If you’ve ever been to the Olympic Peninsula, you know the only proper word for it is otherworldly. What other place in the country has a temperate rainforest, mountain peaks, lavender fields, waterfall-laden forests, and mystical ocean beaches packed into 3,600 square miles? Not only is this place like any other in America, it looks like a scene from Jurassic Park waiting to happen.

The Olympic Peninsula is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the Hood Canal on the east, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the north.
Scott Moore / Flickr
Despite the fact that it contains the beautiful Olympic National Park, it remains largely unexplored and unmapped.
The peninsula is diverse geographically, but it also has varying climates.
Tjflex2 / Flickr
Most of the peninsula has an oceanic climate, but some parts have a warmer Mediterranean climate. And the Hoh Rainforest often sees over 12 feet (yes, feet) of rain each year.
There are so many destinations to explore on the Olympic Peninsula, it's impossible to see them all on one trip... or two or three, for that matter.
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr
The stretch of coastline here is considered one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest.

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The majority of the Jurassic Park movies were filmed in Hawaii, using various islands' beaches, parks, and arboretums to create the mystical islands of dinosaurs come to life.
Diana Robinson / Flickr
However, you'd be surprised how much parts of the peninsula can resemble parts of the Hawaiian islands, which is surprising given Hawaii's fairly consistent climate.
The fictional island in the film, Isla Nublar, was about 120 miles west of Costa Rica.
Tjflex2 / Flickr
Looking back, creating a tourist attraction with real dinosaurs on a remote island was probably not the best idea. But the concept clearly worked, as there are currently six Jurassic Park movies, with a seventh being released next year.
Fortunately, you won't find any dinosaurs creeping around the Olympic Peninsula... at least, we really hope not.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
But there's really no denying that this place looks like something straight out of a movie.
Have you ever explored Olympic National Park?
Diana Robinson / Flickr
This enchanting, rugged part of the PNW should be on every Washingtonian's bucket list.

Have you visited our beautiful Olympic Peninsula lately?

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Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA