Olympic National Park in the USA: photo, description, how to get there

The territory of the United States of America is very rich in natural resources. There are deserts, and mountain ranges, and wide ocean coastlines, and untouched dense forests. The government of the country is very careful about its “lands”, so dozens of national parks have been established in the United States. The status of a protected area allows you to maintain nature in its original state, without closing it from tourists and researchers. One of the most picturesque and amazing places in North America in its landscape diversity is the Olympic National Park.

History and geographical location

Established by President Roosevelt at the beginning of the last century (in 1938, to be exact) near Seattle, Washington, this natural area has become a real treasure of the West Coast. One has only to glance at a couple of pictures, as it becomes clear – the variety of landscapes in this relatively small area (the park is much inferior in territory to what giants, such as Yellowstone) will amaze even very sophisticated travelers.

Olympic Park, as part of its two relatively isolated parts, is located on the very edge of the United States: one section lies on the peninsula of the same name, the other stretches along the Pacific coast. The presence in the relief of the territory of mountain ranges – Olympic, Beregovoy, Hurikane – makes it possible to form unique natural conditions.

The isolated position on the peninsula determines the presence of many endemic species of plants and animals. Tourists can get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the reserve, go skiing, walk several tens of kilometers on foot or arrange a multi-day car ride with picturesque parking lots all year round.

How to get there

You can get to Olympic Park by car, ferry, and even by plane from Seattle and other cities. The cost of visiting per person is $ 5, you will have to pay $ 15 for entry by car. The entrance “subscription” for using the beauties of nature is valid for 7 days. During this time, you can have time to explore the many diverse landscapes of the park and take unique pictures.

natural features

The position on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the barrier stretch of mountain ranges that intercept the moisture coming from it determines a unique set of natural zones in a relatively small area of ​​the park. Temperate rainforests are the hallmark of the Olympic. On the one hand, the composition of the vegetation here is northern – cedars, pines and Canadian maples. On the other hand, the high humidity on the western slopes of the mountains gives the forests a tropical hue: tree trunks are often completely covered with lichen and hanging mosses, which creates a slightly magical look. Creepers and dense undergrowth complete the picture. Walking through the overgrown thickets is like falling into a dream.

The coastal zone stretches many kilometers of beaches along the Pacific Ocean. However, one should not expect golden sand here – in many parts of the spit are littered with the remains of vegetation that rivers bring here. Park rangers do not dismantle the rubble, since all plant remains are part of the ecosystem balance, which cannot be disturbed in the reserve. Special landforms – turbidides – adorn the coast with their bizarre forms.

Alpine meadows replace the forest zone with height. Trees at first become thinner, and then disappear completely, giving way to grassy carpets dotted with a scattering of flowers. These fields look especially cool during the flowering of mountain lupins.

Glaciers occur in the upper reaches of mountain valleys. Vegetation is almost non-existent near them, only separate outbreaks of bushy flowers are scattered over gray pebbles. There are more than 60 glaciers in the park, all of them are small. Many give rise to mountain rivers that grow, descend into the forest and break off with waterfalls (Sol Duc waterfall, one of the most visited places). The largest river is Hoh, in its valley is the most picturesque of the rain forests.

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Ski holidays

Summers in Olympic Park are short and cool, while winters are long and snowy. Despite the relatively small heights of the mountain ranges, there are ski slopes with drag lifts that can provide you with a rather pleasant ride. An appropriate infrastructure has been created here for these winter “entertainments” – there is where to settle and pass the cold winter evenings. If you are lucky enough to visit Seattle in winter, be sure to visit the Olympic Park, covered with a snow blanket.

Summer fun

Among the summer entertainments, one can single out both active types of recreation and more lazy “one-day” tourist routes, which, nevertheless, allow you to get to know the nature of the park closely and appreciate all its diversity.

On the territory of the Olympic Park, Indian tribes used to live, who were driven out of here by the colonialists. Currently, one can get acquainted with their culture in a specially organized museum and walk through the ancient forests along the paths of the indigenous people of these places.

For those who like to tickle their nerves in the park, there is an opportunity to go rafting – rafting down the river in an inflatable boat. Rapids of varying degrees of difficulty and a quick change of landscape from mountain barrens to wet forest thickets will not leave indifferent lovers of this type of recreation.

The presence of a large number of rivers and lakes, as well as hiking trails laid through the park, makes it possible to hold various camping activities here – from cozy picnics on the lawn to multi-day mountain trekking with visits to glaciers. The route of the hike can also be taken to the ocean coast and walk along it for dozens of kilometers. Swimming is possible in summer, on days with good weather the water is quite warm.

In a word, Olympic National Park is a unique nature reserve that reveals on its territory all the diversity of landscapes of the western coast of North America. A visit will bring you many unforgettable experiences and unique photos to remember.