Lower-elevation snow is possible, but you likely won’t see more than 6 to 10 inches at most . The heavy accumulation is higher up. Hurricane Ridge averages a whopping 400 inches of snowfall each year.
Is the Olympic Peninsula dry?
Though much of their precipitation has already fallen, more moisture is wrung out of the clouds as they move inland, blanketing Hurricane Ridge in an average of 30-35 feet (10 m) of snow annually. The northeastern parts of the Olympic Peninsula lie in a dry rainshadow .
Does it snow on the Olympic Peninsula?
Snow begins falling in the high country—above 5,000 feet—as early as September and certainly by mid-October in a normal year. ... A few times each winter the entire Olympic Peninsula will see accumulations of snow all the way down to sea level .
Does it snow in the Hoh Rainforest?
Log bridge in the Quinault Rainforest. The Hoh and Quinault rain forests are excellent destinations once a bit of the snow melts . Winter is the wet season and the rain forest radiates in deep, healthy greens.
Does it snow in the Olympic National Park?
Although relatively low, the Olympic mountains receive a great deal of moisture. In winter, much of is falls as snow , particularly above 3,000 feet in elevation. The typically snow-covered Hurricane Ridge provides opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more.
What do you wear to the Hoh rainforest?
- A Rain Jacket to Protect You from Pacific Northwest’s Drizzles and Downpours. ...
- Park Maps. ...
- Tide Chart, Topographic Map and Watch to Explore Olympic’s Tidal Pools. ...
- Sturdy, Hard-Soled Water Shoes. ...
- Hiking Boots to Keep Your Feet Dry and Happy.
Where is the rainiest place in the US?
According to NOAA-NCDC data, the wettest place in the United States is Mt. Waialeale on Kauai in Hawaii , which gets approximately 460 inches (11,684 millimeters) of rain each year, making it one of the rainiest spots on earth.
Why is the Olympic Peninsula so Rainy?
Olympic has a reputation for rain —and true, parts of the peninsula receive 12 feet of rain every year. Moist air from the Pacific moves east and collides with the Olympic Mountains, dropping its precipitation on the central peninsula.
Is Port Angeles in rain shadow?
But a weather observer’s yearlong sunshine study has concluded that Port Angeles is also “definitely” inside the famous Olympic rain shadow . ... The rain shadow runs from the Sequim-Dungeness Valley to Port Townsend, Coupeville and Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands and Victoria.
Can you take a ferry from Seattle to Olympic National Park?
The two most common ferries to take from Seattle to Olympic are the Bainbridge Island ferry , operated by WSDOT, and the Kingston Fast Ferry operated by Kitsap Transit. For those in the northern part of the city, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry is a third option to reach the Kitsap Peninsula.
Can you live in the Hoh Rainforest?
Only a handful of people, 150 at the most, live year round in the Hoh, Queets and Quinault–the three temperate zone rain forests in northwestern Washington. Few others could take it. Average rainfall is 12 to 17 feet a year. ... The forest is alive with wildlife, big ravens and crows and flying squirrels in the trees.
What animals live in the Hoh Rainforest?
Many native fauna also make the Hoh Rainforest their home, including the Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla), northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), bobcat (Lynx rufus), cougar (Felis concolor couguar), raccoon (Procyon lotor), Olympic black bear (Ursus americanus altifrontalis), Roosevelt elk (Cervus ...
Can you drive through Hoh rainforest?
Getting to the Hoh is a long drive from anywhere ! You will definitely need a car to get there. ... I recommend making it a loop, driving through Olympia and around Lake Crescent and Kalaloch Beach to the Hoh and then returning through Forks and Port Angeles.
Are there bears in Olympic National Park?
The black bear is a common inhabitant of Olympic National Park , and North America, in general. They are smaller and darker than the grizzly bear and the brown bear. Females typically weigh between 100 and 400 lbs, while males weigh between 250 and 600 lbs.
How many days do you need for Olympic National Park?
Moreover, you’ll want to spend at least two to three days in Olympic National Park because there is truly just so much to see and do. When spending time in nature, it’s always best to take time to soak up the atmosphere and allow some leeway for impromptu adventures off the beaten path. Plus, there are logistics.
What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?
The best time of year for sightseeing in Olympic National Park is spring through fall . This time of year is ideal because the rainforests can experience up to 50 inches of rain in the winter, and by late spring, the landscape is lush and vibrant with life.
