5 Reasons to Visit Olympic National Park This Winter

Olympic National Park covers almost a million acres and has incredible diversity. Old-growth rainforests, over 70 miles of coastline, and glacier-capped mountains are all there to be experienced. With fewer visitors, winter can be an exhilarating time to explore what the park has to offer and here are five reasons you should go.

1. Rainforest Hiking

The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainfall and with an average of 12 feet of rain per year in Olympic Park, the temperate climate here is perfect for sustaining the rainforests. During the wet winters, the forests really come alive.

Put on your raincoat and galoshes and walk the trails beneath the lush green canopy of the trees. Big-leaf maple, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red alder all thrive here, as do a variety of mosses and ferns. Of the four rainforests, Hoh and Quinault are the most easily accessible, but be prepared to get wet.

2. Winter Storm Watching

Pacific storms can create ocean swells of 15 to 20 feet in height, which crash onto the shore and toss fallen trees around like they were matchsticks. At low tide between storms, you can beachcomb, explore the tidal pools, and marvel at the huge storm-tossed logs. One of the best places to watch the spectacular storms is Cape Flattery, the most north-westerly point of the contiguous United States.

3. Skiing and Snowboarding

Hurricane Ridge is at an elevation of 5,242 feet and is usually covered in snow from December to the end of March. Along with the opportunity for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing, you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning views in Olympic National Park.

The family-friendly Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area features two rope tows, a poma lift, a tubing park, and a Snowplay Area for small children. Equipment can be rented, and ski and snowboarding lessons are available. The area is open on weekends and holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. Snowshoeing

During the winter season, you can join ranger-guided snowshoe walks, which are offered on weekends and holiday Mondays at 2 p.m. Instructions and snowshoes are provided by the park. The walk is moderate, covering less than a mile, and lasts around 1.5 hours. Sign-up is 30 minutes before the walk at the Hurricane Ridge information desk. Groups need to make reservations in advance.

5. Makah Museum

Located in the Makah Tribe Reservation, the Makah Museum in Neah Bay features artifacts from a Makah village that was partially buried by a mudslide between 300 and 500 years ago. The exhibits include basketry, fishing and whaling gear, and replicas of canoes and a longhouse, giving you a unique glimpse of pre-contact Makah life.

Whatever winter activity you plan to do in Olympic National Park, you should be aware that weather conditions can change quickly. In bad weather, some areas and facilities may not be accessible. Make sure to check the trail and road conditions and the weather forecast before your visit.

Image via David Fulmer | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

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