Olympic National Forest, National forest in Washington, United States

Olympic National Forest covers 628,115 acres (254,189 ha) and nearly surrounds Olympic National Park and the Olympic Mountains. It lies in parts of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Mason counties, with terrain from temperate rainforest to the saltwater fjord of Hood Canal and peaks such as Mount Washington. Dense conifer stands rise over a central ridge with rocky outcrops.

The forest was established as a protected area in 1897, becoming part of the United States Forest Service system. This early decision reflected a growing movement to safeguard forest lands across America.

The forest's name comes from the Olympic Mountains it encircles, and its wilderness areas carry names tied to the peninsula, such as The Brothers, Buckhorn, Colonel Bob and Mount Skokomish. Since 1984 these five areas have held IUCN Ib wilderness status, where access is on foot or horseback only. Handmade "Stop Wild Olympics" signs appear near Aberdeen and on the peninsula, while hunting and fishing groups back the Wild Olympics proposal.

The forest can be entered from several points across different counties, with ranger stations offering guidance and information. It helps to check conditions beforehand, as access routes and weather can vary significantly throughout the year.

The forest reaches from sea level to roughly 7,000 feet (2,100 meters), creating distinct ecological zones within short distances. This elevation change means visitors can see dramatically different plant and animal species as they move through the landscape.