The park takes its name from the Olympic Mountains within its boundaries. Explorer Juan de Fuca named the mountains in 1592 after Mount Olympus, the mythical home of Greek gods.
Established in 1938, the park protects over 922,000 acres of diverse ecosystems—temperate rainforests, glaciers, rugged coastlines—and wildlife such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, cougars, and marmots. It is a premier destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and nature education.