I spent a day hiking in Olympic National Park with my family this summer. We were greeted by snow-capped mountains and miles of evergreens, both of which were familiar characteristics of Washington State. Throughout the year, the mountains are always dotted with wildflowers frequented by fat bees and skittish butterflies. When to find what flowers and where they bloom is a welcome challenge for me!
I saw signs of wildfires throughout the park: tree bark cracked into squares, tiny plants dotting land filled with white tree skeletons, and varied patches of earth. As I hiked, I learned that forest fires usher in new growth. They create opportunities for younger plants to take root. Meanwhile, I noticed that even fallen trees become nurse logs: decaying wood that provides a better habitat for seedlings.
I am fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest renowned for its perpetual greenery. I found the park’s foliage to be one of the best examples of this. As I trekked through the forest with my family, we saw tiny cedars spiking out of the ground, dwarfed by taller baby Douglas firs and their lime-green needles. Surrounded by nature, I’ve grown to realize the importance of protecting this microcosm of Mother Nature. It is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city and a reminder of the land’s original form.
Sincerely,
Olympic National Park
Exploring Olympic’s dynamic landscape is like visiting three parks in one. The high mountains offer snow, glaciers, wilderness and — if you time it right — acres of wildflowers. The lush, verdant Hoh Rainforest is unlike anything else in the Lower 48, and home to Roosevelt elk, black bears and other charismatic wildlife. And the park’s stunning coast offers some of the country's wildest and most spectacular beaches, dotted with tide pools and sea stacks. Visitors can now see where park staff recently removed two large dams, letting the Elwha River flow freely again for the first time in more than 100 years.
State(s): Washington
Established: 1938
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Greetings from Olympic National Park
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Greetings from Olympic National Park
Strolling through the Redwoods of Olympic National Park late last Summer, I was reminded of how little we are. The Staircase area of the park that I visited took me back in time instantaneously. It gave me a sense of gratefulness that generations before me had preserved one of our…
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