Located in the northwestern corner of Washington State, Olympic National Park, (sometimes called Olympic Peninsula National Park), offers everything from sandy beaches to explore to a snow covered mountains to ski across there is also a great selection of natural hot springs where you can soothe your cares away. With three major types of ecosystems all within the boarders of Olympic you are sure to find something that suits you no matter what time of year you choose to visit. You can explore the coast, the forests, or high elevations. It is hard to rival the diversity found in Olympic National Park. Olympic is proud to boast the last remaining examples of temperate forests in North America. So whether you prefer a long walk on the beach or a challenging traverse through the mountain tops Olympic has it all!

The most popular time of year to visit the park is definitely summer. With everything open in the the park it easy to access any attraction you might be looking for. Keep in mind, this is when most visitors arrive, and Olympic National Park lodges do book up early so be sure to plan ahead!

Starting at the coast you will find over 70 miles of coastline to explore. Follow the tide pools and you are sure to spot many creatures of the sea exposed for all to observe. Make sure you are aware of high tide times though, one doesn't want to become stranded. Part of the coastline is met by cliffs jutting straight into the air which makes for some breathtaking panoramas.

Olympics Lowland Forests

Through the lowland forests you can hike, swim, or just sit and watch nature go by. Covered with mainly old growth forest this ecosystem includes the Staircase area, Heart O The Hills, Elwha, Lake Crescent area and the Sol Duc area.

The Temperate Rain Forests of Olympic Peninsula

The third ecosystem is what Olympic National Park, Washington is most known for, the Temperate Rain Forest. Lake Quinault, Queets, and Hoh are the three rainforests in the park. Each of these areas can receive up to 12 feet of rain a year! Giant Western Hemlocks, Douglas Firs, and Sitka Spruce are just a few of the common trees found in the park. With so much precipitation each year the temperate forest area is covered in hundreds of different types of plant life. With no real dry season it is several shades of green all year around!

Boasting over 600 miles of trails there is certainly a trail out there for you. From a paved wheelchair accessible 0.1 mile loop trail to a several day mountaineering excursion up a glacier there is plenty of options to choose from!

Another amazing natural feature you will find in Olympic is Sol Duc Hot Springs! Where one can soak your stress away, have a meal, a drink and an overall great time.

Olympic National Park In The Wintertime

Still open in the winter, Olympic National Park is an entirely different world! With the mountain tops blanketed in fresh fluffy white snow it brings out the snow lovers! With little to no snow on the beaches during the winter you can still go exploring at the seas edge also. There is a significant difference in the number of people from winter to summer, and you might find it slightly more relaxing in the winter months. Olympic National Park, WA offers everything from downhill and cross country skiing, to snowshoeing. Because of the lower elevations in the park there are still areas not touched by the snow. So if you still want to visit the park and want less hustle and bustle winter is your time. With minor closures due to weather the park is still quite accessible.

No matter the time of year you decide to vacation to Olympic National Park. Rest assured there is something for all to enjoy. Don't fall for the myth that summer is the only good time to visit Olympic Park, just because that is when it received the peak of it's visitors. It all depends on what you are looking for, what you want to experience, and what you want to explore! So come to look, walk, hike, swim, soak, or ride as you experience one of the most diverse regions left in the United States!

Other resources you might be interested in:

• Olympic National Park Lodging


• Cabins in Olympic National Park