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Glacier capped mountains, wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of
old-growth forests, including temperate rain forests -- at Olympic National
Park, you can find all three. About 95% of the park is designated wilderness,
which further protects these diverse and spectacular ecosystems. Olympic
is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial
ice, and later the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca,
the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and
animals. Eight kinds of plants and 15 kinds of animals are found on the
peninsula but no where else on Earth.
Olympic National Park has a diverse and stunning world, a fog shrouded coast
with booming surf and waves-manicured beaches, spectacular alpine country
dotted with sparkling lakes, lush meadows, glaciers, and North America's
finest temperate rain forest.
Olympic is a wilderness park, with much of its interior accessible only
by trail. A variety of spur roads lead to various destinations around
the park. Scenic drives to Hurricane Ridge, along the Pacific Coast and
through the forested valleys of the Sol Duc, Hoh and Quinault Rivers provide
glimpses of Olympic's diversity.
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