Spanning nearly one-million acres at the western edge of the state of Washington, Olympic National Park showcases some of the country’s most diverse landscapes. To the west, beaches scattered with sea cliffs and brimming with tide pools beg exploration. Woven through the park’s massive acreage, old-growth rain forests harbor towering moss-covered trees. At its heart, snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape with Mount Olympus leading the upward rise at 7,979 feet. Declared a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938, Olympic National Park possesses three distinct ecosystems and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
As a travel journalist constantly craving epic landscapes and sources of adventure, I couldn’t be more impressed with Olympic National Park. For this month’s column, I’m sharing my initial insights through photos. If you’re seeking a unique national park experience, Olympic National Park should be at the top of your list.
Olympic National Park’s Crown Jewel: Mount Olympus
Glaciers and snow-capped mountains reign supreme in the Olympus Mountain Range.
Duncan Memorial
The Duncan Memorial is the world’s largest red cedar tree. It’s named for the logger who made the wise decision not to cut it down years ago.
Elwha River
The peaceful Elwha River represents a small section of the more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams in the park.
Lake Crescent
Glacial lakes including Lake Crescent add to the park’s grandeur.
Sol Duc Falls
The three-tier Sol Duc Falls is one of the park’s favorite hikes.
Sea Stacks at Sunset
Ending the day with a sunset highlighting the sea stacks on Ruby Beach.