Map of Olympic National Park & Forest
Treasure on the Pacific Coast
With majestic glacier-capped mountains, ancient forests blanketed by emerald green mosses and wild, and windswept beaches, Olympic National Park is truly one of our nation’s natural treasures. Named a National Park on June 29, 1938, this wild and beautiful wilderness area became a World Heritage site in 1981. Roughly 95% of the Park is designated wilderness, further protecting its diverse ecosystems.
Kalaloch became part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in July of 1994. This Sanctuary is our nation's fourteenth marine sanctuary and covers an area of approximately 3,300 square miles. Here are some interesting facts about the Sanctuary’s wealth of natural and historical resources:
- Many species of marine mammals and nesting seabirds are found here, such as common murres, rhinoceros auklets and tufted puffins.
- The Sanctuary contains some of the largest colonies of seabirds in the continental U.S.
- It includes fishing areas for four coastal Indian tribes. Each one is represented on the Sanctuary Advisory Council, and is a resource management partner for the Sanctuary.
- Over 150 documented shipwrecks have occurred within the Sanctuary's boundaries.
- Sea otters, once virtually eliminated by fur hunters here, have been reintroduced, with their numbers subsequently rising to roughly 500 animals.
- This coastline is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.
- Many seals and sea lions will 'herd' their young onto the beach for safety while Mom dives for food. If you see a small seal or sea lion on the beach please don't disturb it in any way. The animals are easily stressed; plus Mom isn't far away and will be back with dinner, shortly.
Note: It is the policy of the National Park Service to not remove the remains of any sea mammals that wash up on the beach. For health reasons, it is advisable to avoid these remains.