If you visit Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, you will want to check out the Olympic National Park. This large park encompasses several ecosystems, including old-growth forests and the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains. You will find various activities to enjoy, from backpacking to hiking.
Spruce Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a quick and easy hike to experience the rainforest in Olympic National Park, then the Spruce Nature Trail may be for you. With only a mile and a half of the looping trail, you will enjoy a pleasant and peaceful walk through lush and moss-covered trees.
The Spruce Nature Trail is located in the western portion of Olympic National Park. It is about 30 miles inland from the coast. You can take the trail in both directions, but the longer route leads to an elk herd.
The trail is a green singletrack that can be used in either direction. Hikers are surrounded by towering trees, including those growing from downed logs, and can observe the mighty Hoh River. This is an excellent hike for any skill level.
Located near the Hall of Mosses, the Spruce Nature Trail offers views of the Hoh River. It’s a quick and easy loop that takes you through old and new-growth forests.
Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway
The Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway runs 61 miles along the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula. This beautiful byway offers stunning views of the water and forests. It can be driven in under two hours and is an excellent road trip destination.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca is a coastal route known for its rocky shorelines. It is also home to some of the most impressive vistas in the world. Travelers on the Strait can experience kayaking through kelp forests, scuba diving offshore sea stacks, and freshwater kayaking.
Along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, salmon fishermen have come to the area for years. You can watch them dive, feed, or splash in the ocean. In the winter, you can watch bald eagles soar and hunt among the intertidal rocks.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway is a beautiful highway that leads to some of the best vistas in the world. Travelers can explore the coastline’s natural beauty while learning about the local history and traditions of the area.
Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most beautiful areas of Olympic National Park. It is located near Forks, Washington, and is accessible by car. In addition to being one of the wettest spots on Earth, Hoh is also the largest temperate rainforest in the United States.
There are plenty of things to do in the Hoh Rainforest. You can take a short hike through the Hall of Mosses or visit the visitor’s center to learn about the area’s ecology.
If you want to see something a little more unique, consider visiting the Hoh River Trail. This is a 17-mile trail that follows the contours of the Hoh River and offers the opportunity to see elk.
Hoh Rain Forest is also home to Roosevelt elk. Although these animals are rare, they are sometimes spotted.
Hoh Rainforest also offers the chance to visit a national park that is much less traveled than other parts of Olympic National Park. During the summer months, the visitor’s center is open daily. However, it may be closed on weekdays in the winter.
Mt Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the Olympic range. The mountain is located in Olympic National Park and is the park’s centerpiece. It is the third most isolated peak in Washington state.
Mount Olympus is a glaciated massif. Its glaciers are the Hoh, Blue, and White. These three glaciers have terminals below 4,000 feet. When warm temperatures are present, they melt. This creates an alpine ecosystem with glacial lakes.
Mount Olympus is home to Greek mythology’s Twelve Gods. In addition to this cultural and natural significance, the mountain is essential to mountaineers. Because of its size, complexity, and elevation, it is one of the most challenging mountains in the United States. To get to the summit, you must travel through various terrains.
The mountain is home to many peaks. Four major peaks are Mytikas, East Peak, Middle Peak, and West Peak. There are also dozens of minor peaks.
There are several ways to approach Mount Olympus. The standard approach requires descending the steep lateral moraine. During the approach, you will see icefalls, crevasses, and rocks. You will also need to carry blue bags.
