Olympic National Park: Where the Mountain Meets the Sea

by Pat O'Hara and Tim McNulty

The heart of the Olympic Peninsula embraces more than 1,400 square miles of rugged mountains, richly forested river valleys, and pristine wilderness coast that have been preserved as Olympic National Park. The mountains that dominate the park modify weather patterns dramatically, creating a complex diversity of microclimates and habitats. Rain forests with more than 160 inches of annual precipitation lie less than 50 miles from near-desert valleys...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0917627008
• ISBN13: 9780917627002
• Release Date: January 1984
• Publisher: Woodlands Press
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.4" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Great guide to the Olympic Peninsula

This book covers just what the title promises - - the geology, rain forests, rivers, ocean, alpine regions, and other areas of Olympic National Park. It's a little jarring to see Indians included as part of the "natural" history, equivalent to Roosevelt elk or Olympic marmots, but McNulty treats white settlers and the National Park Service in the same way. McNulty weaves together an overall story of the peninsula despite dividing it into habitats and the like. This makes it a good read from start to finish, but it would also be useful as a companion for a visit - - just read the rainforest chapter when you're in the rainforests, and so on. McNulty also includes various personal moments, all well-timed and appropriate in length. This is not a personal memoir but these memories truly enhance the natural history that he presents. He also has an infectious enthusiasm, makes this book a lively read for a general audience. It also has beautiful pictures. In short, a great book if you're at all interested in the Olympic Peninsula.

A good overview to a spectacular park

Olympic National Park rangers often recommend this book as the best overall guide to this intriguing wilderness region. With environments as diverse as wavespept Pacific coasts, glaciated alpine country and lush temperate rainforests, McNulty had his work cut out for him in capturing the essence of the Olympic Mountains. All in all, he has done an excellent job, hitting on these topics, as well as the human history and conservation issues of the region. I was disappointed with his coverage of the rainforests, whose stunning grandeur really deserves more than the brief chapter he gives them. To his credit,though, he concludes the book with an extensive bibliography that will satisfy anyone who wants to delve deeper. All in all, I would say that this book earns a home in the backpack or suitcase of anybody who plans on visiting this wonderful National Park.