The heart of the Olympic Peninsula embraces more than 1,400 square miles of rugged mountains, richly forested river valleys, and pristine wilderness coast that have been preserved as Olympic National Park. The mountains that dominate the park modify weather patterns dramatically, creating a complex diversity of microclimates and habitats. Rain forests with more than 160 inches of annual precipitation lie less than 50 miles from near-desert valleys where annual precipitation is less than 20 inches. The varied ecosystems have led to the evolution of an extraordinary variety of wildlife and plant life, including many species found nowhere else on earth. Also unique to this land are the highly developed native cultures that have occupied the peninsula for thousands of years, living in a dynamic balance with the natural bounty around them.Tim McNulty combines a readable narrative with authoritative reference material and exceptional photographs to create a complete, concise, and vivid portrait of the natural history of one of the world's most remarkable places. Read Less