Olympic National Forest

The Olympic National Forest is part of an emerald paradise. The Forest is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the northwest corner of Washington State (the Evergreen State). 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. Recreational opportunities seem unlimited in this region.

The Forest is situated within 35 air miles of Seattle's downtown and less than 120 miles via Interstate 5 or US Highway 101 routes. The area was established in 1897 and became the Olympic National Forest in 1907. The last boundary adjustment was made in 1987. The Forest spans across 633,677 acres and covers four counties. The landscape settings include temperate rain forests, mountain ranges, lowland lakes, cascading rivers, and saltwater beaches and tidelands.

There are a number of threatened and endangered species seen in the Forest including the Northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, bull trout, Hood Canal summer chum salmon, and Puget Sound Chinook. There are 13 key watersheds and 13 areas that are considered to be roadless. Over 85,000 acres have remained untouched.