Discover the Incredible Diversity of Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States!

Greg Heil

Images

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Shi Shi Beach Flickr Creative Commons

by Scott Neilson

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by John Fowler

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North Coast 1 Flickr Creative Commons

by Brian Holsclaw

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North Coast 2 Flickr Creative Commons

by Scott Neilson

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Rialto Beach Flickr Creative Commons

by Ralph Arvesen

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Community
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by James Butler

Community
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by James Butler

Community
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by James Butler

Community
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by James Butler

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The beach and island at Cape Alava

by US Forest Service

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Boardwalk trail through the rainforest

by US Forest Service

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The beach near Sand Point

by US Forest Service

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Olympic Hot Spring

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Olympic Hot Spring

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Olympic Hot Spring

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Olympic National Park

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by MattLphotography, Shutterstock

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Description

"With glacier-packed peaks, ancient forests, and a rugged coastline, Olympic is arguably one of the most diverse national parks in the country,” writes Brad Lane on PlanetWare.com. With so many options available spread over almost a million acres of land, figuring out where to start is often the biggest challenge! In this guidebook, you’ll discover a broad selection of Olympic National Park’s very best hikes.

Most visits to Olympic National Park begin at the Hoh Rain Forest. This deep, lush, moss-covered forest is a result of the incredible 140 inches of precipitation that the Hoh Rain Forest receives every year. "The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of [Olympic National Park’s] most popular destinations,” according to NPS.gov. To experience the Hoh Rain Forest, you can choose from short sightseeing hikes, an all-day epic, or even a multi-day backpacking itinerary that will take you all the way to the base of a glacier!

If you want to explore the wild and scenic coast of Olympic National Park, the North Coast Route provides an absolutely unbeatable multi-day backpacking itinerary! Sound like more than you want to bite off? Try out the Cape Alava Loop day hike instead.

If you prefer to head to the high ground, Mount Townsend or the Seven Lakes Loop will all satisfy your thirst for alpine views. To cap it all off, go soak in a hot spring and rest those weary muscles!

Sources:
NPS.gov: Olympic National Park
NPS.gov: Visiting the Hoh.
PlanetWare.com

Adventures

North Coast Route

Beach and headland navigation along Washington's rugged and remote northern coastline in Olympic National Park.

Ozette Triangle

Day hike or backpacking trip through towering rainforest and along a dramatic stretch of the Olympic Coast.

Olympic Hot Springs Trail

Wilderness hot springs deep in the forest, near a tumbling creek, and with backcountry camping nearby.

High Divide Loop

One of Washington’s premier backpacking routes, to alpine lakes and along a mountain crest in Olympic National Park.

Mount Townsend Trail

Ascend through mountainside forest and meadows to 360-degree views over Seattle, the Cascades, and the Olympic Peninsula.