Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuqua, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and five kinds of animals are found on the peninsula and live nowhere else in the world. Most roads remain open year round, although several are subject to winter closure because of snow.
Some campgrounds are open year round, while others close for the winter.
Visitor center hours vary throughout the year. Fees The fee program at Olympic has recently changed in accordance with the Congressionally authorized Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. Entrance permits and passes are sold spring through fall at park entrance stations. A fee program for all overnight camping in the park's wilderness will be announced in mid April. Permits and Reservations Wilderness use permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.