What a Wonderful World (An #AtoZChallenge Post): O is for Olympic National Park

 

Ferns and tall evergreen trees line a creek in Olympic National Park

My husband recently re-retired, and we are front-loading travel. My #AtoZChallenge posts this year will explore our adventures--some pre-retirement, some post. Today's location: Olympic National Park in Washington.

Having grown up on the western side of Oregon, lush green moderate climates always make me feel at home, and the damp Olympic National Park is no exception. Although visiting a temperate rain forest sounds exotic, my daughter learned (to her disappointment decades ago) that monkeys and parrots do not make the Olympic National Park their home. However, quite a few Roosevelt elk, North America's largest type of elk, reside in the Olympic National Park.

A couple of large Roosevelt elk stand among the ferns and trees

Not only are the elk large there, but some of the world's largest trees are found in the Olympic National Park. 

My husband stands at the base of the world's largest spruce tree. A blue sign in the foreground states that the tree has a 58 foot, 11 inch circumference and a height of 191 feet.

Interpretive signs are placed along the trails, explaining the interesting features of life in the rainforest. 

A sign explains how fallen trees become "nurse logs" for other trees to grow on

Rain is practically a guarantee, and the dampness provides a great environment for plants to grow. Many of the trees are covered in thick moss.

Moss hangs down from the branches of a tall tree

I'm practically getting homesick just writing this post. I definitely recommend visiting Olympic National Park--just don't expect to see monkeys!

Come back tomorrow to see where in the world we'll visit next!