Summer of 2016, Olympic High Divide: In one of the few places left in the world undisturbed by humans, I made a starling realization of how few of my friends have really gone out and explored what nature truly is (away from the hottest tourist destinations). I wanted to bring back a piece of this adventure to share with everyone I know. One of the few things I regret on this trip is not bringing a proper camera to document these moments. I made a promise to myself that I will go back to the Olympic High Divide and relive this experience, and hopefully bring some of my friends. Before this trip, I was already relatively into photography but I decided against bringing anything expensive due to the natural dangers to electronics in the wilderness. Because of this trip, I have been changed… next time, I will bring a camera. The trip itself was organized by the non-profit organization NatureBridge and the National Park Service. Together, they provided the opportunity for a bunch of teenagers from around the world to meet up, bond, and conduct a research project in Olympic National Park. My group and I researched about the wonders of nurse logs and its effect on the environment. At the end of two weeks as the entire event was dwindling down, I realized how sad it was to see each other part and go on their own path of life. Chances are, we probably will not see each other again, but I know the bond we have created in those two weeks will never be broken and the memories made will be forever ingrained within us.
Sincerely,
Olympic National Park
Exploring Olympic’s dynamic landscape is like visiting three parks in one. The high mountains offer snow, glaciers, wilderness and — if you time it right — acres of wildflowers. The lush, verdant Hoh Rainforest is unlike anything else in the Lower 48, and home to Roosevelt elk, black bears and other charismatic wildlife. And the park’s stunning coast offers some of the country's wildest and most spectacular beaches, dotted with tide pools and sea stacks. Visitors can now see where park staff recently removed two large dams, letting the Elwha River flow freely again for the first time in more than 100 years.
State(s): Washington
Established: 1938
“There aren't that many places in the world that are protected by law to prevent human damage and at the same allow us to openly explore the beautiful land. ”
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Greetings from Olympic National Park
Enjoying a soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs on a clear September morning! The springs get pretty crowded later in the day, but early is like having a private pool to yourself. So peaceful ....
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Greetings from Olympic National Park
Strolling through the Redwoods of Olympic National Park late last Summer, I was reminded of how little we are. The Staircase area of the park that I visited took me back in time instantaneously. It gave me a sense of gratefulness that generations before me had preserved one of our…
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