wild and scenic coastline. It is the fifth-most-visited national park in the United States and is known for its vast, unspoiled terrain of glacier-capped mountains, rugged Pacific coastline, and ancient forests.

The Olympic National Park features five distinct ecosystems: the seashore, the alpine, the montane, the rainforest, and the temperate forest. Within this variety of habitats, Olympic National Park is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, with more than 1,000 species of plants and 300 species of animals living in the park. The park is also home to 15 species of mammals and 23 species of fish, including the Olympic Marmot, the Olympic Mountain goat, and five species of salmon and trout.

For visitors, Olympic National Park offers incredible views and endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. From hiking and camping to kayaking and fishing, Olympic National Park has something for everyone. Popular camping, fishing, and mountain-biking spots are located throughout the park, and visitors are treated to magnificent views along the winding paths of the Olympic Mountain range, especially on the popular Hurricane Ridge Road. The park is also home to the Hoh Rainforest – one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy a unique mix of sights and smells in this lush, pristine forest and get a special chance at spotting one of the local wildlife species.

The history of Olympic National Park stretches back as far as the late 18th century, when exploration of the Olympic Peninsula by Europeans began. In the early 20th century, the Olympic Peninsula was recognized as an important source of hydropower and timber, and the conservation of the land’s resources was heavily debated by individuals and organizations alike. Finally, in 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the act that created the Olympic National Park.

Since it was established, Olympic National Park has been a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Visitors come from around the world to explore this pristine, untouched environment and take advantage of the endless opportunities for adventure that the park provides. With so many different ecosystems, breathtaking views, and an abundance of wildlife, Olympic National Park is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest.

Photos of Olympic National Park

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Olympic National Park

Where is Olympic National Park located?

Olympic National Park is located in the State of Washington in the United States. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Seattle, a 3-hour drive from Portland, a 3.5-hour drive from Tacoma, and a 4.5-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia.

What to do and see in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Popular activities include touring the park's lush rainforest, hiking along the rugged coast or summiting one of several breathtaking mountain peaks. Visitors can also explore lush meadows, beautiful waterfalls, and deep lakes. In addition, visitors can visit historic sites such as the Hoh Rainforest and Elwha River.

Are dogs allowed in Olympic National Park?

No, dogs and other pets are not permitted on any trails in Olympic National Park and are discouraged in the park in general. Dogs are only allowed in developed areas of the park and must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.

What animals are in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is home to many species of native animals including bobcats, black-tailed deer, elk, Roosevelt elk, cougars, black bears, river otters, shrews, bats, coyotes, lynx, gray wolves, foxes, mountain goats, harbor seals, sea lions, river otters and gray whales.

Average weather in Olympic National Park

Temp max Temp min Rain Snow
Jan 4 °C -1 °C 239 mm 97 mm
Feb 3 °C -2 °C 127 mm 90 mm
Mar 5 °C -1 °C 144 mm 95 mm
Apr 8 °C 1 °C 121 mm 47 mm
May 13 °C 5 °C 102 mm 7 mm
Jun 15 °C 8 °C 85 mm 0 mm
Jul 19 °C 11 °C 27 mm 0 mm
Aug 20 °C 12 °C 36 mm 0 mm
Sep 16 °C 9 °C 126 mm 0 mm
Oct 11 °C 5 °C 280 mm 5 mm
Nov 6 °C 1 °C 308 mm 60 mm
Dec 2 °C -2 °C 201 mm 117 mm

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