Olympic National Park

CONTENTS

Olympic National Park

Glacier capped mountains, wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth forests, including temperate rain forests -- at Olympic National Park, you can find all three. About 95% of the park is designated wilderness, which further protects these diverse and spectacular ecosystems. Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, and later the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and 15 kinds of animals are found on the peninsula but no where else on Earth.

IN DEPTH

Sights To See The three areas of Olympic National Park—the mountains, forest and coast—may be accessed by U.S. 101 with spur roads leading to some areas. For an orientation to the park,...read more

Walking & Hiking Whatever your choice, hiking in Olympic can be a wondrous experience. The following self-guiding trails range from 0.5-mile to 3.2 miles round trip and some are accessible...read more

Who's Who National Park Service (NPS) Since its founding in 1916, the NPS has endeavored to preserve America's parklands for future generations. Contact the NPS at Olympic National Park, 600 East Park...read more

Activities & Programs From nature walks to snowshoeing, there is much to do in Olympic year-round. SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL Park Programs The NPS offers free programs in the summer, including coastal forest walks...read more

Campgrounds Altaire 30 yes $ 12 Deer Park 14 no $ 10 Elwha 40 yes $ 12 Fairholme 88 yes $ 12 Graves Creek 30 no $ 12 Heart O' the Hills 105 yes $ 12 Hoh 88 yes $ 12 Kalaloch 170 yes $ 14, $18** Mora 95 yes $ 12 North Fork 9 no $ 10 Ozette 15 yes $ 12 Queets 20 no $ 10 Sol Duc 82 yes $ 14 South Beach 50 yes $ 10 Staircase 56 yes $ 12 * For...read more

Camping Whether it's deep in the rain forest, on a lakeshore or on a cliff above the ocean, camping in Olympic National Park is truly outstanding. Campsites are available on...read more

Did You Know? Olympic was established in 1938 and receives more than three million visitors per...read more

Hiking Trails Ozette Lake-Cape Alava-Sand Point Trail — moderate Beginning on the shores of Ozette Lake, this 9.3-mile loop trail follows a wooden walkway 3.3 miles through lush, coastal forest to Cape...read more

History The Olympic Peninsula was an Eden for its early inhabitants. Today, American Indians are still a strong presence on the Olympic Peninsula. In fact, Olympic National Park is close...read more

Lodging & Dining Kalaloch Lodge The lodge is located on the scenic coast off U.S. 101, 36 miles south of Forks. There are 44 cabins with kitchenettes; 20 sit right on a coastal...read more