Olympic National Park: A Natural History

Renowned for its old-growth rain forest, wilderness coast, and glaciated peaks, Olympic National Park is a living laboratory for ecological renewal, especially as the historic Elwha River basin regenerates in the wake of dam removal. In this classic guide to the park, Tim McNulty invites us into the natural and human history of these nearly million acres, from remote headwaters to roadside waterfalls, from shipwreck sites to Native American historical settlements and contemporary resource stewardship, along the way detailing the park’s unique plant and animal life. McNulty reminds us that though the mountains and rivers remain ‘timeless,’ our understanding of the lifeforms that inhabit them-and the effects our actions have on their future-is an ongoing, ever deepening story.

Color photographs

Practical advice on how to make the most of your visit

Handy flora and fauna species checklists

Inspiring descriptions of endangered species recovery

Detailed look at Elwha River restoration after dam removal