The Olympic National Forest consists of five major landscape settings; temperate rain forest, rugged mountain terrain, lowland lakes, cascading rivers, and saltwater beaches, offering a little bit of everything! The Olympic Loop of the Great Washington State Birding Trail is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of birds flying in the forested canopies or singing from the treetops in the rain forest. The High Steel Bridge is a popular point of interest, spanning the South Fork of the Skokomish River. Wynoochee Lake & Dam is an ideal spot for picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Explore the Forest’s eight short nature trails near recreational picnic sites complete with signs interpreting unique resources, features, and history of the Forest or venture on a day hike down one of the many trails that wander past alpine meadows, impressive waterfalls, or spectacular wildflowers.
Inside Olympic National Park, visitors will discover Pacific beaches, rain forest valleys, glacier-capped peaks, and an incredible variety of plants and animals. 95% of the Park is dedicated to wilderness, so adventure and opportunities for exploration truly wait around every corner. Lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a fisher, a housecat sized member of the weasel family threatened by extinction but now increasing in number in the state of Washington, their native home. From the rugged coastal edges of the Park, scan the Pacific Ocean and set your sights on sea otters, seals, sea lions, and even sprouting whales. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is 3,310 square miles of water, home to 29 species of marine mammals. Stroll the shores of a glacially carved lake, take part in a Ranger led talk, or walk along stone beaches and watch waves crash; the opportunities are limitless when visiting Olympic National Park.
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