- Located in the north-west of Washington State, Olympic National Park is renowned for the diversity of its ecosystems. Glacier-clad peaks interspersed with extensive alpine meadows are surrounded by an extensive old growth forest, among which is the best example of intact and protected temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. Eleven major river systems drain the Olympic mountains, offering some of the best habitat for anadromous fish species in the country. The park also includes 100 km of wilderness coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States, and is rich in native and endemic animal and plant species, including critical populations of the endangered northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and bull trout.
- Alfirk (stars.astro.illinois.edu)
ALFIRK (Beta Cephei). In mythology, Cepheus (the King) pales beside Cassiopeia (the Queen), who is central to the story of Andromeda and Perseus. And so does his constellation, which is the faintest of those of the myth. Yet dim Cepheus is not without glory.