Page 13 - Jan 24

The Blue Hole
On the west side of Puget Sound, a different but equally stunning national park awaits. If you choose to leave your aircraft east of the Sound and drive there, Washington State has an efficient and economical system of bridges and car/passenger ferries to help you island hop over. Such a trek opens many opportunities to enjoy the little communities and state and county parks along the way. You’re also likely to see some of the flight activities to/from the very active Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. However, as pilots, most of us would prefer to just reposition the aircraft to one of the many airports on the Olympic Peninsula.
The Olympics are well known for their copious annual rainfall. Much of the mountain range is a literal rainforest, receiving 100-150 inches of rain annually. There is also a phenomenon known as the Olympic Rain Shadow. Prevailing winds in the area come from the Pacific (west) side, and on this windward side, the air is forced up the mountainsides. As it rises, it cools and condenses, causing both clouds and precipitation to develop. On the leeward side, however, the air rapidly descends, warms and expands, which inhibits clouds and precipitation and a rain shadow develops. This “blue hole” is so
“ ... ONP covers almost a million acres but is incredibly biodiverse. As a result, it looks and feels very different in various park sections.”
JANUARY 2024
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 11