Olympic National Park
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Olympic National Park and where is it?
This is a national park on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, USA - almost a million acres of wilderness. Mount Olympus rises to almost 2400 meters. Since 1981, the park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Why is there a rainforest, mountains, and ocean in one park?
Because there are as many as four different worlds next to each other here: the Pacific coast over a hundred kilometers long, glaciated mountains, a humid tropical forest in the west and drier forests in the east. You can see completely different landscapes in one day.
What to see first?
The Hoh Rainforest, with over 3.5 meters of rainfall per year, the Hurricane Ridge lookout in the mountains and the rocky coast with tidal pools and stone pillars in the ocean. There are no roads leading deep into the heart of the park - you can only get there on foot.
When is the best time to go?
July, August and September - long dry periods occur here, so summer is the most comfortable even for walks through the rainforest. In winter, the mountains are covered with snow, and this is the season for backcountry skiing.
How to get there?
The nearest city is Port Angeles in Washington, where most routes start. Several roads lead to the outskirts of the park, but then you will have to rely on your own feet.
