Happy 70th Anniversary, Olympic National Park!

President Roosevelt also played a role in another significant event that year—this time in the world of travel. In 1938, he signed legislation that allowed for the official establishment of the Olympic National Park in Washington.

In 1937, President Roosevelt had visited the area on a fact-finding mission. He gave a speech at Port Angeles, Wash. before commencing on his journey through the Olympic Peninsula. By the end of his visit, President Roosevelt, in an executive action, decided to add more property to the already existing Mt. Olympus National Monument and declared the area a national park. It was thanks in part to his efforts that the Olympic National Park was created and made official June 29, 1938.

This year the Olympic National Park, one of the nation’s best-kept travel secrets, celebrates its 70^th Anniversary. Home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, the Olympic National Park spans more than 900,000 acres and includes rugged coastline, calming waterfalls, rustic lodges and North America’s only temperate rainforest and glacial mountain peaks.

The Olympic National Park and Forest is the home of three historic lodges: Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.

• Lake Quinault Lodge in the Olympic National Forest offers historic accommodations and renowned hiking for adventure seekers and casual walkers alike. This distinguished hiking area provides access to surrounding wildlife and more than 250 miles of trails through the emerald green Quinault Rain Forest. President Roosevelt stopped for lunch at the lodge’s restaurant—now known as the Roosevelt Room Restaurant. To this day, the lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now features a display of historical items from his visit.
• Remotely perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch Lodge offers spectacular panoramic views and seven unique and peaceful beaches. With such activities as beach combing, fishing and hiking, Kalaloch Lodge sets the stage for the perfect romantic getaway or family vacation by the beach all year long.
• The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features three outdoor pure mineral hot spring pools—perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking and exploring the national park.

Please join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone for the Olympic National Park. I want to gauge your interest in doing a story that highlights the history of the Olympic National Park. If you are interested, I can send along some gorgeous photos or put you in touch with representatives at the national park for more historical details. For more information on the Olympic National Park, please visit www.visitwashingtonparks.com.