When most people think of rainforests, the first thing that comes to mind is tropical rainforests like those found in the Amazon, Borneo, and the Congo. But rainforests also exist in temperate regions. Over Memorial Day Weekend I visited one of these non-tropical rainforests: the temperate rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington.
The region is spectacular, with clear-flowing rivers, dense moss-draped forests, and wild coastline. It’s also easy to access from Seattle, just a couple hours by car to some truly stunning spots.
I spent most of my time on this trip around Quinault Lake and the Hoh River, both of which feature camping, great hikes, and beautiful forest. Beyond camping, there are a number of accommodation options, ranging from bed-and-breakfasts to larger establishments like the Lake Quinault Lodge.
Below are some pictures from the trip.
More pictures from the trip coming soon to Mongabay.com.