Heavenly

Vandana Agarwal 

Think of a place with temperate rainforests, rugged mountain peaks and a stunning coastline at a few hours' drive from each other. Add flower dotted meadows, rich in wildlife and plenty of opportunities for adventure, exploration and recreation and you have the Olympic National Park (ONP). Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1981, ONP is located in the north-west of the state of Washington in the United States. The mountains, coast and forests create three distinct eco-systems, which make the park a place of incredible beauty.

Visitors are attracted to the coastal areas, which are home to quaint fishing villages, a long coastline with picturesque beaches and occasional sightings of humpbacked whales. The central areas of the park are home to rainforests and mountainous areas, and have a plenty of hiking trails.

The main visitor centre at Port Angeles is a good place to start your visit to ONP. The friendly guides answer questions pertaining to the must see areas, wildlife and hiking trails. This is also where you can collect park information, books and maps. 

Mountain peaks

At 2,428 meters, Mount Olympus is the highest point at the park and is covered with glaciers. For those not inclined to mountain climbing, Hurricane Ridge offers views of Mount Olympus and the glaciers. Just 17 miles from Port Angeles, the winding road leading to the ridge has amazing views of blooming alpine flowers. However, the meadows are out of bounds for walking. There are several short hikes and ranger-guided activities available here. During winters, snow tubing, snowboarding, skiing and mountain climbing are popular with visitors. 

Pristine coastline

About an hour's drive from Hurricane Ridge is the glacially carved Lake Crescent. The road runs next to this beautiful lake, which is deep enough for boating. The water is crystal clear and kayaking and fishing are popular activities. Sea otters and seals are a common sight. Golden eagles circle above in the azure blue skies on clear days.  From here, visitors can hike to Marymere Falls. The therapeutic waters of the Sol Duc hot springs nearby help relieve the aching muscles after a particularly strenuous trek.

The coastal beaches that encircle ONP are perfect for recreational walks on the sand, exploring the tide pools thriving with marine life, surfing and kayaking. Best of all, one can just relax and unwind while soaking up the beautiful sunsets and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The clear night sky glimmers with millions of twinkling stars. 

Temperate rainforests

Rain and melting snow have given rise to three rivers that flow through the region- The Quinault, the Queens and the Hoh. The Hoh rainforest, made up of old-growth trees, receives over 380 cm of rain annually. An enchanting, misty, temperate rainforest, it offers several walking trails, of which The Hall of Mosses trail is the most impressive with a variety of plant life blanketing the forest in a sea of green coniferous trees, mosses, lichens and ferns. Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, marmots and rabbits can be seen grazing on the abundant and lush vegetation.

It is best to sample the attractions of each of the eco-systems to get the full flavour of the park. With a view to preserving its unique landscapes and wildlife, ONP was designated a National Park in 1938. Named after Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods in Greek mythology, the ONP does seem like a heavenly spot.

Handy tips

Best time to visit: June to September is the peak tourist season. The park lies along a whale trail and the mammals can be spotted during migrating season in Aril and May and again in October and November

Getting there: Located just two hours from Seattle, ONP is accessible by road. The entire park is encircled by a 330 mile long, Olympic Peninsula Scenic Drive. Side roads branch off to the attractions

Accommodation: There are plenty of camp grounds, lodges and resorts in and around ONP. Reservations should be made in advance, though there are camp sites with basic amenities available on first come, first served basis. Campers require permits and passes

Packing for the trip: As the park boasts of several microclimates, weather can change quickly and dramatically. Visitors should be prepared for sunny days, rainy afternoons and cold nights. Rainproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes are a must