Olympic National Park is three parks in one. On Washington's Olympic Peninsula, its nearly 1 million acres hold glacier-capped mountains, lush old-growth temperate rainforests and more than 70 miles of wild Pacific coastline, making it a dream for hikers, photographers, stargazers and paddlers.

Drive up to Hurricane Ridge for sweeping mountain views, wander among moss-draped giants in the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., and explore dramatic beaches like Rialto and Ruby Beach, with towering sea stacks and tide pools. Paddle the glassy waters of Lake Crescent and soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs. The park's protection began in 1897, when President Grover Cleveland created the Olympic Forest Reserve. Theodore Roosevelt later designated Mount Olympus National Monument to protect the Roosevelt elk that roam here, and Franklin Roosevelt made it a national park in 1938. Today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

The park is large and spread out, so planning your route is key. I'll handle lodging and an itinerary that covers the mountains, rainforest and coast, and pair it with Seattle and Mount Rainier.