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Olympic -- Washington

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Descriptive:
An astounding study in contrasts, Olympic National Park's unspoiled landscape features over fifty glaciers, a lush rain forest, tranquil lakes, icy mountains and pounding surf. Bordering the Pacific Ocean, the distinct climates and ecosystems within Olympic National Park is a contrasting hodgepodge of unspoiled wilderness. The heart of the Park, Mount Olympus, is the silent king of this rugged terrain at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet. More than 600 miles of trails cut through Olympic National Park.

The Roosevelt elk can be seen in the Park on rare occasions in some valleys near the rain forest or high country meadows and can weigh as much as a thousand pounds.

Geography/terrain:
The sea pounds against the jagged shore along a fifty mile stretch of wild, rocky coastline. The actual beaches range from rocks and pebbles, to broader sand beaches, to tidepools.

Inland, the Hoh Rain Forest is fecund with the 140 inches of precipitation it receives yearly. Trees hang draped in flowing mosses and ferns grow madly on the forest floor.

From anywhere in the Park, one can look up and see the stately peaks of the mountain range, covered in snow, where the Blue Glacier receives more than 500 inches of snow yearly.

Vegetation:
Sea kelp

Cedar trees
Douglas fir
Western hemlock
Pacific silver fir
Alaska cedar
Black cottonwood,
Maple
Alder

Lilies
Lupine
Bluebell

Wildlife:
Roosevelt elk
Bears
Deer
Marmot

Whale
Sea lions

Hummingbird
Woodpecker
Finch
Heron
Ravens
Cormorants
Gulls
Bald eagle

Key locations:
Hurricane Ridge provides superb views of the Olympic mountain range and Elwha valley; Big Meadow Walk begins here.

Hoh Rain Forest is a lush and luxuriant ecosystem, resembling a tropical rain forest, in the midst of the Pacific Northwest.

Olympic Hot Spring area, which is not for bathers, and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are both within the Park. For an additional charge, a hot mineral bath at Sol Duc is a nice way to end a day's hiking.

Lake Crescent is a beautifully serene mountain lake with azure waters.

Activities:
Horseback riding
Boating
Swimming
Fishing
Mountain climbing
Skiing
River rafting

Trails:
Alpine Wildflower Nature Trail
Big Meadow Nature Trail
Grand Valley Trail
Hall of Mosses Trail
Hurricane Hill Trail
Marymere Falls Nature Trail
Rain Forest Nature Trail
Soleduck Falls Trail
Spruce Burl Trail
Spruce Nature Trail