Olympic National Park is located in the U.S. state of Washington, occupying the central portion of the Olympic Peninsula, as well as a narrow 63 mile strip of land along the peninsula's Pacific Coast. The Olympic Peninsula is a unique geographic province consisting of five major landscape settings - temperate rain forest, rugged mountain terrain, large lowland lakes, cascading rivers, and saltwater beaches. Here the flora and fauna provide interest beyond the imagination. It also has the lowest latitude in the world in which glaciers form at relatively low elevation.

Often referred to as the "three parks in one," the Olympic National Park is made up of three distinctly different ecosystems - temperate rain forest, more than 60 miles of wild Pacific coastline and rugged glacier mountains. About 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness rich in native and endemic animal and plant species, including critical populations of the endangered northern marbled murrelet, bull trout and spotted owl.

The first documented systematic exploration of the interior of the Olympic Peninsula was made in 1885 by Lt. Joseph P. O'Niel. The act establishing Olympic National Park was signed on June 29, 1938. Today, the park ranks 4th most popular park in the country with more than 3.3 million visitors annually. The park is famous for its glacier-clad peaks interspersed with extensive alpine meadows surrounded by an extensive old growth forest, among which is the best example of intact and protected temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. Eleven major river systems drain the Olympic Mountains, offering some of the best habitat for anadromous fish species in the country.

Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives to Hurricane Ridge, along the Pacific Coast and through the forested valleys of the Sol Duc, Hoh and Quinault Rivers which provides glimpses of Olympic's diversity. The park also houses spur roads leading to various destinations around the park, accessible only by trail. Most visitors come to the park from July through September; December and January are the quietest months.