OLYMPICS: A RICH & STORIED PLAYGROUND

Although the tallest peak, Mount Olympus, only reaches 7,965 feet, the steep manner they rise from the ocean gives the mountains the illusion of great height.

History & Pre-History

In 1788, the explorer Captain John Meares named the tallest peak Mount Olympus in honor of the Greek explorer Juan de Fuca who had first passed by the mountain and named it Santa Rosalia in 1774. Since then the range has become associated with the ancient home of the Greek gods in name.

Despite their jutting appearance, the Olympic Mount Range are not volcanic. This is surprising given the proliferation of volcanic ranges in the Pacific Northwest, for example Mount Baker and Mount Rainer. As evidenced by the marine fossils found in the summits of the range, the Olympic Range once was part of the ocean floor. Approximately 120 million years ago, the Pacific Tectonic Plate crashed into the North American Plate and created the Olympic Range.

The actions of glaciers melting and freezing again created the “glacial horn” appearance of some of the more craggy mountains, a process that is also seen in heights such as Mount Everest and the Matterhorn. Today, the Olympic Range is considered the most glaciated area in the USA outside of Alaska.

Remnants of ancient Ice Age glaciers (from 26,000 to 13,300 years ago) are thought to make up portions of the larger existing glaciers in the park — specifically, those glaciers found on Mount Olympus and Mount Anderson. The smaller glaciers in the park were formed during the last “Little Ice Age” of only three to five thousand years ago.

Despite the ancestry of these glaciers their melting is a constant source of water for local watersheds. As well, the height and proximity to the ocean of Mount Olympus favors this mountain with an incredibly moist climate, making the Hoh Rainforest the wettest location in the United States. Contrastingly, parts of the rest of this horseshoe shaped range are in a rain shadow, creating a fairly dry climate.

Most of this range is protected within the Olympic National Park. This massive park system offers plenty of opportunities for excursions and many of these services are open in the winter.

Winter Playground

Winter PlaygroundWhy not plan a day trip to the mountains to sample the snow? During early spring the Staircase Entrance of the National Park offers some opportunity for great hikes that offer a great deal of elevation and skill variety and with virtually no one else on them that early in the season! Take the kids or friends and plan a mountain adventure. Build an igloo, go snowshoeing, or just have a snow ball battle. Although the lower reaches may be drowning in rain, if you head to the hills you might just find a drier, fluffier version.

If you are searching for more organized activities, Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles, also an entrance to the Olympic National Park, offers ranger-guided snowshoe walks and economical ski day passes. The more adventurous seasoned camper may want to try their hand at “winter camping.” Check the ONP website for road conditions before you answer the mountain’s call, as winter conditions can close areas. Be mindful that weather can be unpredictable and it is always better to be safe than sorry, as the Olympic National Park website warns - carry the "Ten Essentials:" map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and raingear with warm clothes. Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. You may also consider visiting off season or mid-week to avoid disappointment and crowds.

Olympic mountain range from across Hood canal near Union;

The delightful Staircase Loop leads past great opportunities to explore the North Fork of the Skokomish River. explorehoodcanal.com