The Olympic Peninsula - A Land of Contrasts and Variety

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Hood Canal and by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula is anchored by the spectacular Olympic Mountains. Its diverse terrain in such a compact geographic area makes the peninsula like no other place in America. Explore the majestic lakes, magnificent waterfalls, rivers, mountains, beaches and rainforests in this amazing area.

The 3,600-sq mile Olympic Peninsula was first explored by non-natives in 1890. It is included in National Geographic's Drives of a Lifetime; 500 of the World's Most Spectacular Trips, starting in Seattle, passing through the Dungeness Split, Port Angeles, Neah Bay, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs, La Push, Forks Timber Museum, Hoh Rain Forest, Quinault Rain Forest, Grays Harbor, and heading back north.

Olympic Peninsula is particularly famous for Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, Lake Crescent, Kalaloch, the Sequim Lavender Festival and Sequim Lavender Farm Faire, Cape Flattery, the Victorian Seaport of Port Townsend, and Hood Canal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Olympic National Park is the dominant feature of the peninsula. It features about a million acres of playground in rainforest valleys, alpine meadows and wild coastline. The incredible variety of this magnificent area combines Pacific Ocean beaches and glacier-capped peaks, as well as a stunning variety of plants and animals.

There are countless ways to explore and experience the Olympic National Park, some of which are auto touring, walks and day hikes, backpacking, camping and fishing. Explore the mountains and enjoy spectacular vistas and mile-high scenery, windflower-dotted meadows and subalpine forests. The most easily reached destination in the park is Hurricane Ridge, located seventeen miles south of Port Angeles. Deer Park offers spectacular alpine scenery, a small-tents campground and miles of hiking trails. In the park's west side valleys you will find North America's best examples of temperate rainforests, such as Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rain Forest, with Douglas-firs, giant western hemlocks, and Sitka spruce trees dominating the landscape. Magnificent old-growth lowland forests in the area boast sparkling rivers through lush valleys, such as Staircase, Heart O' The Hills, Elwha, Lake Crescent and Sol Duc.

Beaches along the coast vary from sandy or rocky to boulder-strewn with no two miles that are alike. Mora Beach offers nature trails, a campground and a ranger station that is a short drive west of Port Angeles. Two miles beyond Mora you will find the rocky Rialto Beach with picnic tables, restrooms and a trailhead. If you crave wide sandy beaches, Kalaloch is your place. It also offers a concession-operated lodge, two campgrounds, a picnic area and nature trails. The Lake Ozette Area is a great seaside recreation spot, offering a campground and boardwalk paths that head to Cape Alava and Sand Point, along the Pacific Coast.

Visit the magnificent Olympic Peninsula for a rich and unforgettable outdoor experience. Explore the Olympic National Park through miles of hiking in the high-country, enjoy a picnic, go cross-country skiing at Hurricane Ridge or stroll on a beach or along a nature trail.