Washington olympic national park hoh rainforest postcard

Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, USA, is one of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the country. Covering nearly one million acres, the park is home to three distinct ecosystems: rugged coastline, lush temperate rainforests, and towering mountain ranges. The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most famous areas, with moss-draped trees, ferns carpeting the forest floor, and a mystical, almost prehistoric feel. The Quinault Rain Forest, another temperate rainforest within the park, is just as enchanting, filled with ancient Douglas firs and western hemlocks. These rainforests receive over 12 feet of rain annually, creating a landscape that feels like a green paradise. Beyond the forests, Hurricane Ridge offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, with snow-capped peaks and rolling meadows that burst into wildflowers in the summer. For those drawn to the coast, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Kalaloch Beach feature dramatic sea stacks, tide pools teeming with marine life, and crashing Pacific waves. Olympic National Park is also a haven for wildlife, with Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain goats, and even gray whales that can be spotted along the coast. With its mix of mountains, rainforests, and beaches, the park provides endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring some of the most untouched natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest.