Olympic Mountains, Mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Washington, United States
The Olympic Mountains form a nearly circular ring of high peaks in northwestern Washington, surrounded by dense forests that reach down to the coast. Deep river valleys cut outward from the center like spokes, separating individual ridges from one another.
The range received its current name in 1788 from a British captain who saw it from the sea and named it after the home of Greek gods. Three decades later, the area was officially protected to preserve the old forests and wildlife.
The original inhabitants carved canoes from cedar trees and gathered plants along streams that still flow through the valleys today. Many place names in the area come from the languages of these groups and recall their long connection to the range.
The highest areas often remain snow covered well into early summer, so warmer months work better for walks at higher elevations. Many trails start low in the valleys and climb steeply, so plan enough time and bring water.
The western slopes catch moist air from the Pacific and turn low elevations into temperate rainforest, while the eastern side stays much drier. This contrast happens across a relatively short distance and allows completely different plants and animals to thrive on each side.
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