Because of the abundant variety of this part of the Velebit range, the area was upgraded from a nature reserve[2] in 1999, and opened as a national park in September the same year.

Inside the reserve is the well-known Velebit Botany Garden, founded by pharmacology professor and botanist Fran Kušan in 1967.

From the numerous peaks in the surroundings there are magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea and its islands (Pag, Rab, Goli Otok, Prvić and Krk) as well as of the continental side.

On its coastal slopes are many ruined houses, lodges and stone walls, all the remaining evidence of a lost local population.

[5] The most interesting part of this rocky region is on the path from Rossilijeva koliba to Crikvena (1641 m), half an hour's walk from the hut.

Here all the phenomena of karst rock meet – chasms, dizzying heights, crevices, caves, natural gateways and passes.