Summary
The forest offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. One of the primary attractions of Olympic National Forest is the stunning Olympic Mountain range, with Mount Olympus being the highest peak at 7,980 feet.
Visitors to Olympic National Forest can explore the Hoh Rainforest, a temperate rainforest that receives up to 14 feet of rain each year, making it one of the wettest places in the country. The rainforest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and Roosevelt elk.
Another popular attraction in the forest is Lake Quinault, a picturesque lake surrounded by old-growth forests. Visitors can hike the many trails around the lake, enjoy a picnic, or take a scenic drive along the lake's shoreline. The forest also boasts numerous waterfalls, including the 90-foot Marymere Falls.
The best time to visit Olympic National Forest is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be aware that the summer months can be crowded, especially around popular attractions such as Lake Quinault and the Hoh Rainforest. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage.
In conclusion, Olympic National Forest offers visitors a unique and diverse wilderness experience. From the towering Olympic Mountains to the lush rainforest and tranquil lakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Olympic National Forest is an excellent destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Coho Campground
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Coho
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Satsop Center Campground
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Cherwoot
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Chetwoot
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Promised Land Park - Rayonier Timber Co
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