The Olympic National Park has the distinction of being designated an Biosphere Reserve & World Heritage Park. The park is recognized internationally, because of its scenic and scientific value. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty. It contains the largest and best example of virgin temperate rain forest in the western hemisphere, the largest intact stand of coniferous forest in the continuous forty eight states, and the largest truly wild herd of Roosevelt elk. Fifty seven miles of spectacular coastline and numerous offshore islands combine with heavily forested mountain slopes, alpine meadows and glacier capped mountains in scenic splendor. The park contains a pristine ecosystem, with over twelve hundred varieties of plants, over three hundred species of birds, and over seventy species of mammals. At least eight kinds of plants and eighteen kinds of animals are found only on the Olympic Peninsula and nowhere else in the world.
Hurricane Ridge: Some 17 miles up a winding, well-tended road from Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is the showpiece of the park. Hub of most summer and winter activities, the Visitor Center is nested atop a strategic ridge from which visitors can enjoy stunning views of sub-alpine meadows, glacial summits and broad vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In summer, it's a great step-off point for day hikes or longer treks in the mountains among marmot and wildflowers. By winter, it's home to downhill skiing, snow-shoe walks and cross-country skiing.
Hoh Rain Forest: South of Forks and 19 miles off its Highway 101 turnoff, the Hoh Rain Forest with its 14 feet of annual rainfall is one of the last surviving primeval wonders of the world. It boasts some of the largest Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees in creation, with many reaching almost 300 feet in height and 23 feet in circumference. From the visitor center, you can select several ways of viewing this moss and fern-decorated wonderland: a short .75-mile self-guided walk through the Hall of Mosses; the 1.3-mile Spruce Nature trail into the heart of it all; and the more adventurous Hoh River Trail, a 17 mile entry to alpine meadows and glaciers.
Sol Duc: For it's short and long-term camping near waterfalls and hot springs, Sol Duc is a popular attraction in the park. From campsites and ample parking, it's just under a mile walk to the most photographed waterfalls in Western Washington. Many hikers begin their longer trips into the depths of the Olympics from this strategic location at the base of the alpine territory.
Coast Beaches: There is only one word for beaches in the park: spectacular. At some 3,300 square miles, the coast here is a designated national marine sanctuary, twice the size of Yosemite National Park. From Kalaloch in the south to Ruby Beach alone there are public paths or parking for six diverse and dynamic beaches. South of Mora near La Push are three public beaches, all short hiking distances from the road. Trails wind through wild forest and descend to log-strewn coastlines rich with sea mounts and islands. There is camping sites at Mora and Kalaloch and wild camping on the coasts. Campers, swimmers and surfers: Beware the tides!
