Olympic National Park
In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation creating Mount Olympus National Monument to
protect the summer range and breeding grounds of Olympic elk. Olympic National Park was established on June 29, 1938.
The coastal strip was added to the park in 1953. In 1976, Olympic National Park became a Man and the Biosphere
Reserve and in 1981 it was designated a World Heritage Park.
Three Parks in One
Olympic
National Park has three distinct major areas the glaciered mountains and high country of the interior; the lush rain
forest of the west-facing valleys; and the rugged wilderness coastline. The vastness of the park can seem daunting you
can drive completely around the park on Hwy. 101, yet no road goes all the way through the interior of the Peninsula.
But there are few areas that will allow you to experience the character of the three parks.
Hurricane
Ridge
Hurricane Ridge, only minutes from the center of downtown Port Angeles, offers spectacular views
of the high country and the Olympic Mountains. The 19-mile drive is breathtaking and you can stop at the Hurricane
Ridge Visitor Center and learn more about the mountains and the park. Winter at the Ridge is fantastic and the road
is open 7 days a week weather permitting.
Hoh Rain Forest
Moisture-laden air from the Pacific brings an average of 140 inches of annual
rainfall to the Hoh Valley. This moisture has created one of the lushest rainforests in the world. Drive about two
hours west from Port Angeles on Hwy. 101 to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is 19 miles inland
from Hwy. 101. Three loop trails near the Visitor Center are easy to stroll and give a great sampling of the area. The
Center is also the kick-off point to climb Mt. Olympus.
Rialto Beach and La Push
The rugged coastline of Olympic National Park can be easily explored at
Rialto Beach and La Push. Take Hwy. 101 west from Port Angeles for about one and a half hours and turn west on State
Hwy. 110. On the north side of the Quillayute River is Rialto Beach a beautiful spot to enjoy the surf and rugged
beach. On the south side of the Quillayute River is the Quileute Indian village of La Push, First Beach and to the
south Second Beach. This Northwest coast experience will leave you in awe of the beauty of Olympic National Park.
More Information
Olympic National Park is open all year. Some roads and facilities are closed in winter.
Entrance fees (good for 7 days) are collected at various locations within the park from May through October and
Hurricane Ridge year round. Cost is $15 per vehicle. Annual entrance passes can be obtained at entrance stations
for $30.
For visitor information you can contact the Olympic Park Visitor Center, (360) 565-3130 or visit the
website at
www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
Olympic Coast Discovery Center,
(360) 457-6622,
olympiccoast.noaa.gov
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