Olympic National Park in Washington state

[DougieG]

Has anybody been? It's a temperate rain forest that I heard about (saw on TV or read about when I was like 10 or something) and have wanted to see for a long time. I know it's not a tropical rain forest so I don't need to be told that part. Is this something worth seeing? This summer I may have an opportunity to visit the Pacific Nothwest and am just curious if anybody's been and/or if it's actually worth seeing. Thanks.

[cbloom]

I've been there. It's totally amazing. Google for a second and you'll find tons of pictures. It's always very rainy/wet so wear a slicker.

[MrWookie]

It's a beautiful area. I've backpacked at Cape Alava (hike through rainforest out to the coast) and the Elwah river, myself. I've had friends who did the trail that spans the whole park. You have any specific questions?

[HeavilyArmed]

[ QUOTE ]
This summer I may have an opportunity to visit the Pacific Nothwest and am just curious if anybody's been and/or if it's actually worth seeing.

[/ QUOTE ]

You'll need to call ahead to find out if the Pacific NW will be having a summer, not a sure thing. The gloomiest 10 years of my life were spent there. Nice mountains and trees but no sun. A quarter inch of rain spread out over the entire day? No more for me.

[DougieG]

I don't really have any specific questions at this time, perhaps as summer gets closer and plans become more clear. Thanks for offering MrWookie. I was just curious if this was truly something worth seeing since I hadn't really heard about it in the last 10 years. I wanted to make sure it wasn't one of those things you glorify in your mind as a child since I don't even really remember what I saw/read about it, only that I really wanted to go and now I may be able to. Again, thanks and I may be inquiring further at a later date.

[KJS]

It is a must see area. With high peaks, temperate rainforest and rugged coastline you get a lot of different looks in one area. My favorite areas are the Hot Springs near the Elwah River, LaPush for camping on the beach and the rainforest along the Bougasheil (sp?) river.

KJS

[kyleb]

I've been there. It's pretty cool.

I don't much like the outdoors, though.

[Dids]

I like it a lot.

Northwest FTW imo.

[cbloom]

If only it would rain every day except when I want to go outside... then it would be my favorite part of the US.

The Alpine Lakes are amazing also if you like hiking/backpacking.

[I.Rowboat]

I went to school in Tacoma and camped/backpacked in Olympic once. Beautiful, unique area, but it was constantly wet/cold when I was there (this was in late August/early September). If you are an experienced backpacker you will do fine, but if you're new to backpacking...it may be a harsh introduction. But the area is well worth the visit, just dress appropriately and make sure you have good rain gear.