Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Since this was the time of HISTORIC HEATWAVE baking the PNW, we thought, glacier-capped mountains was a good ecosystem to visit in this trip! Infact, Mt. Olympus has greatest glaciation of any non-volcanic peak in the contiguous United States outside of the North Cascades
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Because the park sits on an isolated peninsula, the quickest way was to drive into a ferry, haha!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
But before we hit the National Park, we took a small detour to Olympic Game Farm...
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
.... which was like embarking on our self-guided drive through journey through a farm full of animals like this Yak!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
The animals are NOT at all shy to come near the vehicle and greet. Hey llama!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Did see it fly, but only if it opened its feathers!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
The closest I've ever been to a bear. Surreal!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
They also had the majestic Siberian Tiger, but this apex predator, rightfully in a cage, lol!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Welcomed by some female elks!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
And god, they had a total collection of beautiful deers who just surround you from all sides.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Wait, is that a Bison inserting his head inside of the car?
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
If not for the car, I can't imagine being this near to these formidable beasts and the heaviest land animals in North America.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
The most epic Roosevelt elk, also known commonly as the Olympic elk :) Infact, the desire protect the elk was one of the primary forces behind the establishment of the Mount Olympic National Park by then President Theodore Roosevelt for whom they are named.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
The spectacular while peacocks are a sight to behold

The farm is the closest I've to been to these animals - all without getting outside our very own car!

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Nowhere do the Olympics crack the 8000 foot barrier, but their incredible array of jagged peaks, massive glaciers make them one of the most spectacular mountains in the world outside of the polar regions
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Thanks to the heatwave and clear blue skies, Olympics gave us the views of the Pacific Ocean, the strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, Vancouver Island - CANADA!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
"Lingering Snow" board on a hike!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
And since today, the PNW had highest temperatures EVER RECORDED even this small patch of snow was god-sent ...
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
.... and helped us reach the top of Hurricane Hill, where we could again see uptil Canada!
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Trying to identify some peaks here.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
WHATTA BACKDROP (to get a fake candid)
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Visiting in summer also gives an opportunity to witness the wildflowers burst in the area, otherwise covered with snow.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
And we're here at the prime viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the mountain range

And like always, can I interest you in a bird eye view of the Olympics. Also some dance with shadows here

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
The last panorama, while we head down
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA - Travel photography by Rohan Goel
Survived the heatwave with @ChaitraHegde @SanketAgrawal @SashankGondala