10 Things Your Guide Wants You To Know About Adventuring in the Pacific Northwest

Are you excited about your upcoming Washington Olympics and Cascades adventure? We bet you are!

We recently spoke with Megan Kennedy, Skyhook’s expert local guide for trips to the Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are 10 exciting facts Megan wants you to know before your big adventure.

Did you know the Olympic Peninsula is often described as "three parks in one?" 

That’s because it’s home to three distinct ecosystems: high alpine, temperate rainforest, and rugged coastline.

It’s the only park in the continental U.S. where you can hike through glaciers and stroll past stunning sea stacks all in a single day.

The Olympic Peninsula is home to eight Indigenous nations, each with its own rich history and culture. 

Here, you can explore the traditions of the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S'Klallam, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Skokomish, Quinault, Hoh, Quileute, and Makah peoples. 

It’s a treasure trove for anyone passionate about history and culture.

The Hoh Rainforest is one of the finest remaining examples of a temperate rainforest, an ecosystem that once blanketed much of the West Coast of North America. 

Today, it receives an impressive 140 inches (355cm) of rain each year. So, when you venture into this lush, green wonderland, be sure to come prepared for some wet weather!

Keep your eyes open for Sasquatch, Bigfoot’s lesser-known cousin! 

Many locals and visitors believe the Olympic Peninsula is the most likely home of this elusive cryptid. Why, you ask? 

Well, with 876,000 acres of the park designated as wilderness and motorized travel prohibited through its heart, this dense forest is one of the most remote and wild places in the country—making it a prime spot for a Sasquatch sighting.

Thanks to its isolation during the Ice Age, the Olympic Peninsula boasts several species found nowhere else on Earth. 

Sharp-eyed visitors might catch a glimpse of the Olympic Marmot, the elusive snow mole, or even an ermine! 

But it's not just the wildlife that makes this place special—it’s also a paradise for plant lovers. 

In the dense rainforests, where conifers outnumber broadleaf trees by a staggering 1,000:1, the Sitka Spruce reigns supreme, growing here in greater abundance than anywhere else in the nation.

Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks are fantastic destinations for backpacking! 

In both parks, you can explore rolling, rugged forested terrain and high alpine areas teeming with wildlife. 

Both parks require permits for backpacking routes to preserve the pristine beauty of these wild spaces. This helps reduce traffic and protect these incredible environments.

Did you know the Cascade Range, with the majestic Tahoma (Mount Rainier) as its crown jewel, is an arc of active volcanoes? That’s right! 

While the chances of an eruption in our lifetime are slim, these giants are constantly monitored for seismic stirrings. 

So, when you’re planning a trip to these awe-inspiring landscapes, it’s always wise to brush up on geohazard safety—just in case these sleeping giants decide to wake!

Most areas of Mount Rainier National Park are off-limits during the winter and spring, with many roads only opening in June as the snow begins to melt. 

Paradise and Sunrise—the two high alpine areas accessible by car—use a timed entry system. Joining a guided group is a fantastic option if you want to guarantee your spot!

Ready to explore some glaciers? 

Yes, Mount Rainier boasts 28 named glaciers and countless unnamed snowfields. But travelers beware.

Traversing this glacial terrain requires advanced training and specialized equipment. 

Don't worry, though—hundreds of miles of trails in the park wind safely through ancient old-growth forests and picturesque alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views without the need for technical skills.

Mount Rainier National Park is a haven for incredible wildlife, from majestic black bears and elusive foxes to playful marmots, pikas, and sure-footed mountain goats. 

While it’s tempting to get up close for that perfect photo, always remember to admire these creatures from a safe distance—after all, this is their home, and we’re just visitors!

A big thank you to Megan for sharing these awesome tips.

If you have any questions before signing up for your Washington Olympics and Cascades adventure, feel free to contact us. We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible corner of the world!