Visit The Olympic National Park in Washington State
This adventure is more aptly named “water, water every where.” You could not possibly find an itinerary anywhere in the world that covers more different wonderful ways to experience water and wildlife than this one…it’s that unique! You will sea kayak, whitewater raft, observe the Orca , Tufted Puffin and Grey Whale or sea birds, hike along beaches and rivers, fly in a float plane, float through a rain forest and if that is not enough, sail a beautiful schooner over Puget Sound! All along you’ll be learning of the diverse marine and river ecosystems and the wildlife that calls them home.
The Water…
The Olympic National Park is surrounded with water. Plan to start in Seattle, but leave rather quickly via a sea plane to the San Juan Islands, you can sea kayak in the protected waters of Orcas Island. Plan to search for “J” Pod the local killer whale family on our way to Blaine, near the Canadian border. Then, we’ll raft the Nooksack River and learn of the Endangered Chinook Salmon. After, make your way to Vancouver Island, Canada, for a bit of Britain, in the city of Victoria. Then catch the Black Ball Line for your trip back stateside and after a diversion to Protection Island to view tufted puffins, make your way around the north side of Olympic National Park to the Pacific Ocean.
There, depending on the season (spring or summer) board an ocean going ship for whale or sea bird watching. Journey through a temperate rainforest on the Hoh River before enjoying the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on the way back around the south side of the Park. Then it’s back to Seattle for lots of gourmet food and a wonderful sail on “The Obsession.” You can do that and more in only eleven short days!
Article About The Olympic National Park
- Read 8 Reasons to Explore Olympic National Park by Douglas Scott Seattle, WA Mon, 30 Jun 2014 on rootsrated.com
Olympic National Park Contacts
Organization: Olympic National Park
Web Site: http://www.nps.gov/OLYM/planyourvisit/index.htmTrip Itineraries: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/timelimits.htm
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone (360) 565-3130
Open daily. Hours vary according to season.
Visitor information, exhibits about Olympic’s natural and cultural history, hands-on “Discovery Room” for kids, award-winning orientation film “Mosaic of Diversity” (25 minutes) shown upon request, bookstore, two short nature trails.
Wilderness Information Center (Backcountry Permit Office)
Inside Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362 Phone: (360) 565-3100.
Open daily. Hours vary according to season.
Information and trip planning advice for all wilderness users, including current trail reports, safety, weather and Leave No Trace tips. Wilderness Camping Permits and “bear canisters” available. Email the Wilderness Information Center or call (360)565-3100.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Hurricane Ridge, about 17 miles south of Port Angeles
Open daily in summer; open weekends whenever Hurricane Ridge Road is open during remainder of year.
Visitor information, exhibits about Olympic’s mountain habitats, 20-minute orientation film shown on request. Guided walks and talks are offered during the summer. Nearby short trails, often snow-covered well into May, are accessible with assistance. Snack bar and gift shop (both open seasonally) are located on the Visitor Center’s lower level.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Hoh Rain Forest, approximately 31 miles south of Forks off Highway 101
Phone: (360) 374-6925
Open Daily in summer; open Friday-Sunday remainder of year. Hours vary according to season.
Visitor information, exhibits about Olympic’s temperate rain forests. Self-guided nature trails; one accessible with some assistance. Wilderness use permits and animal resistant food containers available.
Tours Including Washington State Olympic National Park
- Mayflower Tours – National Parks of the Pacific Northwest
- Evergreen Escapes – Olympic National Park Tour with Nature Walks or Snowshoeing
All-Inclusive | Small Group Tour -Discover the Olympic Peninsula with an expert naturalist on our Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle. Explore the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula, as your guide determines the best stops for the interests of the group and conditions of the day. See the Olympic Mountain Range and sweeping views of the Peninsula on Hurricane Ridge, old-growth forests and waterfalls surrounding Lake Crescent, or sandy coastline of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.Along the way, you’ll embark on guided nature walks or snowshoes and learn about the diverse ecosystems that make up the Olympic Peninsula. Our Olympic National Park tour includes pick-up/drop-off at Downtown Seattle hotels, transport in Mercedes sprinter vans or SUVS, all entry fees, an expert naturalist guide, and a fresh, family-style lunch with local wines!
