The Hoh Rain Forest receives between 12 and 14 feet of precipitation annually, making it one of the wettest places in the continental U.S.
Olympic National Park is home to the largest unmanaged herd of Roosevelt elk in the Pacific Northwest.
The park contains the most significant concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 states, with over 250 identified.
It is home to several endemic species found nowhere else on earth, including the Olympic marmot, the Olympic torrent salamander, and the Olympic chipmunk.
The park’s coastline is one of the longest wilderness stretches of beach in the contiguous United States.
The park was originally established as a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 to protect the Olympic elk.
The Elwha River ecosystem underwent one of the largest dam removal projects in history, aimed at restoring salmon migration patterns.
The park has no roads that cross through the center of its mountainous interior.
Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres across three distinct ecosystems: subalpine forest and wildflower meadows, temperate rain forests, and rugged Pacific coastline. It is the only place in the contiguous United States to feature a temperate rain forest, located primarily in the Hoh Valley. Mount Olympus serves as the centerpiece of the park, reaching an elevation of 7,965 feet. The park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its biological diversity. Visitors can experience ocean beaches with massive driftwood and sea stacks, alpine peaks, and lush, moss-draped forest canopies within a single drive. The park contains over 600 miles of hiking trails. It is geographically isolated on the Olympic Peninsula, separated from the Seattle metropolitan area by the Puget Sound. Glaciers remain present on the high peaks, though they are subject to retreat due to climate changes.
Hurricane Ridge for panoramic mountain vistas or Ruby Beach for iconic sea stacks and driftwood at sunset.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular service is virtually non-existent throughout most of the interior and coastal areas.
Carry a tide chart if exploring the coastal beaches, as high tide can trap hikers against cliffs at several major headlands.
Pack layers for rapidly changing weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly between the coast and the high-elevation Hurricane Ridge.
Attempting to see the entire park in a single day, as the driving distances between the diverse ecosystems are significant.
Hurricane Ridge Road may close temporarily during winter due to heavy snow; specific forest roads and campgrounds operate seasonally or may close for maintenance.
Practice strict Leave No Trace principles; store all food in bear-resistant canisters in the backcountry; leashed pets are allowed only on specific, limited trails.
