Olympic National Park, located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, caters to all types of nature lovers, from hikers to stargazers to boaters and photographers. Among its almost 1 million acres, tourists can explore glacier-capped mountains, hike through old-growth temperate rainforests, and admire more than 70 miles of unspoiled shoreline.
The park was established in 1897, when President Grover Cleveland designated it as the Olympic Forest Reserve in response to mounting concerns about the area’s vanishing forests. In reaction to the Roosevelt Elk population’s decline, President Theodore Roosevelt established a portion of the reserve as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909. It wasn’t officially designated a national park until 1938, due to President Franklin Roosevelt. Currently, the park is both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
Best months to visit
The optimum season to visit Olympic National Park is from July to August. When temperatures are typically mild, most roads and facilities are open, and a wide selection of activities are available. The Olympic Bugler, the park’s digital weekly, has an updated schedule of seasonal activities. Olympic National Park is open 24 hours a day every year, however from October to May, several roads, campgrounds. And other visitor facilities are closed or have reduced hours.
Always remember that the weather in the Olympics can be unexpected, regardless of what the calendar indicates. It might vary greatly from one part of the park to another. Before your journey, check the National Park Service website for current conditions. And consider purchasing cancel for any reason travel insurance in case inclement weather threatens to ruin your vacation.
How to Save Money at Olympic National Park
Visit during an entrance-free day. All national parks provide free entrance four days a year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week (April), and Veterans Day, among others.
Camp out. There are 14 campgrounds in the park, and camping starts at $15 per night, so roughing it might save you a lot of money.
Pack a picnic. There are plenty of gorgeous spots to enjoy a picnic, so plan ahead and bring your own food. Picnic tables can be found throughout the park, including Rialto Beach. Which has views of the Pacific Ocean, inside the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge. Which has views of the Olympic Mountains, and several other locations. If you begin your visit in the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, you will find tables immediately outside.
What to Eat?
Several lodges within the park provide lodging as well as restaurants, cafes, and delis. The Creekside Restaurant at Kalaloch Lodge, the only one open year-round, serves local fare while offering beautiful ocean views. Admirably, the restaurant claims that many of its food and beverage items are either supplied within 150 miles, certified organic, or both. Even the wine list is local; only wines from Washington State are served. The Kalaloch Mercantile, located next to the resort, sells ready-to-eat meals, snacks, groceries, bottled water, beer and wine, and other sundries.
Safety in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a true gem, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual nature lover, or a photographer seeking stunning vistas. You’ll find something to inspire you. By planning your trip wisely, respecting the park’s wildlife, and embracing its natural beauty, you can create unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to the Olympic Peninsula!
Given the park’s expanse of nearly 1 million acres, it’s no wonder that guests must consider a variety of safety concerns, ranging from weather to wildlife. In any natural area, never approach, scare, or feed any wild animal you see. Observe wildlife from a distance, which at the Olympics means at least 50 yards, according to park rules. Make sure your food is adequately contained.
Mountain goats are among the animals found in Olympic National Park, and some have grown acclimated to humans and can become violent. If a goat approaches you, the park recommends that you slowly move away. If your escape is ineffective, chase it away by yelling, swinging your arms or clothing, or hurling pebbles. Bears are another creature that you may encounter. According to the park, there have been cases of violent bears, but only property has been destroyed, with no people wounded. If you see a bear on the trail, the park recommends giving it a wide space and making noise to scare it away.
Never come between a female bear and her cub. Cougars, sometimes known as mountain lions, dwell in the area, but encountering them is extremely rare. More mundane nuisances include black flies, deer flies, horse flies, mosquitoes, and yellow jackets, thus bug repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants are recommended.
Getting Around Olympic National Park
The best method to explore Olympic National Park is by automobile. The park’s approximately 1 million acres make it impossible to cover much land on foot, but you can take a bus to select locations.
Many tourists to Olympic National Park fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is located approximately 130 miles east. Car rentals abound at the airport and adjacent areas. Alternatively, Olympic Bus Lines operates the Dungeness Bus Line. Which services the Puget Sound area and travels from the airport to Sequim and Port Angeles. From there, you can use the Clallam Transit System to popular parks along Highway 101’s northern part.
Conclusion
Olympic National Park is a true gem, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual nature lover, or a photographer seeking stunning vistas. You’ll find something to inspire you. By planning your trip wisely, respecting the park’s wildlife, and embracing its natural beauty, you can create unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to the Olympic Peninsula!