12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a magical national park to visit in Washington. Between the Olympic Mountains, temperate rainforests, and rocky Pacific coastline, it’s almost like experiencing three different parks all in one. Most people are pretty familiar with some areas in the park (like the Hall of Mosses Trail) – but here are some fun facts that you may not have heard before.
1. There are 100,000 more acres of wilderness in the Olympic National Park than the entire acreage of Rhode Island.
The Olympic Wilderness encompasses 876,669 acres, while Rhode Island is only 776,957 acres. This makes Olympic National Park a prime location for things to do outside in Washington!
2. One of the park's most incredible historical structures nearly fell into a river.
The Enchanted Valley Chalet was built back in 1930-31 and has been a classic destination for hikers ever since. In just the last couple of years, it was moved 8 feet east from its original location along the bank of the river, after water eroded the foundation underneath the old building.
3. The Olympic Mountains formed over 30 million years ago.
Mount Olympus may be the tallest of the Olympics, but it's hidden behind other mountains to the west, making it impossible to see from Seattle or any other towns on the peninsula. The best place to find a cozy viewpoint is from Hurricane Ridge.
6. The coastal region of the park is 73 miles long.
It's an 8-mile hike to this picture-perfect point on the southern end of Shi Shi Beach. Wander around and you'll see over 30 unique sea stack formations, as well as small caves, arches, and tide pools. If you're looking for unique hiking trails in Washington, this is one of the best.
8. The Hoh Rainforest gets nearly 140-170 inches of precipitation every year.
That's 12-14 feet of annual rain! The crazy amount of moisture results in the lush, green canopy along with moss and fern-blanketed surfaces everywhere. This beautiful and uncommon landscape is yet another reason Olympic National Park is one of the best parks in Washington.
9. There are 611 miles of trails in the park to explore...
Pictured is the boardwalk on the Cape Alava Trail. Going on this scenic 6-mile hike out to the western-most point of the country is like experiencing a dream. If you want to experience some of the best hiking trails in Washington, Olympic National Park is a great destination.
10. ...and over 3,000+ miles of rivers and streams.
Over a hundred lakes and 13 rivers are located within the park's boundaries. It's a perfect place for swimmers, boaters, fishers, or just being out by the water, providing so many things to do outside in Washington. Pictured is the Dosewallips River.
11. Olympic Marmots can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
These adorable rodents can only be seen on the middle elevations of the Olympic Peninsula. They're about the size of a typical house cat, with a long, distinct bushy tail. They usually prefer eating flowering plants, like glacier lilies.
12. The Olympic National Park is one of the most popular in the country and typically sees over 30 million visitors every year.
Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring Olympic National Park In Washington
February 21, 2022
Seirra Peace
Can I camp in Olympic National Park?
If you’re looking to go camping in the state of Washington, you will find no shortage of campgrounds in Washington’s national parks. For an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Hoh Campground in Olympic National Park. Located in the only temperate rainforest in North America, there are 88 roomy spaces for tents and cars with fire grates and picnic tables available for use, as well as potable water, bear-proof storage, and restrooms. With terrific sights and amenities, a fantastic time awaits you at Hoh Campground!
What are some hikes available in Olympic National Park?
There are so many trails to explore inside Olympic National Park! If you are looking for something on the more casual side, check out the trail up to Marymere Falls. It’s 1.7 miles in length and takes you past several smaller waterfalls along the way. Plus, the view from the top of the trail is insane! For the hikers who are up for a longer journey, the trek from Dosewallips to Lake Quinault is just your speed. Known as the Enchanted Valley, this trail is 34 miles long and is best tackled in smaller hikes over a few days. These trails are just two examples of the great hiking experiences available at Olympic National Park.
Can I visit a beach in Olympic National Park?
Shi Shi Beach is a great spot if you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the sand and sun. It is a bit on the secluded side, which makes it fantastic if you want some time alone, but it will take a bit of a hike to get there. The trail to Shi Shi Beach is a six-mile round trip, but the sights at this hidden beach are worth the hike. Prepare to be amazed by rock formations, tidal pools, and sea stacks, all found within Olympic National Park!
Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
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