Located in the northwest portion of Washington State, the Olympic Peninsula is home to the wondrous Olympic National Park.  The park, 1,400 square miles (nearly a million acres), is often referred to as “three parks in one” because of its three distinctly different ecosystems: the Pacific coastline, the Olympic Mountains and the primeval forests.  These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine due to its wilderness designation.  Much of its interior is only accessible by trail.

The wild and rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean stretches over 70 miles and is the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States.  It is rich in native and endemic animal and plant species, including the endangered northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and bull trout.  The wilderness coastline contains world-renown beaches such as the Rialto Beach which is the most popular and accessible on the Olympic Peninsula.  Shi Shi Beach which was named "best nature beach" by the Travel Channel and has the most stunning set of sea stacks.   There are also the beautiful Ruby, Second and Third beaches.

The extensive alpine forests are home to some of the world's largest conifers, towering 300 feet tall and measuring 25 feet round.  Many are estimated to be 300-500 yrs old!  With a blanket of moss and a dense undergrowth, a green, jungle-like world results.

Among the ancient forests of old-growth trees exists one of only two temperate rainforests in the Northern Hemisphere.  The intact and protected Hoh Rain Forest is located here and is one of the few in the world.  The abundance of rain produces rich green colors, making hiking and camping an unforgettable experience and providing photo opportunities around every corner.

Hurrican Ridge ,  Photo by Val Henschel

 
The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains face the Pacific Ocean, making this part of the Olympic National Park the wettest place in the 48 contiguous states.  Rainfall averages 142 inches (360 cm) each year, resulting in a large number of snowfields and glaciers.  The rugged mountains, home to the snow-capped Mount Olympus over 60 glaciers, are thought to be beautiful enough for the gods to dwell.

The Olympic Mountains act as a wall to the inland and the Northeast area, therefore increasing the rainfall in the surrounding areas and creating a drier area in towns such as Sequim or creating a “rainshadow.”  The Olympic National Park is on the World Heritage List, making it a World Heritage Park, where a committee has considered the park as having outstanding universal value.

The significance of these unique species in the Olympic Peninsula is of great importance to scientists.  That is why they have declared the Northern Pacific area a Biological Reserve to study its unique species and better understand how plants and animals evolve.  Scientists have done extensive research and careful mapping in the exploration and protection of over 3,300 square miles of coastline and marine life, by designating the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.  One of 13 in the U.S., the Sanctury represents one of North America's most productive marine ecosystems and spectacular undeveloped shorelines.

Shi Shi Beach Sunset, Photo by Joanne Gurling

Olympic Peninsula, often referred to as one of the “Secret Places” of Washington State, is a natural world that has escaped the effects of mankind - to be enjoyed as nature intended, and there is no limit on how to take it all in.  Travelers to the peninsula can chose from kayaking, rafting, canoeing or surfing in the lakes, rivers or ocean.  The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the Pacific Northwest's most fertile fishing grounds.  Fly fishing in the Sol Duc River's perfect, pristine environment grants a special year around pleasure for fishermen of all levels.  On land, explore the fresh and saltwater shorelines, perfect for beachcombing, taking a stroll or riding a horse.  In the winter, Hurricane Ridge, the popular viewpoint, offers alpine and Nordic skiing opportunities.

The Olympic Discovery Trail provides a year around opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery for bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians.  A non-motorized, multi-user transportation system, the Olympic Discovery Trail connects the communities of the Northern Olympic Peninsula.  It is currently 30 miles, but will soon cover over 120 miles, making it one of the longest trail systems in the country and presenting hikers and bikers with a variety of experiences.  Whether going solo or with friends or family, pick an adventure and let the Secret Places show a forgotten natural world that will soothe the soul and cleanse the mind.

In the diverse terrain of the Olympic Peninsula are areas for exceptional agriculture.  To celebrate, the open-air farmers' markets are bursting with fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, berries and flowers, as well as other products straight from the farm.

Lavender Fields, Photo by Val Henschel

The Dungeness Valley is also home to the Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, an annual event in the first week of October.  Among breathtaking views of the coast, it celebrates the diversity of the area, a bounty of seafood, local maritime ancestry and native cultural traditions.

The North Olympic Peninsula has a winning combination: great scenery and some of the most distinctive wineries in the state.  Whether stopping after a day of hiking, kayaking or shopping on the Olympic Peninsula visit the North Olympic Peninsula Wineries for a memorable trip that truly has something for everyone.

·         February:     Red Wine and Chocolate

·         May:     Spring Barrel Tasting 

·         November:     Passport Wine Tour

The Sol Duc Hot Springs is a relaxing, enriching experience in the heart of Washington's Olympic National Park.  The legend of the hot spring began with the Quileute Indians; they tell of two dragons that fought over the common land for years.  One dragon lived in the Sol Duc Valley and the other one lived in the Elwah Valley.  During their battles, they cleared the land, explaining the bare areas that are still seen today.  Finally,  the dragons realized that neither could win and they each crawled into their caves and cried hot tears of frustration.  The legend teaches us that their tears created the Sol Duc’s Hot Springs and the natural hot springs near Boulder Creek.  Many come to soak and claim the pools have healing powers.

Sol Duc Hot Spring consists of three mineral hot springs and one freshwater pool.  Temperatures vary between the four pools, giving guests the perfect opportunity to find their perfect setting.  The quiet woods that surround the hot springs and the babbling Sol Duc River provide the perfect opportunity to melt away tension for good.

One of the Olympic Peninsula's newest tour is the Waterfall Trail, a self-guided tour featuring nearly two dozen waterfalls.  Some of the falls are wheelchair accessible while others require backcountry hiking.  A few are best viewed from the water via a boat or raft.

The Waterfall Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy some of the best of the Olympic Peninsula's natural wonders.

Makah Days Dancing, Photo by Joannie Gurling

The Olympic Peninsula was an Eden for its early inhabitants and today, Native Americans are still a strong presence.  In fact, Olympic National Park is close to the reservations of several tribes.  The Skokomish, Chehalis, Hoh, Quinault, Quileute, Makah and three S'Klallam tribes live on the Olympic Peninsula, a land of abundant natural resources, and from it, they have built a rich culture here.  The Quileutes welcome tourists to their village at the Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push, Washington. 

The world-famous Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay has been open since 1975 and it is the nation’s finest tribal museum with 500 year old artifacts such as tools, canoes, basketry and a full size log house!  The museum shop contains carvings, basketry, and jewelry made by Makah artists.

Part of the Makah Reservation is Cape Flattery, the furthest northwest point of the contiguous United States.  Where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the the Pacific Ocean, Cape Flattery can be reached from a short hike, most of which on a boardwalk.

The tribes of the Olympic Peninsula are stewards of the Peninsula’s resources and partners in preservation. They retain strong cultural traditions and are committed to having their youth carry forward traditional knowledge and Native language.

In 1775, two Spanish ships made their way to the Olympic Peninsula, claiming the land for Spain and building the first European settlement  at Neah Bay in 1792.  Through the latter part of the 1800s, pioneers moved onto the peninsula to farm, fish and cut timber.  Like American Indians, American settlers chose town sites along the coasts and rivers.  Port Townsend became the first permanent American settlement on the peninsula in 1851.

It wasn't until 1938 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill designating 898,000 acres as Olympic National Park. Most of the coastal wilderness was added to the park in 1953.  In 1976 the Olympic National Park became an International Biosphere Reserve and in 1981 it was designated a World Heritage Site, designating 95% of the park as wilderness. This forbids road building, mining, timber cutting, hunting, using motorized vehicles and other types of use and development within the wilderness boundary.  This protects and preserves its natural condition, creating an unnoticeable imprint of man’s work; the perfect eco-friendly trip.

 Photo by Lonnie Archibald