"Waterfall" by NPS photo , public domain
OlympicGuide Summer 2017 |
Summer Guide to Olympic National Park (NP) in Washington. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Bugler
Olympic National Park
Summer Newspaper 2017
Strength in Diversity
W
hat does the word “diversity” mean to you? It can
define our society’s broad spectrum of culture
and ethnicity, or the wide range of choices in the
toothpaste aisle. At Olympic National Park, diverse ecosystems
invite exploration on a grand scale. The park’s variety of life—its
biodiversity—also provides strength and resilience for the future.
Olympic is renowned for its coast, rain forest and mountain
ecosystems. Visitors often ask rangers, “What’s your favorite
place in the park?” We typically dodge the question, because
we don’t have just one. We have many favorites, and rarely are
two alike. That’s diversity! This variety not only presents the
challenge of where to explore on an all-too-short visit, it also
influences the future of the park’s plants and animals.
Biologically diverse communities, such as those found on the
Olympic Peninsula, confer resilience to the ecosystem. This
diversity is illustrated by the glacier-capped mountains towering
just miles from the ocean, as well as the sodden temperate rain
forest growing only 34 miles from dry oak savanna.
In diverse communities, it is more likely that some plants and
animals may have traits enabling them to cope with our changing
climate. Or nearby habitats may provide suitable refuge,
especially in a park of nearly one million acres. For instance,
some species might move upslope as the climate warms. Such
adaptable plants and animals could buffer the system against the
loss of other less resilient species. In other words, diverse places
don’t have all of their biological eggs in one basket.
Sample the park’s diversity as you explore. Look for an Olympic
marmot in a mountain meadow, or peer into a tide pool teeming
with anemones, urchins, sea stars and more! With the challenges
ahead, careful stewardship of our public lands will help protect
the variety of life and landscapes for future generations.
Every scrap of biological diversity is priceless, to be learned and
cherished, and never to be surrendered without a struggle.
Edward O. Wilson
LAKES, LOWLAND FORESTS and RIVERS
information, exhibits, Discovery Room, wilderness
camping permits, bear cans, park passes, bookshop and
trails. Heart O’ the Hills campground, five miles south,
has sylvan beauty and nearby forest trails.
Elwha (2) has many trails. Madison Falls, an accessible
Lake Crescent (4) is a 624-foot deep shimmering glaciercarved jewel. Stroll the shore or the Marymere Falls, Spruce
Railroad or Moments in Time trails. Lake Crescent Lodge
and Log Cabin Resort offer restaurants, overnight lodging
and boat rentals. Visitors enjoy Fairholme Campground
and a nearby convenience store with boat rentals.
Sol Duc (5) has many trails including Sol Duc Falls, a
1.6-mile round-trip walk from the end of the road. The
campground has some reserved sites. Call (877) 444-6777
or visit www.recreation.gov for reservations. Sol Duc Hot
Springs Resort offers warm and cool pools, food and lodging.
Ozette (9) offers boating opportunities, a small
campground on the lake and trails to the coast.
Staircase (11) offers a riverside campground, old-growth
forest, a ranger station with exhibits, and several trails.
COAST
The wilderness coast provides a dynamic scene. Lower
tides expose sea anemones, sea urchins, sea stars and
limpets strategically arranged on the rocks. It is important
to leave tide pool animals in their homes, as moving just
one animal can injure it and disrupt an entire community.
Mora (8) offers a campground less than two miles from
Rialto Beach. Along the beach, you can hike 1.5 miles north
to Hole-in-the-Wall. Other hiking opportunities include
Second and Third Beach trails near La Push. See page four
for road closure information affecting Rialto Beach.
Kalaloch (7) offers an expansive sandy beach.
Ozette (9) You can reach the beach on a 3.1-mile trail to
Kalaloch Ranger Station has information, exhibits and
a bookshop. Visitors also enjoy campgrounds, Kalaloch
Lodge, a restaurant and convenience store. For advance
reservations at Kalaloch Campground during summer call
(877) 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov. Beach 4 and
Ruby Beach are popular sites for tide pool exploration.
Cape Alava or a 2.8-mile trail to Sand Point; both routes are
partially on boardwalk. A popular 9-mile loop combines
these two trails with a 3.1-mile beach walk. Near the ranger
station are exhibits and a small lakeside campground.
TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST
Drenched in over 12 feet of rain a year, west side valleys
nurture giant western hemlock, Douglas-fir and Sitka
spruce trees. Moss-draped bigleaf maples create a magical
scene that obliterates all sense of time. Roosevelt elk may
linger along riverbanks at dawn and dusk.
Hoh Rain Forest (6) offers a visitor center, exhibits,
bookshop, maps, self-guiding nature trails and a
campground.
AT
A
D
ST
Sequim
3
104
N
A
L
3
Ferry
10
C
A
7
PA C I F I C
11
Hoodsport
O C E A N
5
Ferry
101
Seattle
90
D
Look for interpretive exhibits along park roadways. Pick
up a self-guiding trail brochure at various park trailheads
and some visitor centers. Use this chart and area map,
along with the park brochure, to create countless trip
combinations for a memorable vacation.
A
6
Highway 101 encircles the park and several spur
roads lead to mountains, forests and coast. The center
of the park, untouched by roads, offers incredible
wilderness adventures.
2
5
Port
Townsend
16
Sea-Ta
Airport
101
Tacoma
Olympic National Park Visitor Center and
Wilderness Information Center (1) provide
self-guiding trail, provides an easy interlude. Visit Glines
Canyon Spillway Overlook to learn about Elwha River
restoration. A nearby trail leads through revegetated areas
that were once under a reservoir. Note: river damage
floods closed both the valley’s former campgrounds.
Forks
8
101
1
4
IT
O
views of glacier-clad mountains crowning miles of
wilderness. Avalanche and glacier lilies, lupine, bistort
and tiger lilies dance beneath stunted subalpine fir trees.
High-pitched whistles announce the Olympic marmot,
found only on the Olympic Peninsula. Black-tailed deer
feed in summer meadows and migrate downslope when
cold recaptures the high country.
101
UN
20
ED
O
mountain area in the park. At 5,242 feet, it is located
17 miles up a gently winding road from Port Angeles.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offers information,
exhibits, a 20-minute film, deli and gift shop.
Picnic areas provide a chance to relax amid the
breathtaking scenery. Along the trails you can capture
Port Angeles
N
H
Hurricane Ridge (3) is the most easily accessed
A
CA
UND
SO
MOUNTAINS
W
elcome to Olympic National Park!
Whether you are here for a day, two days,
a week or more, many spectacular sights await
your discovery in this vast and diverse wilderness park.
OF
FU
C
ET
3
Check park program schedules
on pages 4 and 5 for ranger-guided
walks and talks.
9
Victoria
G
2
Plan your travel using the park area
descriptions below and the map and
chart on page 3.
ST
R
JU
AN AIT
DE
U
1
Stop by park visitor centers or ranger
stations for information and park
brochures.
MILES
&
TIMES
Are we there yet?
Neah
Bay
3
P
TRIP
TIPS
for your
Olympic adventures
Summer 2017
ES
Summer 2017
Ferry
2
Quinault Rain Forest (10) Ranger Station on the Quinault
North Shore Road is not staffed, but has information and
self-guiding trails. The USFS/NPS Ranger Station and
additional trails are located on the south shore of Lake
Quinault. Throughout the valley, visitors enjoy rain forest
hikes, lake activities, several campgrounds, lodging and
restaurants.
1
Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Wilderness Information Center (WIC) - Park information (360) 565-3130;
WIC (360) 565-3100;
108
2
Elwha Ranger Station - 3911 Olympic Hot Springs Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98363; (360) 452-9191
3
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center - Follow signs to Hurricane Ridge; no public phone
4
Lake Crescent, Storm King Ranger Station - 106 Lake Crescent Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98362; (360) 565-2955
5
Sol Duc, Eagle Ranger Station - 12000 Sol Duc Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98363; (360) 327-3534
6
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center - 18113 Upper Hoh Rd., Forks WA 98331; (360) 374-6925.
7
Kalaloch Ranger Station - 156954 Highway 101, Forks, WA 98331; (360) 962-2283
8
Mora Ranger Station - 3283 Mora Rd., Forks, WA 98331; (360) 374-5460
See page four for details on May/June closures of the access road to Rialto Beach.
9
Ozette Ranger Station - 21261 Hoko-Ozette Rd., Clallam Bay, WA
5
3002 Mt. Angeles Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98362
Aberdeen 12
8
0:30
25mi
1:15
17mi
0:45
39mi
1:00
16mi
0:30
21mi
0:30
16mi
1:00
59mi
2:00
39mi
1:30
40mi
1:15
72mi
2:30
65mi
1:45
106mi
2:45
83mi
2:00
91mi
2:15
40mi
1:00
72mi
2:00
67mi
1:45
109mi
2:30
86mi
2:00
95mi
2:15
48mi
1:15
47mi
1:30
50mi
1:30
44mi
1:00
85mi
2:15
62mi
1:30
70mi
1:30
65mi
2:00
88mi
2:15
85mi
2:30
69mi
2:30
66mi
1:45
93mi
2:45
81mi
2:00
76mi
2:00
101
See page four for details on delays during the 3-year rehabilitation of Highway 101 along Lake Crescent.
98326; (360) 963-2725
Olympia 11mi
10
Amanda Park, WA 98523; (360) 288-2444
Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station - 913 N. Shore Rd.,
120mi
2:45
80mi
2:00
33mi
0:45
70mi
1:45
104mi
2:45
105mi
2:15
143mi
3:15
123mi
2:45
128mi
2:30
11
Staircase Ranger Station - 150 N. Lake Cushman
Rd., Hoodsport, WA 985482; (360) 877-5569
124mi
2:45
170mi
3:45
149mi
3:00
191mi
4:15
140mi
3:30
120mi
2:45
120mi
2:45
111mi
2:45
100mi
2:30
126mi
2:45
4
Summer 2017
Summer 2017
PROGRAMS & INFORMATION
June 24 - September 3
See bulletin boards for additional programs and visit www.nps.gov/olym
Road & bridge work will affect several areas this summer. Call (360) 565-3131 for current status.
Elwha: There will be no public access above Glines Canyon for trail bridge work into mid summer.
Lake Crescent: Starting mid July, expect weekday delays of up to 30 minutes on Highway 101; longer
after Labor Day. Work will impact access to East Beach Road beginning in August. Check https://www.
wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/ or follow @OlympicNP on Twitter.
Mora: The road to Rialto Beach will be closed for 4 to 6 weeks in May and June for flood damage repairs.
OZETTE
PORT ANGELES
NOTE: the main visitor center and WIC are being remodeled
beginning fall 2017. These services will relocate around the
corner to 600 East Park Ave. on September 5.
Olympic National Park Visitor Center - Open daily
May 1 - June 24: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; June 25 - September 16: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Information, children’s Discovery Room, park movie, bookshop, maps,
exhibits, nature trails. Park information: (360) 565-3130. Recorded
24-hour road and weather updates: (360) 565-3131.
Wilderness Information Center (WIC) - Open daily
May 12 - September 30: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday
from June 30 to September 9)
Backpacking information, wilderness permits, bear cans.
LAKE CRESCENT
HEART O’ THE HILLS
Storm King Ranger Station - Not staffed
Evening Program - Saturday 7:30 p.m.
See road construction warning!
Ozette Ranger Station - Not staffed
Heart O’ the Hills Campground amphitheater. Topics on bulletin boards.
101
Information on area bulletin boards.
Junior Ranger Forest Activities - Saturday 10 a.m. beginning July 1
Join us for one hour of forest activities. Meet at the campground amphitheater.
SOL DUC
MORA
HURRICANE RIDGE
Eagle Ranger Station - Not staffed
Mora Ranger Station - Open Friday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. May 26
through September 3
Information, maps, wilderness permits, bear cans.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center - Open daily 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
ELWHA
See road construction warning!
Elwha Ranger Station - Hours vary,
staffed mostly on weekends. Information,
maps on bulletin board. Accessible restroom.
KALALOCH
Kalaloch Ranger Station - Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday Saturday May 16 - June 24; daily June 25 - September 30
Information, exhibits, bookshop, maps.
HOH RAIN FOREST
101
Beach or Tide Pool Walk - Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Times and topics vary with changing tides.
Explore the shore with a ranger in this hands-on program. Schedule
and location information on bulletin boards.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center - Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 1,
reduced hours in fall
Information, bookshop, maps, trails, wilderness permits, bear cans.
Evening Program - Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 7:30 p.m.
Kalaloch Campground amphitheater. Topics on bulletin boards.
Dial
360-406-5056
then select from the options
to learn more about Olympic
National Park destinations.
Press # to end the message.
Press *0 to leave a comment.
Elwha
1
2
Sol Duc
Mora &
Ozette
Lake
Crescent
3
Hoh
5
6
Kalaloch
Quinault
Staircase
7
8
9
4
Meadow Walk - Daily 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Join this easy one-hour guided walk to explore life in the mountains. Discover
wildlife, wildflowers and other features of the Olympic landscape.
SEE
THE
STARS
Discover the night sky
Junior Rangers in the Rain Forest - Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Discover something new about the plants, animals, and fish that live in the Hoh rain forest.
HURRICANE RIDGE ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS
Evening Program - Thursday - Sunday 7:30 p.m.
QUINAULT RAIN FOREST
Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station - North Shore Rd.
STAIRCASE
USFS/NPS Recreation Information - South Shore Rd.
Staircase Ranger Station - Open 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
May 26 to September 9; additional hours as staffing allows
Information, exhibits, maps, wilderness permits, bear cans.
Not staffed. Information on porch.
Open daily 8 a.m - 4:30 p.m. May 27 through September 4;
Rest of the year open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Information, bookshop, maps, wilderness permits, bear cans.
Forest Walk - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Meet at bridge for 1 1/2 -hour walk by the Skokomish River.
Discover Staircase! - Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Meet at the ranger station for this 1/2 -hour talk about the plants,
animals or history of Staircase. Fun for all ages!
Park
Overview
10
Learn about this amazing wilderness park at a 20-minute talk. Topics vary.
Rain Forest Walk - Thursday - Monday 2 p.m.
Meet at the visitor center for a 1 1/2-hour easy walk on the Hall of Mosses or Spruce Nature Trail.
Hoh Campground amphitheater. Topics on local bulletin boards.
Hurricane
Ridge
Terrace Talk - Daily 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ranger Rendezvous - Daily 11 a.m.
Meet a ranger in front of the visitor center for a 20-minute talk about Olympic’s rain forests.
Ranger Favorites - Tuesday 11 a.m, Friday - Monday 2 p.m.
Drop by the Kalaloch Lodge Gazebo at any time during this 45-minute hands-on exploration
of Olympic’s treasures. Bring your coastal curiosity.
AUDIO
TOUR
Make connections...
Information, maps, exhibits, orientation film, trails. The information desk is
staffed daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The deli and gift shop are open daily 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Shorter hours in October; closes for season after October 15.
Evening Program - Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 p.m.
www.facebook.com/OlympicNPS
Meet at the Staircase amphitheater.
101
Meet Master Observer John Goar at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center for a
one-hour astronomy program with telescopes. Look for the rings of Saturn
or a distant galaxy.
June 22 through June 26 and July 13 through July 20 - 11:00 p.m.
July 21 through July 26 - 10:30 p.m.
August 12 through August 19 - 10:00 p.m.
August 21 No program; total solar eclipse across America!
August 22 through August 26 - 9:30 p.m.
FULL MOON ON HURRICANE HILL
Learn constellations from astronomer John Goar on Hurricane Hill. Meet at the
Hurricane Hill trailhead. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, hike at your own
pace up the 1.6 mile, partially paved trail, climbing 700 feet to the summit. John will
point out constellations at the top. Bring flashlights and wear sturdy shoes.
June 8 and 9 - 9:15 p.m. to about 11:30 p.m.
August 6 and 7 - 7:30 p.m. to about 10:00 p.m.
September 4 - 6:45 p.m. to about 9:15 p.m.
If skies are cloudy, programs will be canceled. For program status, call the park
recording at (360) 565-3131 after 2:00 p.m. the day of the program.
5
Summer 2017
Summer 2017
Entrance Passes
$80 - Interagency
Annual Pass
$10* - Interagency
Senior Pass
(lifetime, age 62+, U.S.
citizen/resident; *may
increase in 2017)
Free - Interagency
Annual Pass Military (certain
military personnel
and dependents)
For more information see www.nps.gov/olym.
$8 per person per night
$45 per person Annual Wilderness Pass
Free - Interagency
Access Pass
(lifetime, disabled,
U.S. citizen/resident)
Notice - Marijuana is illegal in Olympic National
Park. While limited recreational use is legal in the
state, possession of any amount of marijuana or
other illegal drugs remains illegal on all federal lands.
SAFETY
In case of an emergency dial 911.
Park rangers, throughout the park, can
assist you with safety or crime issues.
Please help protect marine life.
All living organisms on the beach and
in tide pools are protected. If you
encounter a seal pup on the beach, do
not touch it. The pup does not need help and your
actions could lead to abandonment by its mother.
Filter or boil all backcountry water
to a rolling boil to avoid infection by
Giardia, a microscopic intestinal parasite.
Pack rain gear and warm clothing.
Hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of body
temperature, may result from exposure to wet
or chilly weather in any season.
Pets are not allowed on park trails. This is
for the safety of your pets, park wildlife and
you! Ask for our pet regulations handout.
Tread lightly please. Avoid walking on
delicate vegetation by staying on trails.
Help protect this beautiful wilderness
park for future visitors.
Bicyclists beware. Travel can be hazardous
around Lake Crescent and other park areas due
to heavy traffic, narrow roads or construction.
Use caution. Ask for area bike route maps.
Drift logs are dangerous! Avoid
swimming in or walking near the ocean
during storms or heavy surf. Tides change
daily and can prevent hikers from safely
traversing certain areas along the coast.
Use tide charts to plan your safest hiking times.
Have fun exploring nature with a Discovery Backpack filled with binoculars,
guidebooks and more. Borrow a backpack at park visitor centers for a $5.00 donation.
WILDLIFE
Did you see that?
(multiple
federal lands)
Wilderness Use Fees - overnight trips require permit
Discovery Backpack
N STEWA
EA
RD
Interagency Senior/Access, Golden Age/Access Passes.
$15 — Deer Park, Queets, North Fork, South Beach
$20 — Fairholme, Heart O’ the Hills, Hoh, Mora, Ozette,
Staircase.
$24 + tax*—Sol Duc (* if reserved via www.recreation.gov or
(877) 444-6777; $21+ tax & $3 optional donation if not.)
$22 — Kalaloch (reservation period June 21 to September
24; make reservations at least three days in advance at
www.recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777.)
$10 — RV septic dump station in park campgrounds
(Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc)
Learn exciting secrets about the park. Become a Junior Ranger or Ocean Steward
or both! Pick up a free activity booklet at park visitor centers and begin your journey.
PI
M
Camping Fees - per site, per night. 50% discount with
Junior Ranger Programs
Park concessions offer food services, lodging and gift
items at Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort,
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and Kalaloch Lodge.
Food and gift items are available at Hurricane Ridge
Visitor Center and Fairholme Store. Boat rentals are
offered at Lake Crescent. All facilities are operated
seasonally, except Kalaloch, which is open year-round
and Lake Crescent, which has reduced winter facilities.
O LY
Your fees support facilities and services at Olympic National
Passes are on sale at visitor centers and
Park. This year projects include repair of damaged trails and
entrance stations throughout the park.
roads, and new exhibits at the Hoh Visitor Center. Thank YOU!
$50 - Olympic
Entrance Fees - single visit up to seven consecutive days
National Park
$25— Vehicle (private) or $10 — Individual (foot, bicycle)
Annual Pass
Park Concession Services
K
Entrance and Recreation Fees
EXPLORE
Fun for all ages!
7
PA
R
INFORMATION
OC
6
L
CN
AT I O N A
Background E927 Royal Blue
Details:
Text Y800
Circle and Star Y139
Outline stacks and rocks #900
kelp and trees Y225 Green
Sky and Waves Y308
Dark Rocks and Pelican Y239 Dark Brown
Light Rock Details #733 Light Beige
S
Fairholme Store (Lake Crescent) .......... (360) 928-3020
Kalaloch Lodge ..................................... (360) 962 -2271
Lake Crescent Lodge ............................ (360) 928- 3211
Log Cabin Resort (Lake Crescent) ........ (360) 928-3325
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort .................. (360) 327-3583
Cougars inhabit all elevations of the park where
deer, elk and other prey are plentiful. Sightings are
rare and usually fleeting. But if you encounter a
cougar, make yourself large and
loud, wave your arms or a stick,
face the cougar and slowly back
away. Please report all cougar
observations at the nearest
ranger station.
Wilderness camping permits are available
at the Wilderness Information Center
(WIC) in Port Angeles. Permit
reservations are accepted by fax
or mail. For information about
permits, reservations, tide charts, minimum
impact, bear canisters and camp locations
visit www.nps.gov/olym, e-mail
Olym_WIC@nps.gov or
call (360) 565-3100.
potting wildlife can be a memorable part of your visit. Some
animals are elusive and rarely seen, such as fishers and bobcats.
Others, like deer, chipmunks, gray jays and non-native mountain
goats, have become overly accustomed to humans. Their natural
reaction should be to flee and not approach you, but some animals
have lost their natural wariness. Do not follow when they move away.
Thanks for keeping wildlife wild!
• Stay 50 yards from wildlife. If they approach, scare them away
with waving arms and loud shouts.
• Never feed park wildlife. It is illegal, harmful to animals and
hazardous to you. Animals fed by humans lose fear of people,
which will alter natural animal behavior and may lead to aggression.
• When camping or picnicking, secure food and trash from
animals. Store these items in your vehicle, if possible. Diligent
visitors have helped prevent dangerous interactions with bears.
PARK PARTNERS
NatureBridge is a private, non-profit
educational organization located on the shores
of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
Field science courses are offered for students. For information:
(360) 928-3720 or www.naturebridge.org/olympic-national-park.
Friends of Olympic National Park support the park’s natural, cultural
and recreational resources for present and future generations. They promote
understanding of Olympic’s ecological, educational, economic and recreational
importance, and they work on park projects.
Washington’s National Park Fund is a
non-profit organization whose mission is to restore and
preserve national parks in Washington. The Fund supports
projects in Olympic, North Cascades and Mount Rainier
National Parks, including promoting volunteerism and
stewardship, and funding research and trail maintenance.
Call: (206) 623-2063. Please mail donations to:
1904 Third Avenue, Suite 400, Seattle WA 98101
Discover Your Northwest is a non-profit organization that provides
educational materials at park sales outlets. Proceeds support Olympic’s programs,
exhibits and publications. Annual membership is $15. For more information,
call the Olympic National Park Branch at (360) 565-3195. For an on-line store go
to www.discovernw.org.
Bookshop Coupon
Discover Your Northwest bookshops
are located throughout the park.
Your purchases help fund educational
programs at Olympic National Park.
30%
Thank you for your support.
non- members
Valid on all merchandise except sale items.
Expires 12/31/2017
DYNW members
15%
8
Summer 2017
Life Returns to the Elwha
T
he largest dam removal project in history was
completed in 2014 and the Elwha River flows
freely once again. After over 100 years, salmon
have access to over 70 miles of habitat protected within
Olympic National Park. For biologists and the public it is
exciting to watch fish and plants colonize historic habitat.
Biologists have observed Chinook, sockeye, steelhead,
coho and bull trout swimming in the upper reaches of
the Elwha River after passing through both the former
Elwha and Glines Canyon dam sites. Snorkel surveys
noted fish as far up as Hayes River, over 30 miles from
the ocean! Pink and chum salmon, and Pacific lamprey
were seen upstream of the former Elwha Dam site.
The park and its partners continue monitoring fish
numbers and distribution with snorkeling and radio
tagging as well an exciting new tool—environmental
DNA (eDNA). Fish eggs, sperm, feces, carcasses and
even mucous leave behind an eDNA trail. Biologists
believe analyzing river water for these eDNA clues could
be a quick, cost-effective way to gather fish data.
Biologists are helping natural revegetation
with greening the once barren reservoirs by
planting over 311,000 seedlings and sowing about
6,000 pounds of native seeds. Thickets of 25-foot alders,
cottonwoods and willows, and carpets of other plants are
helping to stabilize slopes and control erosion. Roosevelt
elk, black-tailed deer and black bears are feeding in the
rich new habitat.
Visiting the Valley
The story of Elwha River restoration is ongoing. The
now wild river is rebuilding habitat. But it is also moving
across its floodplain; it washed away part of the road and
forced closure of the valley’s two campgrounds.
With a new temporary bridge and patched road, the valley
is open to cars again. Stroll the accessible Glines Canyon
Spillway Overlook with its exhibits on Elwha restoration
and dramatic views to the river below. In late summer
look for spawning Chinook salmon. Spend an hour or a
day—the Elwha Valley has a lifetime of tales to tell.
Rebuilding Habitat
As fish recolonized upstream habitat, sediment and logs
once trapped behind the dams headed downstream.
All the stored sediment expected to erode downstream
has been released. Along the way it is creating a more
braided, meandering river and restoring spawning
habitat. Of the millions of cubic yards of sediment, 90
percent has reached the Strait of Juan de Fuca, adding
over 80 acres to the estuary. It is replenishing beaches,
creating critical habitat for marine life including juvenile
salmon and forage fish.
A snorkeler surveys fish above Glines Canyon (left). Cottonwood,
lupine and alder colonize the former Lake Mills reservoir (right).
A Mountainous Challenge
W
hen local sportsmen released mountain goats from British Columbia
and Alaska near Lake Crescent in the 1920s, they had no way of
knowing the repercussions nearly 100 years later. Along with bighorn
sheep, pikas, ground squirrels, lynx and others, mountain goats were not
native to the island-like Olympic Peninsula.
After 1938, when Olympic National Park was established, these goats and
their descendants were protected from hunting. By the 1980s, over 1,000
mountain goats were impacting mountain plant communities.
A park mandate is to protect native species and control or eliminate nonnative species, so mountain goats presented a challenge. The park has
managed mountain goats with sterilization, live capture, active hazing in
public use areas, and other techniques. Mountain goats crave salt and can
become hazardous when they associate people with salt.
In 2014, the National Park Service began developing a new plan to
address goat impacts on park resources and visitor safety. Comments
were gathered at public meetings. A draft environmental impact statement
analyzing alternatives, ranging from no action to eliminating mountain
goats in the park by live capture and/or shooting, should be released in
2017. There will be opportunities for more public input at that time.
Managing non-native species is challenging, whether it’s Scot’s broom,
Burmese pythons in the Everglades, or feral pigs in Hawaiian parks.
This plan examines alternatives that will help Olympic National Park
protect unique mountain communities and the visitors who enjoy them,
while also contributing toward conservation goals for mountain goats in
their native range in the Washington Cascades.
Wallows, created when mountain goats paw soil to dust bathe, increase erosion in
vulnerable mountain plant communities.
Photos - Cover: John Chao (coast); Grant Logenbaugh (rain forest); Bill Baccus (glacier). Page 2: Bryan Bell (Hurricane Ridge & coast); Ty Karlovetz (Sol Duc Falls & rain forest); Jon Preston (salamander). Page 3: T. Karlovetz (Second
Beach). Page 4: Jon Preston (green anemone). Page 6: Mike Keller (Lake Crescent). Page 7: Jon Preston (elk); S. Tassio (maidenhair fern). Page 8: Heidi Hugunin (snorkeler); Josh Chenoweth (vegetation); Roger Hoffman (mountain goat).