Through the first five months of 2015, Olympic National Park visitation is up 3.6%, with 737,085 people exploring the Northwestern-most National Park in the contiguous United States. Olympic has already more than likely seen it’s millionth visitor of the year, as the park draws nearly 400,000 people during the month of June. The increase in attendance is …
Forest Fire Burning in Queets Rainforest in Olympic National Park
Updated Thursday, June 19th at 9:42AM PST NEW UPDATES: https://outdoor-society.com/crews-to-surpress-wildfire-burning-in-olympics-queets-rainforest/ As we reported on Monday the 15th, a forest fire is currently burning in the Queets Rainforest of Olympic National Park. Reported to us via social media, and later confirmed by a press release, Olympic National Forest and Park Officials are reporting that there is a small forest fire …
Enchanted Valley Reopens to Camping After Bear Scare Closure
Seven weeks. That is how long the actions of irresponsible campers forced the closure of the campsites in Olympic national Park’s Enchanted Valley. As we reported a few months ago, the Enchanted Valley camping areas were closed due to bear activity. The area was closed on April 24 after visitors reported that black bears had acquired and eaten …
Black and White Lakes in Olympic National Park
The Staircase region of Olympic National Park is full of surprises, be it the stunning mountain views at Flapjack Lakes and Gladys Divide, the serene sounds and sights along the Skokomish River, or the solitude and splendor of Wagonwheel Lake and Cub Peak. Up high in the Staircase region, mountain goats roam the rocky peaks, …
America’s Best Small Towns: Port Angeles, Washington
Port Angeles is an amazing small town on the northern end of the Olympic Peninsula. Home to just under 20,000 residents, this port city offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, and gives those willing to drive a few miles the chance to have the best scenery …
The Cost to Visit Olympic National Park
The cost to visit Washington State’s Olympic National Park is going up, but incrementally over time. In 2014, the cost to enter Olympic National Park was $15 per vehicle. In 2015, it will be $20 for a seven day pass to all areas of the park. Camping fees also increase by $5, and there are …
Exploring Olympic’s Lake of the Angels
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~ John Muir I hike to Lake of the Angels a lot. I hike it so much, I have every inch of the trail memorized. The eight mile roundtrip trail is why I have quads of steel, and an unquenchable wanderlust. It is the …
7 Jaw-Dropping Backpacking Trips in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is constantly one of America’s most-visited National Parks, yet few take the time to explore more than a mile or so off trail. With 611 miles of trails in the park, and nearly one million acres of wilderness to explore, backpacking in Olympic National Park gets you up close and personal to …
The Changing Climate Around America’s Rainforest
It is March 27th, 2015. After two straight days in the 60s with mostly sun, the world as I know it is changing before my very eyes. The Olympic Peninsula has been declared by Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington State, to be in a drought.
Seven Heavenly Beach Escapes in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is said to be three parks in one, offering visitors a chance to see rainforests, glaciated mountains and the longest stretch of undisturbed coastal wilderness in the lower 48. Full of wonder and amazement around every corner, Olympic National Park’s natural beauty stuns all who explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While …