News

Kayaking in Olympic National Park: where to paddle Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette and Lake Quinault, plus rentals, cold water, wind and boat cleaning rules.

The Olympic rain shadow explained: why Pacific storms soak the Hoh with about 135 inches a year while Sequim, on the dry northeast side, gets about 16.

Mosses and lichens cover the Olympic rain forest. Meet stair-step moss, cat-tail moss, lungwort and old man’s beard, and learn why they should stay put.

Olympic Coast marine mammals include gray whales, orcas, harbor seals, sea lions and sea otters. Where and when to look, and how far back to stay.

Meet the amphibians of Olympic National Park, from the rough-skinned newt to the Olympic torrent salamander, and how to watch them without doing harm.

Plan the High Divide Loop from the Sol Duc trailhead: NPS distances, Seven Lakes Basin camps, snow season, bear canisters and the quota permit area.

Driving to Deer Park and Obstruction Point: road conditions, vehicle limits and seasons as of October 2026, Blue Mountain, camping and the Grand Ridge trail.

Hiking Mount Storm King above Lake Crescent: the route from Storm King Ranger Station, distances, the End of Maintained Trail sign and the park’s rope warning.

Hike the Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park: NPS distances to Five Mile Island, the guard station and Glacier Meadows, plus camps, permits and fords.

Plan a trip to Staircase in Olympic National Park: the road past Lake Cushman, the Staircase Rapids Loop, the campground and the trails still closed by fire.