Olympic National Park looks like something out of a fairy tale or movie.
Its beauty is unreal.
“We have rugged, glacier-capped mountains, more than 90 miles of rugged Pacific coastline, and huge, spectacular forests of old-growth and temperate rainforest,” said Molly Pittman, public relations specialist for the park. he said. “Every shade of green you can imagine.”
Located in northwest Washington, this park covers more than 922,000 acres, 95% of which is designated as a nature preserve.
“Those who have never visited this part of the country before may be most surprised by the size of the trees, and perhaps also by the richness of the plant cultivation,” Pittman said. .
Here's what travelers can expect at Olympic National Park, the latest park in USA TODAY's annual series.
What is so special about Olympic National Park?
Olympic National Park's three distinct ecosystems offer visitors a world of opportunities.
“You can walk along the coast and see the power of the Pacific Ocean,” Pittman said. “He can spend a week hiking into the backcountry through Olympic National Park. You can drive up to Hurricane Ridge and see the ocean with the mountain peaks.”
Whatever visitors do, “come with a sense of discovery because there's a lot to stumble on and explore here,” she said.
What are the most beautiful places in Olympic National Park?
“I love walking through the rainforest on the Ho or Staircase and counting the different shades of green,” Pittman said. “For me, it's one of the most beautiful places in the park.”
There is no one place that is the most beautiful.
“You'll get different answers depending on which ranger you ask,” she added.
What is the best month to go to Olympic National Park?
Pittman said June is one of her favorite months at the park because of the nice weather and long days, but any time of year is a great time to visit.
“It depends on what you want to do,” she said. “If you want expansive views, summer is the perfect time to visit. If you enjoy winter sports like backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, winter can be a great time. It's all possible at the Olympics. .”
She noted that the weather can change quickly in the park. “So it’s very important to pay attention to climate changes when planning, and also pay attention to tidal charts when exploring the coastline.”
How long does it take to visit Olympic National Park?
“You can explore one area a day, but I like to explore at least three,” Pittman says. “I would like to spend a day in each ecosystem.”
She said visitors should also factor in the time it will take to get to and from the park.
Do I have to take a ferry to go to Olympic National Park?
No, you can drive the whole way, but many visitors may choose to take a ferry for part of the journey.
“It's kind of uplifting to be riding the ferry across,” Pittman said. “If you're lucky, you can see where you're going unless it's covered in clouds. It's just a special place.”
Once visitors cross Puget Sound, they still have a long way to go.
“If you take the ferry from SeaTac and take either the Bainbridge or Kingston/Edmonds ferries, it still takes about an hour and a half to get to the Port Angeles Visitor Center,” Pittman said. .
Can I drive to Olympic National Park?
yes. Visitors coming from areas to the south can drive up Interstate 5. If you're coming from the east, you can also head north up the peninsula through Tacoma. Directions to the various attractions are available on the park's website.
“It's quite a journey to get here,” Pittman said, noting that almost the entire park is surrounded by Washington State Route 101. Alternatively, you can drive to the park through the Olympic National Forest. ”
There is a $30 admission fee for private vehicles.
Which major cities are near Olympic National Park?
Seattle is approximately 2.5 hours away by car and has the closest major airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Visitors will want to stay nearby to make the most of their time at the park.
“Planning to explore the mountains of Hurricane Ridge or the waterfalls of Sol Duc? Consider basing yourself in Port Angeles, Washington, or near Crescent Lake,” the park suggests on its website. “Would you like to stroll through the lush Hoh rainforest or coastal tidal pools? Think home to the Forks, Washington area.” (Yes, Forks, like in Twilight)
There are also lodging facilities and a campground within the park. Permits are required for overnight trips in the wilderness. These are available at Recreation.gov or the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100.
Are there grizzly bears in Olympic National Park?
No, but there are black bears. Other notable wildlife species include the Olympic marmot, the Olympic snow mole, and the Olympic torrent's salamander. These are not found anywhere else in the world.
According to the park's website, Olympic is home to the Pacific Northwest's largest unmanaged herd of Roosevelt elk (the continent's largest elk species) and Fisher, a weasel relative reintroduced to the park due to overhunting. It is said that he is protecting it. Disappeared from the state decades ago.
“Salmon is actually a pretty important species for the Olympics,” Pittman added. “They are one of the species that connects our oceans and forests, and they have cultural significance for the indigenous peoples of this region and the tribes who live here.”
What indigenous peoples are associated with Olympic National Park?
Eight indigenous tribes have historical ties to the lands surrounding Olympic National Park.
Travelers interested in learning more about the tribe can visit the Carnegie Museum in Port Angeles, the Maca Museum in Neah Bay, the Quinault Cultural Center in Tahola, and the House of Seven Generations, a virtual museum of the Jamestown-Sklallam tribe.
Native travel:You'll never see America the same way after these travel experiences
