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Olympic National Park. Photo by John Fowler –  

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is located in Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. The region has four distinct biospheres which might include Alpine areas, Pacific coastline, east side temperate rainforest, and west side temperate rainforest.

The park was named Mount Olympus National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in i1909. Later in 1938, it was changed into a  National Park by President Franklin Roosevelt.

The park is the best example intact that protected the temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. It is known for its diversity and distinct ecosystem. The rugged Pacific coastline, massive glacier-clad peak, and temperate rainforest on the west side receive 150 inches of rainfall annually.  They are considered to be the wettest area in the continental U.S.  Whereas the old-growth forest has a drier climate to the east. The Olympic Peninsula is a dramatically beautiful setting for hiking boating, fishing, beachcombing, and reconnecting with nature.

Some interesting facts about the Olympic National park include

1. Hiking in the mountains

Olympic National Park has unique and a wide variety of landscapes including the ecosystem. One can hike to mountains peak stroll through the lush temperate rainforest and explore the rugged, rocky coastline. Hiking in the longest stretch of coastal wilderness in the lower 48 states. While witnessing the fascinating tidal pool scenic beaches and amazing sea life

2. River rafting, Paddling, and Canoeing in Olympic National Park

With crystal clear lakes, a cobalt river, and the pacific ocean within a few miles   Olympic National park has many opportunities to have fun in the water. Paddling in the Olympic serene lakes is ideal for exploring wild shores and looking for wildlife. lake Crescent is a very clear glacial lake in the park on the north side. It is a beautiful spot to paddle. Lake Ozette is the third largest lake in Washington and is very challenging.  Regardless, it is a rewarding place to explore by boat in wilderness  campsites along its shores

3. Whale watching  off the coast of Puget Sound of Washington

The use of whale watching cruises is one of the ways to spot large marine mammals. Though many locations are near the national park.

Washington states Pacific coast, Puget Sound, and other neighboring San Juan Island shelter both the resident whales and are routes for the migrating whales. The best time to view orca whales is from May through September. While the humpback whales are from September to January. 

Some favorites whale watching spots near Olympic National park  recommended   are as follows ;

• Kalaloch and South Beach
• port Townsend Marine science center 
• Near Bay and Shi Shi Beach
• Destruction Island Viewpoint
• Raito beach and La Push

4. Olympic National was originally established as the National Monument

Earlier in 1909, the park was referred to as the National Monument but later in 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt re-designated it to National Park. It became an international Biosphere Reserve in 1976.  Later on, in 1981 the park was designated to World Heritage Site.

5. Mount Olympus is the  highest peak in the Park

Mount Olympus is the tallest of the Olympics at 7,979 feet but it can’t be seen from the city. It is hidden by the other mountains to the west. The mountain is the best place to find a cozy viewpoint from Hurricane ridge.

6. The Park has stunning accommodations

The Olympic National Park has amazing hotels and lodges to stay in. Some hotels or lodges include as follows

• Lake crescent lodge is a historic turn of century resort that was set in the giant fir and hemlock trees
• lake Quinault Resort has beautifully landscaped grounds / lights up the barbecue for family lunch.
• Olympic lodge is a place to relax while watching the world in front of a large stone fireplace.
• Sol Duc Hot spring melts the tension away with a soak of outdoor and pure mineral water hot pools.

7. Olympic National Park is a home of marmots

Marmot in Olympic National Park. Photo by Brewbooks –

The park shelters adorable rodents that are only in the elevation of the Olympic Peninsula. They are the size of a typical house cat with a long distinct bushy tail. These rodents like eating flowering plants like glacier lilies.

People visit the national park t see wildlife in their natural habitat. When they are nuzzling, playing, chirping, or feeding.

The Olympic marmot is the most social and gregarious mammals in the park. It is a thrilling sight for nature lovers

8 . Having in snow/ sun at Olympic

The Olympic National park incredible activities in the winter/ summer.

Popular activities that place during the winter season in the hurricane ridge road and Olympic mountains include snow tubing, snowboarding, and alpine climbing. Relaxing in a minerals pool baths at the hot spring resort is one of the activity that happens during the summer season. 

9. The park is known for its Tidepools

The Park is well known for the towering glacial peaks and the famous for its beach’s and tidepools. During the low tides, the Pacific ocean retreat from beaches and it exposes pools of water in the rocky crevices. When there is a positive tide is the perfect time to see the tide pools. Although the minus tides are one of the best time for exploring the tide pools. May and September are the best times of year to explore the tide pools.

Sea stars, rock crabs brittle stars, barnacles clams, sea snails, wolf eels, and pricklebacks are some of the marine animals  one expects to see.

Kalaloch is the most recommended and visited area in Olympic National Park when exploring tidepools.

Olympic National Parks’ scientists offer the opportunity to  study intertidal communities, the turbulent meeting place that takes place between land and sea.

10. View the waterfalls in Olympic National Park

Mary mere waterfall. Photo by Runt35 –

The Park is not complete without a waterfall. April and May are the best time to have an incredible experience in the waterfall. During spring is when the snow melts fasts and the waterfall roaring  with heavy amounts of water. 

Some of the best waterfall to visit and recommended ones are;

• Sol Duc falls is located in the Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park, west of lake crescent. It is the most beautiful waterfall inside Olympic National Park. The waterfall has 3 separate of cascades that can be seen from picturesque bridge. One can hike through the rainforest and enjoy the soak in Sol Duc Hot Spring. Also the Sol Duc Hot Springs have campgrounds.
• Madison Falls is located between Port Angeles and lake Crescent. It is the easiest of Olympic National Park  waterfall to get to. The waterfall is beautiful in the winter and spring seasons. It  has an  accessible  trails  which is a good option to visitors.
• Mary mere Falls is located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. It is place to hike. The fall has impressive old growth trees and gorgeous forest. Mary mere fall is a place to make time for picnic near the Lake Crescents/ renting a paddleboard/ kayak/canoe.