Where mighty temperate rainforests once stretched from Oregon, across western Canada and into Alaska, now lie a few remote swathes and patches of forest, the tiny remnants of the forest’s former grandeur. Human exploitation and climate change have contributed to the rapid disappearance of tropical rainforests, reducing them to just under ten square miles in area. Fortunately, wise heads prevailed at a critical time, and through their actions, the last remaining old stands have been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The four remaining temperate rain forests are located on the Olympic Peninsula west of Seattle in Washington State. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created Olympic National Park in 1938, and it is within the boundaries of this 1,441-square-mile preservation site that the Bogachiel, Queets, Hoh, and Quinault River Valley rainforests are found. The two most easily accessible forests are Quinault and Hoh, both of which have paths that lead directly to their respective ranger stations.

Located in the immediate area are several lodges where you can reside during your vacation stay, some located just a few feet from the entrance trails that lead directly into the heart of the rainforests. This writer’s personal favorite vacation destination is the Lake Quinault Lodge, located on the southeastern shore of Lake Quinault and less than a mile from the main road, Highway 101. Built in 1926, this huge and beautifully constructed hotel is perfectly located 10 meters from a main gate to the Quinault Rain Forest, which provides easy entry for short or long excursions.

Immediately after entering the rainforest, you will be transported to a primeval wonderland; wherever you look, the view is more impressive. The excitement welling up in your chest must surely be reminiscent of the excitement our ancestors felt when they first saw the woods. The initial image that grabs your attention is the almost incandescent green glow of the lush flora that covers every inch of the ground and rises to the skies along the towering Sitka spruce trees. This is truly an impressive sight not found anywhere else on the planet.

The trail meanders around three miles through the rain forest and brings you back to your point of origin after a good two-hour hike. During your walk you will see quite clearly why this is known as a rainforest: everything is wet to the touch and drops of water drip from the trees that arch over the trail high above.

If you are lucky you may see a Roosevelt Elk. These huge beasts are found only in Olympic National Park and are as much a part of the rainforests as the trees, plants, and moss. Nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century, in 1909 President Theodore Roosevelt created Mount Olympus National Monument to protect them. Today the park is home to more than five thousand of these creatures, adding an additional element of exciting diversity to an area that is already rich in diversity.

It is not surprising that most people, having visited the rainforests, leave with a new appreciation for the importance of conserving our natural resources and why this last remaining link to our country’s primitive past should be maintained. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated conservationists, this rainforest promises to stay with us for years to come.