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 * __Olympic National Park__**

Located in the North Western side of the United States, Olympic National Park is the biggest national park in Washington State. The Olympic Mountains, which is the majority of the park, were created circa 15 to 87 million years ago offshore in the Pacific Ocean. Over millions of years they rose and eroded into the mountains that stand today. The vast park stretches across an enormous 922,651 acres bringing in an astounding 3 million people per year. Included in the park are the mountains, rain forests, and other natural reserves.

Olympic has a moderate climate with nice summers and chilly, wet winters. Summers are warm, with high temperatures usually between 65 and 75° F. Summer is the driest season, with heavier precipitation during the rest of the year. Winters have temperatures in the 30's and 40's. At the top of the mountains there is a lot of snow, which accumulates up to 10 feet. Near sea level, the precipitation falls as rain rather than snow. There are a lot of activities to do in the Olympic region. On the weekends snowshoeing is available on the Olympic Mountains and trails.

There are also such activities as; backpacking, hiking, camping, fishing, flora gazing, horseback riding, mountaineering, photography, skiing, star gazing, and wildlife watching. To see all of the activities and other special events offered at Olympic National Park click here.



**__History of the Park__**

Established in 1897 and named Olympic National Forest Reserve, the park's name was changed to Olympic National Forest in 1907. Later in 1938, Olympic National Park was created. President Theodore Roosevelt played a big role in creating Olympic National Park. He signed a legislation in 1938 finalizing the creation of the natural reserve. Back in 1885 an exploration was held throughout what is now the Olympic National park site. Lt. Joseph O'Neil led the expedition through the area. In 1889-90 James Christie led a North to South exploration of the large area in about five and a half months. Lt. O'Neil returned from his East to West exploration as well. After this, a movement was slowly made to set aside the area for a natural reserve. Some historic sights to see are the Olympic Hot Springs, which are located in a bank on Boulder Creek. There are 21 holes all together and the temperatures can range from warm to 138 degrees F. Olympic National Park is a natural site under the criteria N (ii) and (iii) which state; ii: to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. iii: to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. This land was once home to Native Americans who also, surprisingly, contributed to making the site into a national park.

__**Environmental Issues**__

The weather in the Olympic area is basically the same as the weather we have in New England. Summers are warm and dry yet a little bit cooler than here. Winters are wet and chilly with heavy snow fall. The Olympic Mountains are not very high, but Mount Olympus is the highest, which is just under 8,000 feet. They rise almost from the water's edge and they catch moist air from the Pacific. As this air is forced over the mountains, it cools and releases moisture in the form of rain or snow. At lower elevations rain feeds the forests while at higher elevations snow adds to the mountains which form the interesting landscape. Also in the Olympic area are vast coastlines and temperate rain forests. There are many different ecosystems that range from deep within caves and on the snowy hills of the Olympic Mountains. The rain forests also provide a habitat for millions of plants and animals to live in. Other ecosystems include the lakes and rivers where fish and other aquatic organisms live, and in the lower grasslands where bears, large cats, and plenty of other animals make their living. The air quality has been measured at Olympic National Park since 1981, and the most recent reports of Ozone have came back saying that there is not enough Ozone to exceed human health-based primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard or injure ozone-sensitive vegetation. There have been 4 reported fires since June of 2009 that have eaten away at areas in the National Park. There are no reports on any geologic, hydrological or hydrothermal activities in the Olympic National Park. Because of the separations of the glaciers in prehistoric times, the Olympic National Park contains the "endemic 16" which is 16 different types of plants and animals which are not found anywhere else in North America. However this works both ways, a lot of well known North American animals are not found in the National Park. The most common animals to see are the black-tailed deer, chipmunks, ducks, and many other species of birds including the grouse. The three most common trees include the Douglas Fir, the Sitka Spruce, and Red Alder Trees. Among the plants are many types of wildflowers, bluebells, and ferns including the sword fern and bracken fern.



The most obvious natural land features are the Olympic Mountains, but there is so much more. For example: the caves and lakes that were created over millions of years. Some caves are carved right into the mountainside. The Hoh River is a large and magnificent river to stop by and visit. It is teeming with many diverse plants and animals.The hot springs are also a great feature to see. Some of the springs are cool enough to actually get into! But do so at your own risk because the springs have failed the water quality test for the bathing standards many times. However, among these springs is a resort that was set up called the [|Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort]. The resort was set up in the middle of the hot springs in the Olympic National Park. It is a vacation resort where you stay at a beautiful 5 star hotel and can enjoy the steamy waters of the safe hot springs. Also, it is a great place to go fishing and even tour the Hoh rain forest. After the long eventful day of exploring this magnificent National Park, you can always come back to the resort for a relaxing massage. Another great place to visit is the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center. Lots of our exciting trails begin from this area of the park. It is a great place to visit if you need to stop and rest as well.

__**Recreational Activities**__

Ice Fishing:

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There are many activities for visitors to enjoy. They include; > media type="custom" key="5422273" align="center"
 * Fishing
 * Bike riding
 * Hiking
 * Sight seeing
 * Snow shoeing
 * And plenty more! Just stop by the visitors center and sign up for an adventure of your life.

Everything about the park is astounding. From the magnificent, powerful mountains to the vast, diverse rain forests, there is something for everyone here at Olympic National Park. The activities are amazing, taking you through every aspect of nature and teaching you a little bit about the history of the park. It truly is the adventure of a lifetime.


 * To see fun facts of the Olympic National Park click here!

**__References__**


 * Service, National Park. __Olympic National Park.__ 23 January 2010. 8 February 2010 []
 * Corporation, Answers. __Olympic Mountains: Definition from Answers.com.__ 2010. 8 February 2010 []
 * Uhler, John. __Olympic National Park Visitors Guide.__ 2010. 11 February 2010 [].
 * Wikipedia. __Olympic National Park.__ 10 February 2010. 11 February 2010 []
 * NPS. __Olympic National Park Air Quality__. 21 February 2010. 10 March 2008. @http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Permits/ARIS/olym/
 * Aramark. __Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.__ 2010. 22 February 2010 [].