Olympic National Park is 1,400 sq miles of primeval beauty

Some tips for visiting Olympic National Park: -The Pacific Northwest is known for its mild, often-rainy, and grey weather. Olympic's Hoh Rainforest can get up to 12 feet of rain a year. The park usually sees a dry spell between July and September, so that's always a good time to visit to avoid getting too wet, but definitely come prepared for some precipitation, i.e. raincoats, boots, etc. -The park is 1,441 square miles, and while a lot of it is wilderness, there are tons of more developed areas as well. The park is divided into two sections: one that covers the Olympic Mountains, and another on the coast. -Only the Kalaloch Campground can be reserved in advance during the summer, the others are first come, first serve. However, with 12 year-round campgrounds and 4 additional seasonal campgrounds, there should be something available. -If you choose to visit in the winter, the rainforests are your best bets for hiking, as they tend to be clear of snow. There are winter activity options available in the Olympic Mountain portion of the park, too, if that's more your speed.

The Hall of Mosses Trail is one of a few trails that traverse the park's Hoh Rainforest, and at only .8 miles, it's pretty easy. But, just because it's short doesn't mean it isn't impressive! Hikers are entirely surrounded by lush greenery, moss covers the ground, the tree trunks, and even drips from the branches. It's easy to imagine that you're in another time or place (seriously, it's so overgrown that it feels like civilization is miles, or even centuries away).

The park is home to tons of wildlife, but if you're looking for hidden gems, you won't find any more magical (or fascinating) than the marine specimens found in the tidepools of Olympic National Park's beaches, like the beautiful Ruby Beach. On any given day, you might see green anemones, pink algae, seashells, and more starfish than you can count! Since tidepools can only be seen at low tide, check the tide times before you set off, and while you're looking at the tidepools, remember to be gentle with the creatures you find. The National Park Service also suggests bringing a bag to pick up any trash you might find laying on the beach. Oh, and remember to wear sturdy shoes that you won't mind getting a little wet!

Just off Highway 101 on the southwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula lies Kalaloch and Ruby Beach. This area is incredibly important ecologically. It’s home to thousands of marine species. The 135-mile long coastline is even protected by not one, not two, but three national wildlife refuges and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Located along Olympic National Park’s 73 miles of coastline, lies Kalaloch, a very popular place for tourists, hikers and campers.

Kalaloch is Quinault for “a good place to land.” The campground is open all year long and has 175 campsites. Some of which are wheelchair-accessible. These campsites fill up fast, so best to book early to reserve a spot. And there’s also Kalaloch Lodge, which is located directly on the beach.

If you happen to visit Kalaloch Campground, there’s a pretty special tree located along the beach. From the campground, there’s a trail and steps that take you 40 feet down towards the beach. Along the beach you’ll come to this tree, which is still growing despite a very large gulch that developed underneath it.

There are a few waterfalls in the park, but Sol Duc Falls is one of the coolest, it's visible year-round, but is especially magnificent in the spring, as the water thunders through the verdant landscape. From the parking lot at the trailhead, it's less than two miles total out and back, so it's pretty easily accessible, too.

A drive along Hurricane Ridge Road is an absolute must-do when visiting the park, plus there's a great visitor center and a few hiking trails, with stunning views. Access in winter is limited, although the mountains are super impressive covered in a blanket of pure white snow, and depends on several factors, so check conditions and open hours before you visit during the off season.