Olympic Peninsula Guide by Dan Youra

DISCOVER an INTERNATIONAL VACATION Port Angeles/Victoria Auto/Passenger Ferry Schedule 2005 Leave Victoria, B.C Leave Port Angeles May 20 - September 28, 2005 8:20 am **6:10 am 12:45 pm 10:30 am 5:15 pm 3:00 pm *9:30 pm 7:30 pm

*May 27, 28, 29 and June 22 through September 5 only. **May 28, 29, 30 and June 23 through September 6 only.

Sept. 29, 2005 - Jan 4, 2006* Photo by Debbie Preston

8:20 am 1:45 pm

10:30 am 4:00 pm

*Extra sailings on Holiday Weekend, October 7,8,9,10, 2005.

BLACK BALL TRANSPORT INC. Crossing time: 95 Minutes Vertical Clearance: 14 Feet Advance Reservations Not Accepted

(360) 457-4491

M.V. COHO

www.cohoferry.com

101 East Railroad Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Olympic National Park is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The National Park Service was established by Congress in 1916 “to promote and regulate the use of the . . . national parks, monu‑ ments and reservations” in accordance with their purpose, which “is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein . . . by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Olympic National Forest is administered by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Supervisor, along with District Rangers, is responsible for managing the Forest’s renewable resources ‑ water, forage, tim‑ ber, recreation and wildlife, as directed by Congress, under the principles of Multiple Use and Sustained Yield.

On Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula visitors and residents alike stand in awe of the white capped Olympic Mountains, the forests of Olympic National Park and the saltwater beaches from Olympic Marine Sanctuary to Olympia that define the peninsula. Visitors trek here from around the world to marvel at the peninsula’s beauty and enjoy its many recreational pleasures. The tallest peak of the Olympic Mountains is Mt. Olympus, named after Greece’s Mt. Olympus, where the first Olympic Games were held over 2000 years ago. Washington’s peak is known as the “Home of the Gods”, named by Capt. John Meares in 1788 with these words: “If that not be the home where dwell the gods, it is certainly beautiful enough to be, and I therefore will call it Mt. Olympus.” During the subsequent centuries the peaks surrounding the summit have been officially named after Greek and Roman gods: Apollo, Aries, Athena, Hermes, Mercury, Poseidon and after Norse gods Thor, Woden, Frigga, and Baldur to name just a few. Even before the white men arrived here the native peoples shared legends of their own gods who dwelt atop the peninsula’s snow covered mountains. Thunderbird was a native god who lived in his lair on the mountain, from which he came down to feed the people. One story has Thunderbird swoop down to pluck a whale from the ocean and lay it on the beach during a time of famine. As you travel around the Olympic Peninsula and experience the grandeur of this majestic place —the forests, the mountains and the beaches—you will open your own door into “the home where dwell the gods” and celebrate the natural bounty bestowed upon the first people by Thunderbird.

Publisher & Editor Graphic Design Cover Photo Marketing Marketing

Dan Youra Nina Noble Keith Lazelle Tina Madsen Hayes Godsey

Photo by Carolina

Letter From the Publisher

Published in cooperation with Olympic National Park Olympic National Forest Washington State Parks Jefferson County

BEST WESTERN

OLYMPIC LODGE PORT ANGELES

Table of Contents Cities & Towns

Ferry Travel Map..............................................7 Kitsap Peninsula .............................................8 Port Ludlow-Port Hadlock................................9 Quilcene - Brinnon - Hood Canal ................. 10 Port Townsend .............................................. 11 “Heart of the Olympic Peninsula” Brinnon/Quilcene.............................................15 Port Ludlow......................................................16 Port Hadlock....................................................17 Rain Forest Country........................................18 Sequim - Neah Bay....................................... 21 Port Angeles............................................. 21-23 International Travel Regulations............... .....23 Lake Crescent - Sol Duc................................ 24 Sekiu.............................................................. 25 Forks.............................................................. 26 Grays Harbor - Ocean Shores....................... 28 Ocean City - Copalis -Moclips....................... 29 Aberdeen - Hoquiam..................................... 29 Mason County - Shelton................................ 31 South Hood Canal - Hoodsport .................... 31

Olympic NATIONAL FOREST

History of Olympic Forest.............................. 12 National Forest Special Places...................... 30

Olympic NATIONAL PARK

140 Del Guzzi Drive, Port Angeles, WA 98362 Tel: (360) 452-2993 Fax: (360) 452-1497 For worldwide reservations call: 1-800-528-1234 For reservations call:

1-800-600-2993 www.portangeleshotelmotel.com

Biosphere Reserve & World Heritage..............5 Recent History of Olympic Park..................... 12 Temperate Rain Forests................................ 13 Bears............................................................. 13 Record Trees on Olympic Peninsula.............. 14 Cougar Country............................................. 14 Pets in the Park............................................. 19 Day Hikes - Boulder Creek............................ 19 Kalaloch Campground Regulations............... 19 Accessible Facilities in the Park.................... 20 Elwha Day Hikes - Hot Springs..................... 24 Heart O’ the Hills........................................... 25 Sol Duc Day Hikes......................................... 26 Quinault Rain Forest & Trails......................... 27 Park Facilities & Services.............................. 29 Storm King Ranger Station............................ 31

Center-fold MAP WITH CAMPGROUNDs

National Park, National Forest, State Parks, fees, regulations, Day Hikes, Hiking the Coast, Lake Ozette, Ranger Stations, Wilderness Use

Biosphere Reserve &World Heritage Park Because of its scientific and scenic values, Olympic National Park has twice received international recognition.

The first recognition was as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO on October 26, 1976. In this capacity, the park was recognized for its scientific value because it contains superb examples of temperate rain forests and is a large protected ecosystem in which nature is left unmanipulated. Thus, ecological research at Olympic can assist in the wise management of areas whose resources need to be manipulated in order to provide eco‑ nomic goods. An example of this function is the relationship between the park and the Olympic Experimental State Forest and the Olympic Natural Resources Center located on state trust lands west of Olympic National Park, which are under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The University of Washington, in conjunction with other Federal, State and private resource agencies, is coordi‑ nating research efforts on “new forestry methods” designed to permit harvest of timber while still protecting the environ‑ ment. The second was as a world heritage site by the World Heritage Convention on October 27, 1981. As an outgrowth of the no‑ tion of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, most nations of the modern world have agreed by treaty to give special recognition to important natural and cultural areas by recog‑ nizing them as world heritage sites. Examples of other world heritage sites include: Ancient Thebes with its pyramids in Egypt; Serengeti National Park in Tanzania; Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the world’s first national park, Yellowstone.

Olympic National Park is an area of exceptional natural beauty. It contains one of the largest and best examples of virgin temperate rain forest in the western hemisphere, one of the largest intact stands of coniferous forest in the contigu‑ ous 48 states and the largest truly wild herd of Roosevelt elk. Sixty-five miles of spectacular coastline and numerous offshore islands combine with heavily forested mountain slopes, alpine parklands and glacier-capped mountains in scenic splendor.

Photo by Nina Noble

The park contains one of the most pristine ecosystems in the contiguous United States with over 1200 higher plants, over 300 species of birds and over 70 species of mammals. At least 9 kinds of plants and 16 kinds of animals are found only on the Olympic Peninsula and nowhere else in the world. Twelve major rivers and 200 smaller streams provide a rich habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures.

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Kitsap Peninsula Bainbridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ferry terminal is one of the busiest in the state. Bremerton, Kitsap Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest city, is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;mothball fleet.â&#x20AC;? The USS Turner Joy and Bremerton Naval Museum display the maritime history at Bremertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overwater park.

Port Orchard is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Antique Capitalâ&#x20AC;? of Kitsap Peninsula. Poulsbo, Kitsapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little Norway, is a popular town for visitors, who tour Front Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rows of unique and interesting shops. Must be 18 to play.

Kitsap towns are Hansville at Point No Point near the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula; Kingston is an extension of the ferry terminal that connects north Kitsap Peninsula across Puget Sound to Edmonds.

Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) Bangor on Hood Canal is the home port to the Trident Submarines in Washington.

Port Gamble, a picture-postcard town on Highway 104 beâ&#x20AC;&#x2018; tween Kingston and the Hood Canal Bridge, offers interesting museums. Seabeck on the shores of Hood Canal is Kitsapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground for water sports enthusiasts. It has a marina and nearby park. ,OCATED IN 3UQUAMISH BETWEEN 0OULSBO AND "AINBRIDGE AT THE !GATE 0ASS "RIDGE /PEN DAYS A WEEK &RIDAY AND 3ATURDAY HRS 3UNDAY 4HURSDAY AM AM

Silverdale, the peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopping mecca with large chain stores and malls, serves both Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Suquamish, is on the Port Madison Indian Reservation beâ&#x20AC;&#x2018; tween Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.

Port Ludlow Dan Youra Studios

port hadlock

Port Ludlow is a recreational and residential community on the Olympic Peninsula at the west end of Hood Canal bridge.

Its golf course, resort and planned community are located six miles north of the bridge on Ludlow Bay, a popular destination for boaters who search out its protected harbor and marina. Near the bridge are the communities of Shine and Bridgehaven. The Shine Tidelands State Park has a public campgrounds and shellfish harvesting beach. State Highway 19, also called Beaver Valley Road, heads past the “Egg & I” Road, made famous in the 50’s by Betty McDonald’s book, The Egg & I, about Ma and Pa Kettle.

www.portludlowproperty.com Homes – Condominiums – Vacant Lots

Port Hadlock, north of Port Ludlow and south of Port Townsend, is a commercial area serving eastern Jefferson County. The town is located at the entrance to Indian Island, where the Navy operates a major supply depot. Marrowstone Island beyond Indian Island is home to Fort Flagler State Park. There are a number of county parks for overnight camping.

Visit us at

9481 Oak Bay Road Port Ludlow, Washington 98365

At the cross roads of vacation activity in eastern Jefferson County, Port Hadlock hugs the shorelines of Oak Bay and Port Townsend Bay. A rich maritime history is anchored around the docks of the Northwest Wooden Boat Building School in lower Hadlock. At the head of the bay is The Inn at Port Hadlock’s marina, resort and conference center. With spacious views north to Port Townsend, the Inn’s accommodations and dining room are attractions for diners, day visitors, weekenders and vacationers seeking a base camp from which to explore the area.

Photo by Nina Noble

Phone: 360-437-2500 1-800-437-7681 e-mail: plps@olypen.com

• Full Fountain Service • Delectable Pastries • Espresso Bar Est. 1977

• Fine Chocolates • Candies Galore • Specialty Dark Ch ocolate Bars

And Candy Shop! Our Candy Shop takes phone orders and ships too! 627 & 631 Water Street, Port Townsend, 360-385-1156 Open Daily: 10am to 10pm www.elevatedicecream.com

HOOD CANAL

Photo by Dan Youra

Selected one of the seven best ice cream parlors in the country, by travelchannel.com!

Brinnon and Quilcene, “Emerald Towns of Hood Canal” are popular access points to the Olympic Mountains. Nearby camp‑ grounds are Seal Rock, Elkhorn and Dosewallips.

Mt. Walker is a notable view site well-worth the 6 mile hike or drive to the top providing magnificent scenes of Puget Sound (including Seattle), Quilcene and Dabob Bays, Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Good views of the Trident submarine base.

Brinnon is a favorite destination for tourists who are looking for outdoor activities. Bird watching is popular on the two estuaries of the “Dosie” and “Duck” river deltas. Sports include some of the best diving waters, boating, skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Ride horses and hike trails in the National Park and National Forest. Visit Pleasant Harbor, a boater’s haven with marina, and Pleasant Harbor State Park dock moorage.

T OW N S

E D

P.S. EXPRESS SA

360/385-5288

P.S. EXPRESS Information and Reservations

PORT TOWNSEND-SAN JUAN ISLANDS

AN IS

info@pugetsoundexpress.com www.pugetsoundexpress.com Low Season: Apr 1 - June 17 High Season: June 18 - Sept 2

Depart Port Townsend 9:00 AM Depart Friday Harbor 2:30 PM

Fares:

High Season

Arrive Friday Harbor 12:30 Noon Arrive Port Townsend 5:00 PM

Low Season

Round Trip One Way............... Round Trip.....One Way Adults $67.00 49.00.................... 59.50..............39.50 Children 2-10 $49.00 39.50.................... 41.00..............29.50 Bicycles & Kayaks $12.50

Olympic Peninsula Directory & Map

On Line Directory at www.optravel.org

Seafoods abound in this area: clams, oysters, crab and the famous spotted shrimp from the many State and National Forest camp‑ ground beaches. Camp in the numerous parks, from Pleasant Harbor to the more remote “old fashioned” camping at Rainbow & Falls View on Mt. Walker and Elkhorn and Camp Collins on the two rivers. Hike the great Olympic National Park trails in each river valley that lead to Lake Quinault, Hoh River and Hurricane Ridge destinations.

Port townsend Port Townsend, on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula is one of Washington’s most sought-out tourist towns. A stroll through town is like a visit to a museum. The visitors become part of the displays, walking beneath the beautiful 19th century brick architecture of Water Street, which is a National Historical District.

For things to do in Port Townsend, the town offers lots of choices, from strolling Water Street to enjoying the playfields and the beaches of Fort Worden State Park, made famous as the site of the filming of “An Officer and a Gentleman”. The park and Centrum Arts have a full summer of events scheduled from fiddle tunes and jazz to chamber music and ballet. Call 800-733-3608 and visit www.centrum.org. For some interesting local attractions in Port Townsend, check out the Bell Tower, the City Hall with the Jefferson County Historical Museum, the Post Office Building (former Customs Building) and the County Courthouse. The Rothschild House on Taylor between Jefferson and Franklin streets is a pre-Victorian house with heritage rose and herb garden. Open to the public May-September, it is one of Washington’s smallest state parks, only 50 by 200 feet. The city hosts Historic Homes Tours in May and September and the Rhododendron Festival in May. There are a number of musi‑ cal concerts in and around town during the year. Fort Townsend State Park is a few miles south of town on Highway 20.

Museum

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, offers three floors of exhibits, a research library and museum shop in the old city hall building in Port Townsend’s historical district.

Historic Hotel • Elegant Fine Dining • Edwardian Lounge A Truly Unique Experience Ask about our Complete Banquet & Event Services for all occasions

360.385.5750 PHONE 800.732.1281 TOLL FREE 360.385.5883 FAX 10% Military Discount on Lodging with Active Duty or Reserve ID 7th & Sheridan • PO Box 564 Port Townsend WA 98368 info@manresacastle.com

www.manresacastle.com

Palace Hotel

Port Townsend

A Beautifully Restored Victorian Hotel in the Heart of Downtown Port Townsend

• 17 uniquely decorated guest rooms • Some rooms have magnificent views of the harbor or historic downtown • Complimentary continental breakfast • Pets and families welcome • Perfect for Meetings, Romantic Getaways & Weddings 1004 Water Street • Port Townsend, WA 98368

e-mail: palace@olympus.net

(800) 962-0741

Recent HISTORY Of Olympic National Park Since the early 16th century, European explorers sought a Northwest Passage across the American continent to the Pacific. A Greek navigator who sailed for Spain and was known by the name of Juan de Fuca claimed to have found such a passage at 47oN latitude in 1592, but his claim was doubted by subsequent explorers. Captain James Cook, in March 1778, paused off the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, which he named Cape Flattery because an opening along the coast “flattered” the Captain and crew with the hope of find‑ ing a harbor. Cook noted in the logbook: “In this very latitude geographers have placed the pretended Strait of Juan de Fuca. But nothing of that kind presented itself to our view, nor is it probable that any such thing ever existed.” In 1787 the English Captain Charles William Barkley recognized the passage between the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island and entered it onto his charts as the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On July 4, 1788, British Captain John Meares named Mount Olympus (which had been called El Cerro de la Santa Rosalia by Spanish explorers). He was the first explorer to record contact with the Makah Tribe. He also sent a small party to explore the Strait. In 1792 the Strait and Puget Sound were thoroughly investigated by Captain George Vancouver, who named many of the geographical features in this region, including Dungeness, Discovery Bay, the Olympic Mountains, Hood Canal and Mount Rainier. At about the same time, Spanish navigators also began exploring the Strait, named the harbor sheltered by Ediz Hook “Puerto de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles,” now Port Angeles.

Settlers came to the north Olympic Peninsula in the mid‑1800’s, but Euro-Americans didn’t explore the mountainous interior. Although there are unconfirmed accounts of an ascent of Mount Olympus by two white men and two Native Americans from Cape Flattery in 1854; the crossing of the peninsula by a ship‑ wrecked crew and passengers in 1855; and an expedition led by Melbourne Watkinson in 1878, the first well-documented explo‑ ration of the Olympics occurred in the summer of 1885. Army Lieutenant Joseph P. O’Neil led a small party of enlisted men from Vancouver Barracks and civilian engineers on a reconnais‑ sance of the Olympic Mountains. O’Neil chose Port Angeles—at the time a town of about 40 inhabitants, a hotel, a sawmill and two stores—as his starting point because of its nearness to the mountains. On July 17 the party headed south into the foothills, following a route similar to the present‑day Hurricane Ridge Road, making slow progress cutting a trail through dense forest and windfalls. It took them about a month to climb to Hurricane Ridge. From there part of the group began to explore the Elwha Valley while O’Neil and the others headed southeast. O’Neil explored almost as far south as Mount Anderson before a mes‑ senger reached him with orders to report to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the expedition was cut short. A second assault on the Olympic interior was made in the win‑ ter of 1889‑1890. During the fall of 1889, the year Washington became a state, the Seattle Press newspaper called for “hardy citizens . . . to acquire fame by unveiling the mystery which wraps the land encircled by the snow capped Olympic range.” This call was answered by James Christie, who volunteered to organize an expedition if the Press would finance it. The Press Party consisted of six men (one of them left the expedition early; five completed the trip), whom the Press described as having “an abundance of grit and manly vim,” four dogs, two mules and 1500 pounds of supplies. This group entered the Olympics in December 1889, one of the harshest and snowiest winters in the Peninsula’s history.

Christie had planned to follow the Elwha River into the heart of the mountains, transporting supplies on a large flat‑bottomed boat, Gertie, which the men built. The boat leaked and had to be hauled over log jams and towed through rapids by the men, wading through deep snow along the banks or in icy water some‑ times up to their chins. After 12 frigid, exhausting days, Gertie was abandoned. The party spent January ‑ April 1890 exploring the Elwha Valley. In mid‑March the explorers discovered and named Geyser Valley, where they heard sounds they thought were bubbling geysers although there are none in the valley. (James Christie predicted Geyser Valley would make “a young paradise for some venturesome squatter,” and ten years later Will and Grant Humes homesteaded in the valley. The Humes cabin can still be visited today, about 2.5 miles from the Whiskey Bend trailhead.) In early May, the Press Party, their clothes in tatters and running dangerously low on supplies, crossed Low Divide and headed down the Quinault Valley. They were transported in an Indian canoe across Lake Quinault and down the river to reach the coast on May 20, 1890 after nearly six months in the mountains. As a result of the Press Expedition, many peaks bear the names of prominent newspaper publishers and editors of the late 19th century, including Mt. Meany, Mt. Dana, Mt. Lawson, Mt. Noyes, Mt. Scott and the Bailey Range. Press Party blazes can still be found along the Elwha River trail in the park. In 1897 most of the forested land of the peninsula was included in the Olympic Forest Reserve (Olympic National Forest). Following O’Neil’s recommendation, Washington state Congressmen introduced unsuccessful bills in the early 1900’s to establish a national park or an elk reserve. In 1909, just before leaving office, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation creating Mount Olympus National Monument within the national forest to protect the summer range and breeding grounds of the Olympic elk. Mount Olympus, along with all other national monuments, was transferred to National Park Service administration as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s governmental reorganization in 1933, and with the support of national conservation organiza‑ tions, Washington Congressman Monrad C. Wallgren in 1935 sponsored a bill for the establishment of a national park. After a visit to the Olympic Peninsula in the fall of 1937, President Roosevelt added his enthusiastic support to the movement for a national park and the act establishing Olympic National Park was signed on June 29, 1938. The coastal strip was added to the park in 1953.

HISTORY Of Olympic National Forest The Olympic National Forest began as a Forest Reserve

in February 1897, when President Cleveland signed the proclamation which withdrew 1,500,00 acres of public land on the Olympic Peninsula. In 1905, the name Olympic Forest Reserve was changed to Olympic National Forest. The center of the Olympic National Forest was proclaimed Mount Olympus National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. The transfer of the monument from the Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture’s jurisdiction to the Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior occurred in 1933, and it became the Olympic National Park in 1938. In 1964 Congress passed the Wilderness Act. Its was created to set aside and preserve designated areas of land to be retained in a primitive and natural state for current and future generations to enjoy. Five Olympic National Forest Wildernesses, totaling 88,265 acres, were cre‑ ated in the Washington Wilderness Act of 1984. These include Colonel Bob, Buckhorn, Wonder Mountain, Mt. Skokomish, and The Brothers.

TEMPERATE RAIN FORESTS Olympic National Park has often been referred to as three great parks rolled into one because of its rug‑ ged mountainous core, scenic ocean strip and lush temperate rain forest. It is the rain forest for which the park is recognized internationally as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Take a mild coastal climate, which rarely freezes in winter or goes above 80 degrees in summer, add about 12’ of rain a year, and some summer fog and you have the ingredients for a tem‑ perate rain forest.

The tree which is most closely associated with the temperate rain forest of North America is the Sitka spruce. It grows in a narrow band along the coast and up western-facing river valleys from southeastern Alaska to southern Oregon, where it blends into redwood forest. Indeed, some use the terms Sitka spruce forest and temperate rain forest interchangeably. However, when most people speak of the temperate rain forest in North America, they are usually thinking of those found in the west‑ ern-facing valleys of the Olympic Peninsula. A temperate rain forest is recognized by the following found in combination:

1. The presence of Sitka spruce. 2. Nurse logs—usually fallen Sitka spruce upon which seedlings grow. 3. Colonnades—which are the trees standing in a row as a result of their getting a start on nurse logs. 4. Trees standing on stilts—a result of seedlings sprouting on stumps that later decay away leaving a tree standing on the roots 5. A profusion of mosses and lichens. 6. Big leaf maples with clubmoss draperies. Big leaf maples are not common in the temperate rain forest as they tend to be restricted to coarse, well-drained soil. People often wonder if the mosses and lichens hanging from the limbs of big leaf maples, vine maple and other trees harm these trees. The answer is no, except for an occasional break‑ ing of limbs from tremendous weight. In fact, these trees often send special roots out from the branch crotches into the mats of mosses and lichens and tap nutrients found there.

A temperate rain forest is more than a collection of trees, mosses and other plants. Woven into the fabric is a population of animals, including the Roosevelt elk, after whom the park was almost named. Birds such as the varied thrush, western robin, winter wren, pileated woodpecker, gray jay, junco and raven add reside in the temperate rain forest. Mammals such as black-tailed deer, cougar, black bear, river otter, Douglas squirrel, jumping mouse and shrew dwell there. So do insects, reptiles and amphibians. There are no rain forests in the eastern Olympics. Indicator tree species for the “dry” (less than 50”) side are Douglas fir and madrone. Big leaf maples are replaced by vine maples.

How do temperate rain forests compare with tropical rain forests? Both are the result of a great deal of rain. In tropical rain forests, the rain tends to be more evenly distributed through‑ out the year, although there are still “dry” and “wet” seasons. There may be two of each during the year. Rain frequently falls as strong shower bursts. In temperate rain forests, there tends to be one long wet season and a fairly dry summer where fog provides the necessary moisture. Average temperatures in a tropical rain forest are warmer and

tend to vary less during the year, as do day and nighttime dif‑ ferences.

Tropical rain forests tend to look like the “typical jungle” with a profusion of vines and climbing plants, such as strangler figs.

The most common trees are broad leaf evergreens; in a temper‑ ate rain forest the most common trees are evergreen conifers, such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas fir. The broad leaf trees associated with temperate rain forests, such as bigleaf maple, vine maple, alder and black cottonwood are deciduous, not evergreen. Whereas palms, bam‑ boos, tree ferns and similar plants grow in tropical rain forests, they are absent on the Olympic Peninsula. There is a greater variety of plants and animals in tropical rain forests than in temperate rain forests, although surprisingly the latter may support more living material. This is because temperate rain forest trees tend to be taller and bigger around than their tropical counterparts, although the tropical trees often have large swollen bases called flying buttresses. Much more animal life occurs in the canopy of tropical rain forests than in temperate rain forests, i.e., a host of monkeys, birds, snakes and other creatures dwell there, some of which are brightly colored, some of which have loud, piercing voices and some which are poisonous. Most of the animal life in a temperate rain forest are ground dwelling, and Olympic National Park contains no poisonous snakes.

Tropical rain forests are much more vulnerable than temperate rain forests. Once destroyed, they require a much longer time for their complex interdependent structures to rebuild. The torrential rains which rapidly leach the soils are probably also a key factor.

BEARS Black bears live throughout the Olympic Peninsula. Their acute sense of smell can lead them to unclean camps. If bears become accustomed to human food, they may become aggressive and dangerous. To protect visitor and property, a park biologist may have to remove a hazardous bear from the area or even destroy it. As visitors to this wildlife sanctuary, each of us has an obligation to respect bears and their habitat. The guidelines listed below are strictly enforced. A $50 fine may be issued for improper food storage or your food may be confiscated. Do not leave food or garbage unattended. Use bear wires, bear resistant containers or hang your food at least 12’ high and 10’ out from the nearest tree trunk. Keep a clean camp. Wash your dishes directly after meals. Hang cooking and eating utensils, food particles and garbage. Dispose of waste water at least 200’ from a campsite or water. Never cook or eat in tents. Avoid cooking greasy or smelly foods. Store any items with unnatural odors such as deodorant, toothpaste, hygiene products, sun tan lotion, soaps and stove fuel with your food. Avoid odor-tainting your backpack by carrying food and garbage in plastic bags. If a bear comes into your camp, bang pots and pans and make noise to discourage further exploration. Double-check and remove any smelly food or garbage attractants. Pay attention and fol‑ low notices concerning recent bear problems or activity. Never store food in your backpack or tent!

Cougar Country Cougars are large, seldom seen inhabitants of the Olympic wilderness. Like any wild animal, they can be dangerous. Attacks on humans are rare, but can occur. To most visitors, glimpsing a cougar in the wild is thrilling. Though few people will ever see a cougar, if you do see one, the following suggestions can increase your chances of a safe encounter.. Preventing An Encounter—Don’t hike or jog alone •Keep chil‑ dren within sight & close to you • Avoid dead animals • Keep a clean camp •Leave pets at home •Be alert to your surround‑ ings •Use a walking stick IF YOU MEET A COUGAR— Don’t run, it may trigger a cougar’s attack instinct •Stand and face it •Pick up children •Appear large, wave arms or jacket over your head •Do not approach, back away slowly •Keep eye contact

IF THE COUGAR IS AGGRESSIVE—Don’t turn your back or take your eyes off it •Remain standing •Throw things •Shout loudly •Fight back.

IDENTIFYING A COUGAR—The cougar, also called moun‑ tain lion, puma or panther once ranged across North America and from Canada to the tip of South America. Its scientific name , Felis concolor, means “cat of one color” which is usu‑ ally tawny gray or reddish‑brown with black markings on the face, ears and tip of tail. Young kittens have black spots on the body. Adult males can be over eight feet long (includ‑ ing nearly three feet of tail) and can weigh over 150 pounds; females weigh from 90 to 110 pounds. An adult cougar’s front paw track is about 3 1/2 inches across, with rear paw tracks slightly smaller.

NATURAL HISTORY—Cougars usually hunt at night for their primary prey—deer or elk. They typically cover the carcass with leaves or branches and may return to feed for several days. Though they are most active at dusk and dawn, they can be seen any time of day. Cougars are solitary except during mating. Cubs and mothers can stay together for two years. In the wild their life span is about 12 years. REPORTING OBSERVATIONS—Please report all cougar sightings to the nearest ranger station, or park headquarters (600 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362; phone 360/565-3000) or call 911 if it’s an emergency. A description of the animal, the location, date and time of day, the cat’s behavior and distance, duration of the encounter and your name and tele‑ phone number can help park managers protect visitors and cougars.

1200 Year Old Cedar

Washington State’s largest tree is at Lake Quinault on the Olympic Peninisula. The world co-champion for largest western red cedar can be reached by walking a brand new trail that is reopened after 30 years. In Amanda Park, take the North Shore Road to the trail head directly across from Lake Quinault Resort. It is an easy walk and a great photo opportunity. For more details and history inquire at the resort.

Record Trees ON Olympic PENINSULA The record-size trees of the following species have been found in Olympic National Park. The trees are recognized by American Forests as the largest living specimens of the species in their list of 825 National Champions. Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis): Circumference 451 inches Height 124 feet Spread 27 feet Total Point 582 Location: Quinault, along Big Creek Trail. About 1 mi. east of Three Lakes. Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis) Circumference 260 inches Height 218 feet Spread 37 feet Total Points 487 Location: Bogachiel Valley.

Coal Creek. Grand Fir (Abies grandis) Largest in Olympic National Park, not a record tree. Circumference 229 inches Height 251 feet Spread 43 feet Total Points 491 Location: Along the SE side of Duckabush Trail. 1 1/2 mi. inside park, 100 yds past 2nd stream crossing.

Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) Circumference 283 inches Height 179 feet Spread 27 feet Total Points 469 Location: upper Cameron Creek.

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Co-Champion tree, worlds largest Circumference 341 inches Height 174 feet Spread 65 feet Total Points 531 Location: 2 mi. E of Enchanted Valley Chalet, below trail.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) Co-Champ with tree in Forks. Circumference 761 inches Height 159 feet Spread 45 feet Total Points 931 Location: Quinault Big Cedar Trail, 2 mi. up North Shore Rd.

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) Co-Champ tree, not located in Olympic National Park Circumference 707 inches Height 191 feet Spread 96 feet Total Points 922 Location: Quinault in Olympic National Forest.

Coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii): Largest in Olympic National Park, not a record tree Circumference 505 inches Height 281 feet Spread 71 feet Total Points 804 Location: Quinault (Olympic National Forest)

Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa var.lasiocarpa) Circumference 252 inches Height 125 feet Spread 26 feet Total Points 384 Location: About 300 feet east/southeast of Cream Lake, located at the head of the Hoh River drainage. There is no maintained trail into area.

Coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii): Circumference 533.5 inches Height 212 feet Spread 47.5 feet Total Points 757 Location: 2.5 mi. up Queets Trail then 0.2 mi. up side trail to left at

Mountain Hemlock Co-Champion Circumference 234 inches Height 152 feet Spread 41 feet Total Points 396 Location: East Fork Quinault, on O’neil Pass Trail.

“EMERALD TOWNS OF HOOD CANAL”

“Mt. Ranier from the Eastern Olympics” © Keith Lazelle Quilcene and Brinnon are the two major communities that share

the depths of Hood Canal and the verdant heights of the mighty Olympics. Adventurers will find a paradise for hiking, shellfish har‑ vesting, kayaking, boating, scuba diving, and simply enjoying the won‑ ders of Hood Canal and several major rivers such as the Dosewallips, Duckabush and Big Quilcene. The roads and trails from both com‑ munities offer access into the Olympic National Forest and to the great hiking trails throughout Olympic National Park. Call the Chamber of Commerce at their USFS Ranger Station office, 1-360-765-4999, or reach them through the Gateway website www.heartoftheolympics.org.

LODGING

Quilcene

Quilcene Hotel 11 Quilcene Avenue, 1-360-765-3868 www.quilcenehotel.com

Mount Walker Inn 61 Maple Grove Road, 1-360-765-3410 www.mountwalkerinn.com Leland Lake House 47 Munn Rd., 1-360-271-0296 1-877-377-9090 www.lelandlakehouse.com Dabob Bay Cottage 840 Piper Rd., 1-360-765-3947 www.dabobbaycottage.com

LODGING

Brinnon

Houseboats for Two 308913 Hwy 101, 1-800-966-5942 www.houseboats4two.com Harbor House 308913 Hwy.101, 1-360-796-4064 www.theharborhouse.virtualave.net

Elk Meadows B&B 3485 Dosewallips Rd., 1-360-796-4886 www.elkmeadowswa.com Cabin on the Canal Vacations 111 Cedar Cove Rd., 1-206-365-3277 • www.cabinonthecanal.com Bayshore Motel 306142 Hwy.101, 1-800-488-4230 www.bayshoremotel.com

PARKS Pleasant Harbor RV Resort 60 Black Point Rd., 1-360-7969970 • www.pleasantharborrv.com

Halfway RV Park Hwy.101 and Brinnon Lane, 1-360-796-0301 Cove Park RV & Motel Units 303075 Hwy.101, 1-360-7964723 • www.covervpark.com

PARKS Quilcene County Park 294964 Hwy.101, 1-360-385-9129 www.co.jefferson.wa.us

360-765-4999

www.emeraldtowns.com

Photo Credit-Port Ludlow Associates Visitors to Port Ludlow can relax in lounge chairs by the bay, ride bicycles, walk to the waterfalls hike the Timberton Trail Loop, go sailing or play golf on a 27-hole course recognized as one of the most beautiful courses in the world. For seafood lovers there are nearby clam and oyster beds. For enthusiasts of water sports, there are boats and kayaks to rent, a beautiful ma‑ rina, a harbor tour boat and charter boats for fishing and sailing.

LODGING Inn at Port Ludlow 1 Heron Road, 360-437-7000, 877-805-0868 www.ludlowbayresort.com Beavers Pond Retreat 3851 Larson Lake Road, 360-732-7148 877-826-8924, www.beaverspondretreat.com House on Tala Shore 685 Ludlow Bay Road, 360-437-8097

www.vrbo.com/39697

Chamber

Commerce of

(360) 437-9798 P.O. Box 65305 • Port Ludlow, WA 98365 www.portludlowchamber.org

Cottage on Ludlow Bay 685 Ludlow Bay Road, 360-437-8097, www.ludlowbaycottage.com Paradise Bay Chalet 3491 Paradise Bay Rd, 253-335-0892, 888-399-6533, www.olympicgetaways.com/paradisebaychalet/ Port Ludlow RV Park 40 Breaker Lane, 360-437-9377, www.portludlowrvpark.net

Port Ludlow Golf Course 751 Highland Drive, 360-437-0272,

800-455-0272, www.ludlowbayresort.com

Port Ludlow Marina 1 Gull Drive, 360-437-0513, 800-308-7991 www.ludlowbayresort.com

Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center 93 Beaver Valley Road PO Box 65478, Port Ludlow, WA 98365

360-437-0120 www.heartoftheolympics.org gatewayvcr@olympus.net

Photo Credit-Keith Lazelle Welcome to the historic Tri-Area. Whether you are in the mood for a little antiquing, a round or two of golf on the state’s oldest course, shopping for the perfect gift, or a hike in pristine surroundings, you can find it all here. We have plenty of room too whether you prefer camping on beautiful Marrowstone Island at Fort Flagler, a night or two in a B&B or a stay in a ho‑ tel or inn, you will find comfort, selection and beauty. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, choose your activity.

LODGING

Port Hadlock

Marrowstone Island (Nordland)

LODGING

Beach Cottages on Marrowstone 10 Beach Drive, 360-3853077 800-871-3077, www.beachcottagegetaway.com Bluff House at Marrowstone Island, 2500 E. Marrowstone Road 866-791-9165, www.marrowstonebluffhouse.com

Beach Getaway on Oak Bay 101 Oak Road, 360-437-2532 www.beachgetawayonoakbay.com

Fort Flagler State Park Retreat & Vacation Houses, 10541 Flagler Road, 360-385-3701, www.parks.wa.gov

Inn at Port Hadlock 310 Hadlock Bay Road, 360-385-7030 800-785-7030, www.innatporthadlock.com

Honeymoon Cabin on Marrowstone 1460 E. Marrowstone Road 360-385-4644, www.honeymoon@olympus.net

Hadlock Motel 175 B Chimacum Road, 360-385-3111, www.hadlockmotel.com

Oak Bay Cottages 3659 Oak Bay Road, 360-437-0380, 800-727-4706 www.oakbaycottages.com

Guest House on Mystery Bay 1271 Griffith Point Road, 360-379-2993, www.mysterybayguesthouse.com

Hosteling International Marrowstone Island Hostel, 10621 Flagler Rd, 360-385-1288, www.hiusa.com

R.V Parks (Hook-ups only)

Fort Flagler State Park 10541 Flagler Road, 360-385-1259 www.parks.wa.gov

www.porthadlock.org

Port Hadlock/Tri-Area

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O Box 1223, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 (360) 379-5380

Smitty’s Island Retreat RV Park 9142 Flagler Road, 360-385-2165 www.Smittys-RV-Park@peoplepc.com

Upper Oak Bay Park 290 Cleveland Street, 360-385-9129 www.jcparksandrec.org

“The West End”

Photo by Bob Huelsdonk Visit the west side of the Olympic Peninsula and you’ll find Rain Forest Country – temperate, wild rain forests with huge 500-year old trees, the famous Roosevelt elk, steelhead rivers, alpine meadows and Pacific Ocean beaches. A 57-mile-long coastal protected wilderness includes 17 miles of solitary beach camping. Mountain biking, rafting, and kayaking are possible on the upper Hoh River. Hoh Humm Ranch 171763 Hwy.101, Forks 1-360-374-5337, www.olypen.com/hohhumm Hoh River Resort 175443 Hwy.101, Forks 1-360-374-5566, www.hohriverresort.com

Kalaloch Lodge 147141 Hwy.101, Forks, 1-360-962-2271 1-866-525-2562, www.visitkalaloch.com Rain Forest Hostel 169312 Hwy.101, Forks 1-360-374-2270 www.rainforesthostel.com

Westward Hoh Resort Raft & Guide Service 5692 Upper Hoh Rd., Forks 1-360-371-6657 www.hohriver.com Hard Rain Café and Mercantile/RV Park 5763 Upper Hoh Rd., Forks, 1-360-374-9288 hardraincafe@olypen.com

Free travel information by mail includes a Rain Forest Adventures Map, Art Tour Guide, Events, and a helpful day trip planner.

Call the Forks Visitor Center (1-800-443-6757) or Kalaloch Visitor Center (1-360-962-2283)

to request information, or reach them through the Gateway website www.heartoftheolympics.org.

HOH RAIN FOREST VISITOR CENTER: Open daily, hours vary. Self-service in winter. Telephone and restrooms available at all hours. See bulletin boards for schedule of guided walks & programs.

CAMPGROUND: Fee is $10 per night ($5 with Golden Age Passport) Locate a vacant site in an open campground loop, then register at the bulletin board next to restroom. (subject to change) TRAILS: Nature trails start behind the Visitor Center. A Wilderness Camping Permit is required for all overnight stays in the unde‑ veloped areas of the park. Please park in the Hiker Parking Area. Contact the Wilderness Information Center 360-565-3100 in Port Angeles or the Hoh Visitor Center for information. No pets, weapons, vehicles or bicycles on trails.

REGULATIONS: Pets must be kept on leash at all times. No pets on trails or in public buildings. Do not feed birds or animals. Store food in your vehicle and put garbage in a garbage can. Fishing regs. available at the Visitor Center.

CAUTIONS: SECURE YOUR VALUABLES AGAINST THEFT. Boating and swimming are not advisable in the Hoh River within the park. This glacier‑fed river is swift and very cold. In places the channel is blocked by log jams; you could be washed under logs and become trapped. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CONTACT A RANGER AT THE VISITOR CENTER: 911 (EMERGENCY) (360) 374‑6925 (HOH RANGER STATION) (360) 565‑3000 (PARK HEADQUARTERS)

Day hikes-boulder creek Drainage Olympic Hot Springs Trail—Appleton Pass Trail head to Boulder Creek Campground 2.4 mi. Easy day hike. Camping is permitted ONLY in the Boulder Creek camping area, .1 mile north of the Hot Springs. The trailhead elevation is 1800’ and the hot springs are approximately 2100’. There are 6 small, shallow pools of luke warm water. Health officials do not recommend bathing in the Olympic Hot Springs pools, due to presence of disease bacteria in the water.To avoid giardia and other organisms, drinking water from natural sources must be boiled, filtered or treated prior to consumption.

Appleton Pass Trail—Appleton Pass trailhead to Appleton Pass 7.4 mi. Strenuous day hike. The hike from the trailhead, across the South Fork of Boulder Creek is relatively easy walk‑ ing. Just beyond the creek crossing, the trail becomes steep and quite rocky. The waterfalls offer beautiful views. Eventually you will cross a meadow, often offering a splendid view of wildflowers and a water fall. The approach to Appleton Pass (5000 ft.) is steep and requires an ice axe to safely negotiate steep snowfields during early summer months. For awesome views of the Sol Duc area and Mt. Olympus walk east from the pass approximately 1/2 mile. Boulder Lake Trail—Appleton Pass trailhead to Boulder Lake 5.8 mi. Moderately strenuous day hike. The trail climbs steadily beyond the junction with the Appleton Pass trail. A small water‑ fall crosses the trail. Boulder Peak towers above the lake offering a scenic backdrop.

Happy Lake Ridge Trail—Happy Lake trailhead to Happy Lake 5.0 mi. Strenuous day hike. Happy Lake to Boulder Lake 5.5 mi. This steep trail offers views the ridge top. Happy Lake is located on the north side of the ridge. The trail undulates, gaining and loosing elevation as it traverses the ridge between Happy Lake and Boulder Lake. Water is not available during midsummer months along this trail. Mosquitoes and biting flies are usually abundant.

PETS IN THE PARK You may take your pets into the park subject to the fol‑ lowing conditions:

KALALOCH CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS Reservations: 151151 Hwy 101,

Forks, WA. 09331. (360) 962-2771 1. Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds only, 8 persons per site maximum. 2. Camping fees are due immediately upon occupancy and 11 AM on subsequent days. 3. The draining or dumping of refuse on the ground from any trailer or camper is prohibited. All waste must be collected in a container and emptied into toilets or camper utility sinks at comfort stations. 4. Property of any type cannot be left unattended for more than twenty‑four hours without prior permission. 5. Camping within Kalaloch Campground is limited to no longer than 7 days from June 15-Sept.1 During other times of year, a 14 day limit is set. 6. Pets are allowed in the park provided that they be kept on a leash (six ft. max.) at all times; they do not create a disturbance or public nuisance; and they are not taken on trails, in the back‑ country or in public buildings (except certified service dogs). 7. Firewood is for sale at the Kalaloch Store or during summer months in the campground. You may collect driftwood from the beach. Power saws are not permitted. 8. Do not drive nails or other objects into trees or tables. 9. Fires on the beach are permitted as long as they are no more than 3ft. diameter and built 10ft. away from the nearest drift‑ wood. 10.All motor vehicles are prohibited off established roads. All mo‑ tor vehicle operators must possess a valid state driver’s license. 11. All campsites have paved parking pads. Please park vehicles on these pads. In the event this is not possible, please park in the main parking lot at the entrance. Only 1 motor vehicle or 4 motorcycles are permitted per site.

1. They may be carried in your car or led on a leash (up to a 6’ in length) in parking areas, on paved roads, at Rialto Beach from park‑ ing lot 1/2 mile to Ellen Creek and all beach access from the Hoh Reservation south to Quinault Reservation.

12. Reserving or holding sites is not permitted. Sites may not be paid for by those who do not intend to occupy the site im‑ mediately.

3. Pets may not be left unattended or tied in a manner that will damage vegetation, ground areas or park structures.

14. Fireworks are prohibited in the park.

2. Pets (except certified service dogs) are not permitted on trails (exceptions above), in public buildings, at naturalist walks or in the backcountry including boats on rivers.

4. The park does not provide facilities for pet care. Inquire at ranger stations, visitor centers or entrance stations for information about kennel locations.

5. You may keep your pet(s) with you in a public campground, but it is your responsibility to keep it quiet and under physical re‑ straint at all times. Pets may not be left unattended at campsites. Pet Excrement must be immediately collected & disposed of in nearest trash receptacles.

13. Possession or use of firearms or other weapons in the park is prohibited unless they are unloaded and adequately cased or packed in such a way as to prevent their use. 15. Horses are not permitted in campgrounds. 16. Campground quiet hours are from 10PM to 6 AM. Operation of motorized equipment or audio devices in a manner that makes noise which is unreasonable for the time and/or location is prohibited. 17. Connecting to utilities (electric power or water) is not per‑ mitted.

These rules provided for in Section 2.15, Chapter 1, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulation. They are intended to protect wildlife, wildlife patterns, your pet and to avoid disturbing other visitors.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES-Trails: Elwha Area-Madison Falls Trail - This short paved trail winds through a meadow and into the forest where it follows Madison Creek to a 100’ high cascade that plummets over basalt cliffs. Hoh Rain Forest Area-Mini-Rain Forest Trail- This flat, 0.1 mile paved trail gives users a taste of the rainforest near the Hoh Visitor Center. Visit a crystal-clear stream and see huge, old-growth trees. Hoodsport-Staircase Area-Big Cedar Tree and River Viewpoint-0.5-mile round trip gravel trail is accessible with assistance. Traverses old-growth forest to the North Fork Skokomish River with a spur to a huge fallen cedar and the picnic area. The first 0.25 miles of the Shady Lane Trail are gravel and accessible with assistance. A wheelchair is available for checkout at the ranger station.

Hurricane Ridge Area-Meadow Loop Trails-Paved trails with views of the Olympic Mts. and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Enjoy wild-flowers and look for deer and marmots. Several relatively flat 1/4-1/2 mile loops are accessible with assistance. Hurricane Hill Trail-1.5 mile rough paved trail climbs 700’ through meadows to Hurricane Hill. The first .5 mi. is acces‑ sible with assistance, but has steep drop-off and no guard rail. Kalaloch Area-Ruby Beach-Accessible overlook of beach and Cedar Creek; accessible vault toilet. The 800’ gravel trail is accessible with assistance. It has no steps but slopes 15-20% through coastal forest to the end just behind the beach logs. Beach Trail #4- Has an accessible ocean viewpoint and has an accessible vault toilet at the parking lot.

Lake Crescent/Sol Duc Area-Marymere Falls Trail-Winds through old growth forest to a 90-ft. waterfall. The first 1/2 mi. to an overlook on Barnes Creek is accessible with assistance on flat gravel and dirt. Moments in Time Nature Trail-A 0.8 mi. loop of crushed rock with lake views, old-growth forest and former homestead sites between Olympic Park Institute and Lake Crescent Lodge, and is accessible with assistance and can be accessed from Olympic Park Institute, a parking lot north of Lake Crescent Lodge, or via a 0.3 mile trail from the Storm King Ranger Station parking lot, where there is an accessible restroom. Salmon Cascades-A short gravel and dirt path leads from the Sol Duc Road to a wooden platform overlooking the Sol Duc River and a small cascades. Spruce Railroad Trail-Each end is accessible with assistance for 0.25 mile, with an accessible toilet at the east end. Mora Area -Rialto Beach-A short, 0.1-mile paved trail leads through coastal forest to the picnic area. At the end a ramp is installed in summer for a beach view.

Quinault Valley Area -Maple Glades Trail-A 1/2 mi. crushed rock surface loop, accessible with assistance and winds under mossy maples along a rain forest stream. The restroom in the Quinault Ranger Station is accessible. Kestner Homestead Trail-This 1.3 mi. self-guided loop links with the Maple Glades trail and has a crushed rock surface accessible with assistance and leads to a historic homestead. Olympic National Park Visitor Center-Living Forest Trail-.04 mile, crushed rock trail through the forest behind the visitor center. Fully accessible center with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the park, several touch displays, a braille exhibit, an audio program and displays with sound

effects. An orientation slide program is shown on request with a large text script available. TTy users can use free relay service 1-800-833-6385 or 1-800-833-6388. Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center-This visitor center is perched at 5,242 feet on Hurricane Ridge, 17 mi. from Port Angeles. Call (360) 565-3131 for a 24-hour road and weatherrecording.There is an accessible restroom, exhibits on the up‑ per level with an auditorium where park programs are shown (with captioning). An elevator and ramp provide access to the lower level where there is a terrace with picnic tables, a gift shop and snack bar. Ask staff for assistance with the elevator. Short, paved loop trails are accessible to wheelchair users with assistance, see Meadow Loop Trails above. Two picnic areas just beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center have paved trails that are accessible with assistance leading to tables over‑ looking the Olympic Mountains; restrooms not accessible. Hoh Visitor Center-Hoh Rain Forest-This accessible visitor center has exhibits on the temperate rainforest and offers a short, flat, paved trail. See Mini-Rain Forest Trail above.The restrooms at the facility are accessible.

Lodging in the Park-Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has accessi‑ ble hot spring pools and several rental cabins. The main lodge building and one room are accessible at Lake Crescent Lodge. Kalaloch Lodge has one accessible cabin. For wilderness camping permits call (360) 565-3100.

Accessible Facilities of Olympic National Park Campgrounds

Accessible Restrooms

Paved Campsites

Picnic Table Extension

Accessible Amphitheater

Altair

Yes

None

Deer Park

Accessible pit toilets

None

Dosewallips

Elwha

Yes

campfire circle

Fairholme

Yes (Loops A

Yes ( Loop

Yes

& C)

Graves Creek

Heart O’ Hills

Yes (Loop A)

Yes

Hoh

Yes (Loop A)

Yes

Yes (Loop A)

Yes

Kalaloch

Yes (Loops A

Yes ( Loop

Yes (Loop D)

Yes

& D)

Yes (Loop B)

Yes ( Loop

Yes (Loop B)

Yes

Mora

None

B) North Fork

(Accessible pit toilet at nearby

Ozette

Near Ranger

One site

None

Station, Queets

Accessible pit toilet

Sol Duc

Yes (Loop A)

Yes

Staircase

Yes (Loop A)

Yes

None

port angeles

Sequim with a population of 4,000, is a popu‑ lar retirement city on the North Olympic Peninsula. It is well-known for its mild cli‑ mate, giving it the name “Sunny Sequim”. The year-round sun and fresh water of the Dungeness River offer ideal growing condi‑ tions. Strawberry and raspberry growers sell U-pick berries in season to eager pickers. Local wineries produce wines made from local grapes; and two golf courses outside of town attract golfers year-round. The city celebrates its annual Irrigation Festival in early May.

Port Angeles, on the Olympic Peninsula’s north coast, is the access port to Canada across the Strait of Juan de Fuca; it is the headquarters of Olympic National Park, home to an active fishing fleet and deep-water port for overseas shipping.

Olympic Game Farm

sequim

Dungeness Dungeness is the popular destination area north of Sequim. The population of the unincorporated Dungeness Valley is about 13,000. The Dungeness Recreation Area is known for the Dungeness Spit, the world’s longest natural sand spit, which extends 6 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The spit is visited by over 200 species of birds. Dungeness crabs and clams are harvested in the protected waters inside the spit.

neah bay Neah Bay is an Indian fishing village on the Makah Reservation, 13 miles past Sekiu and 72 miles west of Port Angeles, at the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States. The Makah Museum and Cultural Center welcomes visitors to one of the finest collections of Indian art and artifacts in the Northwest. West of town on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a viewpoint where you can see Tatoosh Island and the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For boat tours to see the Olympic Coast Marine Sancturary, inquire at the museum. The sanctuary extends from Cape Flattery to the Copalis River.

The most active part of the city for visitors is the waterfront area near the ferry docks, which serve passengers traveling to and from Victoria, B.C., Canada on the large Coho car ferry and the Victoria Express passenger ferry. Near the terminals are interesting tourist shops, an information center and a ma‑ rine science center that is open to the public.

Duty Free shopping is available to travelers sailing on the fer‑ ries between Port Angeles and Victoria, B.C. Remember that a trip across the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a trip across interna‑ tional waters. Travelers on this route require proper documen‑ tation (Drivers License and passport or birth certificate for US and Canadian residents) and are subject to customs inspections entering these two ports.

Olympic National Park The headquarters for Olympic National Park is up Race Street at 600 E. Park Avenue. Near the headquarters is the very edu‑ cational Olympic National Park Visitor Center. The information center is an excellent place to visit for travelers heading up to Hurricane Ridge or planning trips into other parts of the park. It is located at 3002 Mt. Angeles Road. For information call (360) 565-3130. Between the park’s visitor center and its head‑ quarters is a 1-mile loop trail in the Peabody Creek Valley.

Museums ARTHUR D. FIERO MARINE LABORATORY, Port Angeles, on City Pier. Displays marine life. Summer: 10-9 daily. Winter: weekends, 12-5. CLALLAM COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, Port Angeles, 4th and Lincoln, 2nd floor of the Old County Courthouse. Summer: 9-4 daily, Mon. 9-9. Winter: Tues.-Fri.. 9-4, Mon. 9-9.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER, 3002 Mt. Angeles Rd. Port Angeles. (360) 565-3130. Cultural and natural history exhibits, book sales, recreation program. 9-4 daily with extended hours in summer.

MAKAH MUSEUM & C U LT U R A L C E N T E R PO Box 160 • Neah Bay, WA 98357

(360) 645-2711

10am-5pm daily (Memorial Day-Sept. 15)

Call for openings Wed.-Sun (Sept. 16-Memorial Day)

www.makah.com/mcrchome.htm Internationally famous museum features full-scale replica of a 15th century Indian longhouse, ancient Makah artifacts, dioramas.

• 109 Rooms • Suites Available • Continental Breakfast • Air Conditioned • Micros-Refrigs • In Room Coffee Only Minutes from Ferries • Seasonal Pool & Spa 1510 EAST FRONT ST. • PORT ANGELES, WA 98362 360-458-4015 OR TOLL FREE 1-877-438-8588

PortsideInn.com

Portside@TenForward.com

Coho Auto/Passenger Ferry

Your Window To The World

111 East Second, Port Angeles First Motel on Second Street

For Reservations (360) 452-9285 Toll Free (800) 421-0706 web: www.portangelesinn.com e-mail: waterview@portangelesinn.com

2 Blocks from Ferries Ocean & Mountain Views Minutes to Hurricane Ridge & Marymere Falls Jump Start Breakfast

Black Ball runs the Coho vehicle and passenger ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria on Vancouver Island. Advanced reservations are not accepted. Personal checks are not accepted. For more information call (360) 457-4491 in Port Angeles and (250) 386-2202 in Victoria.

BLACK BALL TRANSPORT Port Angeles-Victoria, B.C.

Approximate crossing 95 minutes • Vertical Clearance 14 ft • (360) 457-4491

May 20-September 28, 2005 Leave Port Angeles

s m oo R t p a a e Ch online on.com Az m o o R

. ww

CANADIAN RESIDENTS Canadians Returning to Canada: After an absence of 24 hours or more: Any number of times per year, you can claim goods (except tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) with a total value of $50. You may have to make a written declaration. If the total value of all goods you bring is more than $50, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, you have to pay duties on the fulll value.After an absence of 48 hours or more: Any number of times per year, you can claim goods with a total value of $200. After an absence of seven days or more: You can claim a $750 exemption anytime you have been absent from Canada for at least seven days. For more information, contact the nearest Revenue Canada Customs office.

8:20 am 12:45 pm 5:15 pm 9:30 pm (6/22 thru 9/5 only)

Leave Victoria

6:10 am (6/23 thru 9/6only) 10:30 am 3:00 pm 7:30 pm

Sept 29 - Oct 6, 2005

Leave Port Angeles

8:20 am 1:45 pm

Leave Victoria

10:30 am 4:00 pm

Oct 7 - Oct 10, 2005: EXTRA sailings for Canadian Thanksgiving Day and US Columbus Day Weekend

Oct 11, 2005 - Jan 4, 2006

Leave Port Angeles

8:20 am 1:45 pm

Leave Victoria

Times subject to change

10:30 am 4:00 pm

one way fares (u.s. funds) Canadian Funds accepted at exchange rate PASSENGERS........................................................ $9.50 CHILDREN (5-11 years of age).................................... $4.75 CHILDREN UNDER AGE 5.......................................... FREE AUTO, VAN, CAMPER OR MOTOR HOME & DRIVER*......... $37.50 18 ft. and under (overall measurement). Over 18 feet,$3.00 per lineal ft. or fraction thereof.

AUTOMOBILE TRAILERS (overall measurement) Per lineal ft or fraction thereof... $3.00 BICYCLES (Canadian law requires use of helmets)........................... $4.00 MOTORCYCLE & DRIVER.......................................... $20.50 Motorcycle sidecar or trailer (Canadian law requires use of helmets)..... $11.00 TOUR BUSES & COMMERCIAL TRUCKS....CALL FOR RATES

Personal Checks Not Accepted. Subject to change without notice. Port Angeles: 101 E. Railroad Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362. (360) 457-4491 Victoria : 430 Belleville St. Victoria, B.C. V8V 1W9. (250) 386-2202

PORT ANGELES

Victoria Express Fast Ferry

BORDER CROSSING ADVISORY For up-to-date information on border crossing requirements and articles you are allowed to carry over the border check in advance with your ferry operator:

Victoria Express (360) 452-8088 Coho Ferry (360) 457-4491

• REQUIREMENT FOR BORDER CROSSING US and Canadian citizens must present a valid drivers license. Proof of citizenship such as a copy of a birth certificate significantly helps. For travelers from other countries a passport is required. • CHILDREN: Be prepared to have ID information for kids also. • CHILD under the age of 18 traveling without his/her parents must carry the written permission of both parents (includes divorced parents) to cross the border. • MISDEMEANOR CHARGES - Persons CHARGED with a misdemeanor that may be a felony in the country being visited may not be eligible for entry. For example, a DUI is a felony in Canada. NON-CITIZEN RESIDENTS Legal, permanent residents of the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens are advised to carry their Alien Registration Receipt Card (U.S. form I-151 or I-551). NOTE: All Regulations are Subject to Change. Call First

DUTY FREE - PAY NO TAX U.S. or Canadian, Going or Returning to Canada: each person can take 1 ctn. cigarettes and 1 Tin of Tobacco and 1 cigarette kit and 40 oz. of Alcohol or 1.5 liters of wine or 24 cans of beer if you are going to be in Canada for 48 hrs or more, or you are Canadian and were gone 48 hrs or more. U.S. residents returning from Canada less than 48 hours may bring back merchandise for their use up to a value of $200 duty free, subject to limitations on liquor, cigarettes and cigars. This exemption is per person and may not be grouped together with others. If any portion of this exemption is exceeded, the entire amount is subject to duty. For those returning after 48 hours a $800 exemption per person is applicable, which may be grouped together with other family members - duty is applied to amounts exceeding $800.

The VICTORIA EXPRESS is a passenger only ferry service across the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles and Victoria, B.C. with cruises to San Juan Islands. The Port Angeles terminal is on the west side of the Landing Mall, downtown on the waterfront. The dock in Victoria is located at the Belleville passenger ferry terminal on the south side of Victoria's Inner Harbor. The Empress Hotel is in front of you, and the Parliament Buildings are on your right as you sail into the inner harbor. Galley and bar services are available on board, along with duty free goods. Currency Exchange of Port Angeles is located in the Victoria Express Office.

VICTORIA Express Port Angeles-Victoria, B.C.

APPROXIMATE CROSSING TIME 1 HOUR (360) 452-8088

May 28- July 15, 2005

Leave Port Angeles

Leave Victoria

8:10 am 12:15 pm

9:45 am 6:15 pm

July 16-September 5, 2005

Leave Port Angeles

Leave Victoria

7:45 am 8:10 am 12:15 pm 4:15 pm

9:45 am 2:00 pm 6:15 pm

September 6-September 25, 2005

Leave Port Angeles

Leave Victoria

8:10 am 12:15 pm

9:45 am 6:15 pm

Fares (U.S. Funds) Port Angles-Victoria Per Passenger Children under 1 Bicycles/Kayaks

$10.50 Each Way FREE $ 5.00 Each Way

Schedules and/or fares subject to change. restrictions may apply.

Victoria-Friday Harbor

APPROXIMATE CRUISE TIME 2.5 to 3 HOURS

May 28 through September 5, 2005

Leave Victoria 9:30 am

Leave Friday Harbor 3:30 pm

Fares (U.S. Funds) Friday Harbor-Victoria

Per Passenger Children Under 1 Bicycles/Kayaks

$35.00 Each Way FREE FREE

Schedules and/or fares subject to change. restrictions may apply.

Tickets at Landing Mall Terminal in Port Angeles or on board the vessel. Buses and trams available at terminals to all attractions. Hotel and Tour Packages available. Parking available near terminals. Canadian funds accepted. Call for group rates. Visa & Mastercard accepted.

Web Site: www.victoriaexpress.com

Victoria Rapid Transit 115 E. Railroad Port Angeles, WA 98362

Office: (360)

452-8088 23

Lake Crescent/sol duc West of Port Angeles on Highway 101 are two popular tourist destinations – Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Hot Springs. Seventeen miles from Port Angeles, Lake Crescent is 8.5 miles long and is 624 feet at its deepest point. Famous for its Beardslee trout, the lake is in Olympic National Park. Two resorts on the lake are Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort. Forty-four miles west of Port Angeles off Highway 101 is Sol Duc Hot Springs, an Olympic National Park seasonal resort with campsites, trails and hot springs.

Lake Sutherland & Lake Aldwell Lake Sutherland and Lake Aldwell are two fresh water lakes west of Port Angeles in the foothills of the Olympics. Both are good trout fishing lakes. The lakes are warm for swimming.

Wonderland.

Day hikes in Elwha River Drainage Madison Falls Trail—Elwha park entrance to trail end 0.1 miles. Easy day hike. This beautiful short trail skirting Sweets Field and old growth cedar trees is paved and handicap accessible. At the end of the trail Madison Falls cascades down a rocky cliff face.

Cascade Rock Trail—Elwha Campground to trail end 2.1 miles. Moderately strenuous day hike. Starting near the covered camp‑ site in the Elwha campground, cross the small creek and hike north to the Cascade Rock Trail through a lowland forest. There is a short side trip to an overlook, which offers nice views of the Elwha valley to the south. Main trail ends abruptly in a stand of Madrone trees overlooking Madison Creek drainage. Griff Creek Trail—Elwha Ranger Station to trail end 1/4 mi. Strenuous day hike. The Griff trail is a steep, narrow trail through a beautiful forest setting. The trail does not follow the creek but does open up to a beautiful overlook of the Fitzhenry Peaks and Hughes Creek drainage, approx. 1.8 mi. up. Beyond the overlook, the trail deteriorates, trail ends abruptly at cliffs.

Hurricane Hill Trail—Whiskey Bend Road to Hurricane Ridge 6.3 miles. Strenuous day hike. This is a steep trail, with lots of switchbacks in a beautiful forest setting. Carry several quarts of water with you. Marvelous views of the Olympics in the meadow areas at higher elevations. West Elwha Trail—Altaire Campground to Herrick Rd. 2.6 mi. Easy day hike. This trail retraces a portion of the original Olympic Hot Springs Trail, traveling through old growth Douglas Fir. At park boundary, follow path north across clearing to right of way trail on private property to Herrick Rd.

Slumberland.

Enjoy a tranquil getaway to one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful historic retreats, Lake Crescent Lodge. Featuring lodge rooms and cottages, fine dining, local wines and stunning views— all in Olympic National Park.

www.LakeCrescentLodge.com Lake Crescent Lodge Olympic National Park

360-928-3211 Forever Resorts is an Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA WEBSITES www.OlympicPeninsulaTravel.com 1932-2004 www.OPTravel.org www.OlympicPen.com www.OlympicMts.com www.youra.com/og/ 24

West Lake Mills Trail—Lake Mills boat launch to trail end 2.0 mi. Easy day hike. This trail wanders peacefully along the west edge of Lake mills.

Humes Ranch Trails—Whiskey Bend to Rica Canyon 1.7mi, Whiskey Bend to Michael’s Cabin 1.9 mi, Michaels Cabin to Humes Ranch .4 mi, Humes Ranch to Krouse Bottom .8 mi, Krause Bottom to Rica Canyon 1 mi. Easy to moderately strenuous. The Rican Canyon-Humes Ranch trails provide an excellent day hike and camping is permitted at sever established sites along the river bottoms.

HOT SPRINGS Several hot springs can be found in Olympic National Park, occurring on or near the Calawah fault zone. This presently inactive fault zone extends from the southeastern Olympics to the northwest and probably into the Pacific Ocean. One spring area can be reached by road. Indian legend speaks of the origin of the Sol Duc and Olympic Hot Springs: Two “dragon‑like creatures” (lightning fish) with a mutual hatred for one another engaged in a mighty and desperate battle. There was no victor as both were evenly matched. Admitting defeat, each of the creatures crawled into their separate caves where they still weep tears of mortification.

The Olympic Hot Springs consist of 21 seeps located in a bank on Boulder Creek, a tributary of the Elwha River. Several of these have been trapped by human‑made rock-lined depres‑ sions. The depth of these pools is about one foot and water temperatures vary from lukewarm to 138o F (54o C). The

impounded pools frequently fail water quality standards for public bathing. Use at your own risk.

The Quileute name for Sol Duc Hot Springs is si’bi’, stinky place. In the 1880’s Theodore Moritz nursed a native with a broken leg back to health. In gratitude, the Indian told Moritz of the “firechuck” or magic waters. Moritz staked a claim, built cedar‑log tubs and soon people were coming great distances to drink and bathe in the healing water. Michael Earles, owner of the Puget Sound Mills and Timber Co., claimed he was cured of a fatal illness after visiting Sol Duc. When Moritz died in 1909, Earles bought the land from his heirs and built a $75,000 road to the springs from Lake Crescent. Three years later, on May 15, 1912, an elegant hotel opened. The grounds were immaculate—landscaping, golf links, tennis courts, croquet grounds, bowling alleys, theater and card rooms, bathhouse and hotel . A three‑story building held the sanatarium. With beds for 100 patients, a laboratory and x‑ray, it was considered one of the finest in the West.

Four years later in 1916, sparks from a defective flue ignited the shingle roof of the hotel. The water had not yet been turned on as it was early in the season. Wires were short‑cir‑ cuited on the organ and Beethoven’s “Funeral March” began to play as the hotel was consumed in flames in just three hours. People still enjoy the “hot tears” of the Sol Duc dragon. The resort is open from late spring through early fall and offers cabins (some cooking cabins), a dining room, gift shop, a swimming pool, three mineral water pools, therapeutic mas‑ sage, snackbar and RV sites.

An 82-unit National Park campground lies on the banks of the Sol Duc River.

The following information will help familiarize you with facilities in the Heart O’ the Hills campground area. Five miles from the Olympic Park Visitor Center on the Hurricane Ridge Road, the area offers a 105-site campground and three trailheads. Evening programs and other ranger-guid‑ ed activities may be offered in the summer at this campground. See bulletin boards for program listings.

TRAILHEADS Heart O’the Forest Trail: Starting in Loop “E” of the camp‑ ground, the trail winds through a dense forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar. It ends at the park boundary, 2 miles from the campground. Lake Creek, which drains Lake Angeles (approx. 3‑1/2 mi. south), is audible in the gully you as you approach the boundary.

Lake Angeles Trail: This trail starts a short distance across from the campground entrance, at the end of the spur road by the ranger station. Ample parking is available at the trailhead behind the employee housing area. The trail climbs 2450 feet in 3.5 miles to Lake Angeles. You can continue another 3 miles and 1800 feet to the Klahhane Ridge/Heather Park/Switchback trail junction. This creates four options: descent 1600 feet in 1.5 miles via the Switchback Trail to the Hurricane Ridge Road; traverse 3.6 miles with a net loss of 620 feet to the Hurricane Ridge Lodge; descend 4000 feet in 6.4 miles via Heather Park to Heart O’ the Hills; or return via Lake Angeles, down 4000 feet in 6.5 miles to Heart O’ the Hills. Heather Park Trail: Visible from the Lake Angeles Trailhead, this trail climbs 4000 feet in 6.4 miles to Klahhane Ridge. Hiking options include the same as for Lake Angeles Trail, once Klahhane Ridge is reached. Halfway Rock, a viewpoint at 2.2 miles, and Heather Park, a meadow at 4.1 miles, are common destinations.

Seqiu Highway 112 west of Port Angeles hugs the scenic coast of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, surprising sightseers with friendly towns and inviting beaches. Sekiu and Clallam Bay, two friendly communities nestled near one another on the shores of the bay, are sought after destinations for fishing enthusiasts and wildlife explorers. During fishing season the big king and silver salmon are prizes in demand by salmon lovers who drive from near and far for some the best salmon fishing in the lower 48 states. In the off season Sekiu is a mecca for bird watchers, seafood lovers and beach combers. West of Sekiu is Neah Bay and the most northwestern tip of the contiguous United States.

Salmon & Bottom Fishing

HEART O’THE HILLS

Motel & Cabins RV & Laundry Fishing Tackle Boat Rentals • Gas Launching & Moorage

P.O. Box 216 Sekiu, WA98381/www.olsonsresort.com

FACILITIES AND SERVICES The Entrance/Ranger Station is staffed from about May through September, but self-pay 365 days a year. Park maps are available at this location. A pay telephone is adjacent to the ranger entrance station. For emergency, dial 911. For general information, contact the Olympic Park Visitor Center at 565‑3130. Restrooms are available in the campground. The nearest dump stations are at service stations in Port Angeles. Food service is available at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center during daytime hours in summer (during the winter on weekends and holidays only). Lodging is available in Port Angeles. There is no camping or overnight lodging at Hurricane Ridge. Camping is available year- round at Heart O’ the Hills campground. Showers are available at the William Shore Memorial Pool-225 East 5th, Port Angeles. A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight backpacking. Permits and information on wilderness fees for trips originat‑ ing in the Heart O’the Hills area are available at the Wilderness Information Center located behind the main park visitor center in Port Angeles. Permits are not available at the trailheads. Contact the WIC at (360) 565-3100.

DAY HIKES IN THE SOL DUC

A Wilderness Camping Permit is required for all overnight trips into the backcountry, available at Eagle Ranger Station or call WIC (360) 565-3100.

Sol Duc Falls: (1.6 miles round‑trip from end of road. No eleva‑ tion gain). Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park, view from a bridge just below the falls. On the way to the falls you walk through an old‑growth forest of hemlocks and douglas firs. Some more than 20’ in circumference and 300 years old. The trail to the falls is wide, fairly level and well graveled, making it comfortable to walk. A brochure is available at the trailhead.

Lovers Lane Loop: (6 miles round‑trip. Elevation gain 250 feet). A trail beginning next to site 62 in loop B of the campground leads to Sol Duc Falls. Crossing the bridge at the falls and going a short distance further you reach the Lovers Lane trail, which will return you to the resort and campground area. If you wish to begin the loop with the Lovers Lane trail, start at the Mink Lake trailhead.Hikers should use caution at the Mink Lake Creek ford, a small stream between Canyon Creek and Mink Lake creek. This ford requires a couple steps through the stream water on extremely slippery rocks. Mink Lake: (5 miles round‑trip. Elevation gain 1450 feet). Mink Lake, covering 10.6 acres, is fairly shallow and marshy. Herons as well as people come here to catch trout. In late July a display of white buckbean flowers fills the lake’s marshy areas, and in early August blue huckleberries are abundant along the shore.It is a steady but not steep climb to Mink Lake. The trail begins at the opposite end of the resort clearing from the lodge and pools. Deer Lake: (8 miles round‑trip from end of road. Elevation gain 1650 feet ). Gray (Canada) jays are common here. Mostly surrounded by trees, the lake covers 8.4 acres. Beyond Sol Duc Falls this trail climbs steadily with some switchbacks and is very rocky.

Dan Youra

North Fork of the Sol Duc River: (2.4 miles round‑trip to the riv‑ er). Travelling 3.8 miles down the Sol Duc road from the resort, you reach a small parking lot at the the North Fork trailhead. The trail first climbs the ridge between the main and north forks of the river and then de‑ cends into the North Fork Valley. The trail passes through old‑growth for‑ est before reaching the North Fork at a point where the river forms lovely green pools.

Lake Quinault

Forks is the Olympic Peninsula’s headquarters for steelhead trout and salmon fishing. There are great fishing rivers within easy driving distance of the city-the Quillayute, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah and Hoh. Enjoy year-round fishing for summer and winter run steelhead and spring thru fall Chinook or cutthroat, coho and sockeye. Go for a scenic float down one of the peninsula’s pristine rivers or learn to dig razor clams in season. South of Forks is the turn off to the Hoh Rain Forest where there are campgrounds, fishing streams and local accommodations. Ask the local business owners for the best leads. Highway 101 leads south toward the Pacific Ocean with beautiful views and beach access around Kalaloch.

The

F o r k s M o t e l

On the Beautiful Olympic Peninsula • 73 Deluxe Units • Two Bedroom Kitchen Suites • Jacuzzi Suite • Non-smoking Rooms • Rooms with Microwave and Refrigerator Reservations

• Guest Laundry • Downtown Location • Near Restaurants • 20 Minutes From Hoh Rain Forest • Major Credit Cards Accepted • Heated Pool June-Sept.

360-374-6243 or 1-800-544-3416 Toll Free Located on Highway 101, Downtown www.forksmotel.com

Olympic Peninsula, Washington State LINKS TO OLYMPIC PENINSULA

www.OlympicPen.com

Olympic National Park Links to Information on camping, hiking, rain forests and more www.youra.com/og/

Photo by Nina Noble

Please note that pets, weapons and vehicles are prohibited on trails. Cougar have been spotted in all areas of the Sol Duc Valley, please keep small children close by and do not let them run ahead of the group while hiking.

Forks

QUINAULT RAIN FOREST The Quinault Valley contains an excellent example of a temperate rain forest community. Mild temperatures, summer fog, abun‑ dant rainfall and a long growing season help make this forest one of the most fertile in the world. The loop road up the Quinault Valley and around Quinault Lake allows the visitor to view an interesting cross section of this temperate rain forest from their vehicle (large RVs and trailers are not advised). Approximately thirty‑one miles around, the trip can be completed in about an hour and a half. Extensions of the loop road above the bridge on both sides of the river invite continued exploration.

A naturalist’s paradise, the rain forest is nature’s varied garden of myriad representatives of the plant kingdom. Growing organ‑ isms occur everywhere. Where mineral soil is bared, it is quickly occupied by spore, seed or hungry rootlet. Even rocks, when undisturbed, support botanical life. Most impressive of the rain forest growth are the trees, some of the largest of their kind growing in this valley. Festooned with mosses, lichens and ferns, one host tree can offer hours of plant study. Some of the fallen trees, now nurturing many new plants, have earned themselves the title of “nurse log”. The ferns which typify the temperate rain forest so aptly, are not the same as those in the equatorial rain forest where there are no defined seasons. Many of the Pacific Northwest ferns are decidu‑ ous, dying back in the fall to emerge again with spring.

Saprophytic and parasitic plants abound in this environment. There is as much dead or dying material in this vast garden as there is living, providing a perfect couch for saprophytes, most notably mushrooms. Of the thousands of kinds occurring in the rain forest, some are still unidentified, unnamed and unclassi‑ fied. The rain forest community also includes animals. Eagles in the trees, swans on the lake (only in winter) and blue herons in the lowlands are some of the larger birds to be seen. Smaller birds are hosted by the trees along the river and high in the forest canopy. The flowing waters provide a playground for ouzels, kingfishers and ducks.

Deer and elk are often close by or seen crossing the road. An attentive person may observe many other mammals which reveal themselves at times. Squirrel, chipmunk, pack rat, mole, mouse and shrew are some of the more familiar smaller ones, but an occasional raccoon, coyote, cougar or bear may make an appearance. With patience, the intent seeker may be rewarded with the sight of a beaver in the pool behind his expertly built dam.

QUINAULT TRAILS Graves Creek Campground Nature Trail ‑ (1 mile) This trail is a circle beginning and ending near the river adjacent to Graves Creek campground and provides the casual visitor an opportunity to experience the rainforest without great effort.

Enchanted Valley Trail: This is a heavily used trail beginning at the end of the South Shore Road, 1/2 mile past the Graves Creek Ranger Station. Check on status of bridges first. The road, in years past, extended two miles further up the valley but since the road was closed to vehicle use, it now has become part of the trail. An old picnic table still remains at the end of the old road section. Many day hikers elect to follow the trail only as far as Pony Bridge (2‑1/2 miles), a scenic spot and good turn around point for those with a limited time schedule. From this point on, the trail basically follows the river, terminating at the chalet, a two‑story log structure built in 1930, now partially used as the backcountry ranger station. There are several good camping sites along the way. It is possible to continue beyond the chalet trail to Anderson Pass or O’Neil Pass and even on to follow the Duckabush or Dosewallips rivers out to the other side of the park. Low Divide (17 miles): Beginning at the North Fork Ranger Station, the trail follows the North Fork of the Quinault to the Low Divide which is the pass between the Quinault and the Elwha. It is one of the main “through the park” trails as one can travel 27 miles beyond Low Divide to the Whiskey Bend Trailhead on the Elwha. There are several camp spots along the way to Low Divide, and the day hiker often elects to go the first 2‑1/2 miles to “ Wolf Bar”.

Irely Lake (1.2 miles): This is an easy 30 to 45 minute walk beginning on the North Fork Road, approximately 1/4 miles before the campground entrance. The day hiker is able to enjoy the handy work of beavers along the way and spot a variety of bird life, including Osprey, which often nest at the lake. This is a good hike for a camera buff. Three Lakes (7 miles): The trail climbs 500’ in the first four miles to Big Creek bridge, crossing, then climbs 2000’ the last 3‑1/2 miles to the lake area. The three lakes are small shallow alpine lakes and the surrounding area is excellent amphibian habitat. Average hiking time is four to six hours. Skyline Route (31 miles):This routefollows the Queets/Quinault Divide, beginning at Three Lakes and ending at the Low Divide. It is a late-summer, early-fall trail and difficult at times for even the experienced hiker. Map and compass navigation skills are a must. Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail (.5 mile): This trail, adjacent to the visitor center, passes through a portion of a temperate rain forest that is a diminishing part of our world. Mild temperature, summer fogs and some 140 inches of annual rainfall allow trees and other vegetation to grown vigorously here.

Quinault River Inn

Spectacular river frontage, easy access, quiet location, nearby dining, free DSL, smoke free with new room renovations. Great Lodging Value.

QuinaultRiverInn.com 1-800-410-2237 • 8 River Dr., Amanda Park

GRAYS C H A M B E R ABERDEEN

•

HARBOR OF

HOQUIAM

C O M M E R C E

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COSMOPOLIS

Since 1892

FREE TRAVEL GUIDE & MAPS TO ABERDEEN, COSMOPOLIS, HOQUIAM & GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY “IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL!” The place to stay to Explore the Olympic National Park, Rain Forest & Coast

Ocean SHORES

Visitor Information Center, 506 Duffy St. Aberdeen, Between US 101 North & South; 1-800-321-1924; EMAIL info@graysharbor.org

The planned resort community of Ocean Shores offers a variety of accommodations, dining and family activities. Mopeds, go carts and horseback riding are just a sample of other things to do. Ocean Shores is located on a five-mile-long peninsula with a 27-mile canal system connecting three freshwater lakes. These canals and lakes hold year-round fishing opportunities for bass, perch and trout. Water-skiing and other boating activities make this a truly water recreation area.

www.graysharbor.org

grays harbor Welcome to Grays Harbor, the land of recreational opportuni‑ ties. The mouth of this deep-water harbor is guarded by twin peninsulas on the north and south. The northern boundary of the county is made up of the heavily forested foothills of the Olympic National Forest whereas the southern portion of the county lies within the Willapa Basin and is composed of rugged hills with thick, brushy forests. The eastern county is primarily rolling farmlands and the western boundary is the pulsing Pacific Ocean. Grays Harbor abounds in water recreation, with eight major rivers, numerous lakes, ocean beaches and navigable ponds offering every possible type of water activity. Ocean Shores has 27 miles of freshwater canals connecting three lakes.

The flat, sandy beaches of the northern area can be reached by taking the SR 109 turnoff from US 101 in Hoquiam. It is a clas‑ sically romantic area with a history of fur trading, shipwrecks, tough pioneers and the ancient heritage of its Indian nations providing an atmosphere of solitude and quietness.

OCEAN SHORES RESERVATIONS

BEACH HOUSES • CABINS • CONDOS Jacuzzi’s • Hot tubs • Ocean views 899 Point Brown Ave. NW Suite C Ocean Shores, WA 98569 oceanshoresgetaway.com 1-800-562-8612

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Beach, Sunset & Trail Roads Day Camp — Lessons—Horse Motel

Nancy Fellows 360-289-0194

255 SR 115 Ocean Shores, WA 98569

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ocean city, copalis, moclips “Up the beach,” as the natives say, are the small towns of Ocean City, Copalis, Moclips, Pacific Beach and Copalis Crossing, all rich in history and natural beauty. The area has accommodations ranging from tent camping to resort facilities. It also has two Washington State Parks. Ocean City, famed for its razor clam digging, is immortalized in Norah Berg’s book, “Lady on the Beach.” Copalis Beach, originally an Indian encampment, once was head‑ quarters for commercial razor clam canneries. Ocean front resorts and campgrounds offer enjoyable accommodations and easy access to ocean beaches and hiking trails. Pacific Beach was settled by an otter hunter and later developed as a resort area. When the US Navy vacated the base located here, it was quickly turned into a beachfront recreational area. Private resorts are located right on the beach. Moclips became the terminus for the excursion trains that ran twice daily bringing literally thousands of Seattleites to the ocean. Its 285room resort hotel was swept into the sea during a violent 1904 storm. Over the years these rooms have been replaced by the establishment of a number of fine resorts on the beach.

Aberdeen/hoquiam Three towns, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis, lie at the base of the harbor. Built during the boom days of logging, they are a mixture of a rich and divers cultural heritage. Residential areas, particularly in Aberdeen, exhibit architecture reflective of their old-world origins. Their history is well-displayed at the Aberdeen Historical Museum and the Polson Museum in Hoquiam. The Harbor center is the ideal place to begin a day’s drive to visit all 40 county Centennial murals painted by local artists depicting the area’s history. In Cosmopolis the “Treaty Mural” commemorates the signing between the U.S. Government and the Chehalis Indian Nation. This site is the focal point of a river- front park. Cosmopolis celebrates its park system with an annual Festival In The Park. Additional festivals and events held in this tri-city area are: Splash!; Ethnic Heritage Festival; Loggers Playday and Aviation Day. The Port of Grays Harbor’s viewing tower lies midpoint between Aberdeen and Hoquiam on the waterfront. It provides a command‑ ing view of shipping traffic and harbor birdlife. Migrating birds, 1-2 million strong, can also be viewed during their annual migration through the nationally recognized Bowerman Basin Refuge. This land is the newest bird refuge in the nation.

POLSON MUSEUM, Hoquiam, on Hwy. 101. Mansion with historical and logging memorabilia, collection of Indian basketry, rose garden and exotic trees. 1611 Riverside Ave. Admission Fee. June, July and Aug.: Wed.-Sun., 11-4. Other: Sat.-Sun., 11-4. For special tours call (360) 533-5862.

westport Towards the ocean, the highway forks, turning north to Westport with its many shops, charter boats and wide sandy beaches. The marina, located in the hook of this peninsula, is a busy hub of activity as the seasonal fishing and crabbing boats land their daily catch. One can also see million-dollar pleasure boats being crafted. The Westport Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and the Westport Aquarium serve as additional visitor attractions. Photo opportunities abound, particularly at the lighthouse and the jetty. For info on Westport and Grayland call 1-800-321-1924.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Olympic National Park is open all year. Some roads and facilities are closed in winter. Entrance fees (good for 7 days) are collected at various locations within the park from May through September. Costs are $10.00 per vehicle; $5.00 on foot or bike. Annual entrance passes can be obtained at entrance stations for $20.00. Commercial tours: capacity of 1-6 people (sedan) $25.00 plus $5.00 per person; 7-15 people (van) $75.00; 1625 people (minibus) $100.00; 26 plus people (motor coach) $200.00. Rates subject to change. For visitor information, please call (360) 565-3130 or for the deaf, 1-800-833-6385 or TTY 1-800-833-6388 for current information on campground, roads and facilities. Visit the web site at www.nps.gov/olym FERRY SERVICE-Regularly scheduled ferry service is in operation across Puget Sound with connections to the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and Bremerton. Schedules are available from Washington State Ferries, Seattle Ferry Terminal, Pier 52, Seattle, WA 98104; toll‑free 1‑800‑843‑3779 or (206) 464-6400. Ferry service is also available most of the year between Victoria, B.C, Canada and Port Angeles, Washington. Schedules available from Black Ball Transport, Inc., foot of Laurel Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362; (360) 457-4491. Victoria Express: (walk‑on only) has seasonal service, 115 E. Railroad, Pt. Angeles, WA 98362; (800) 633-1589. BUS LINES -Port Angeles is served by: Olympic Bus Lines, operating daily to Edmonds, Seattle, Sea-Tac, reservation needed, (360) 417-0700; Clallam Transit, runs daily (Monday through Saturday) within Port Angeles and commuter services to Sequim, Joyce, Lake Crescent, Forks, Neah Bay and LaPush. Possible summer stops at Lake Crescent Lodge & Log Cabin Resort, call (360) 452‑4511 or 1-800-858-3747. Jefferson Transit, operates from Port Townsend and services Brinnon and connects with Clallam Transit in Sequim, it also connects Forks and Quinault (360) 385-4777); and Grays Harbor Transit which operates from Olympia and Aberdeen and goes to Lake Quinault, call (360) 5322770 or 1‑800‑562‑9730. VISITOR CENTERS-Olympic Park Visitor Center, (360) 565-3130 located at 3002 Mt. Angeles Road in Port Angeles, houses the park’s major exhibits, along with a small theater/auditorium, children’s activity room and nature trails; open daily in summer. Reduced hours fall through spring. The Hoh Visitor Center, (360) 374-6925 in the Hoh Rain Forest has exhibits and 3 short nature trails; no full-time staff in winter. Both are open all year. Summer information centers are located at Storm King on Lake Crescent and at Kalaloch. Hood Canal Ranger Station, (360) 877-5254 offers information on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula. All carry park publications and visitor information and orientation. HURRICANE RIDGE VISITOR CENTER-Located on Hurricane Ridge, 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Features sandwiches, light meals, curios and gifts and small park information center. Write: Manager, Forever Resorts, 416 Lake Crescent Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98363; (360) 928‑3211. OPEN: daily, May 15-Sept 26, 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Visitor Center will be open winters, weather and road permitting, on weekends and holidays. INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS-Free campfire programs, interpretive walks and talks are offered during the summer. Snowshoe walks are offered during the winter. See site bulletin boards for location, dates and times. SEMINARS-For a more in‑depth look at the natural and human resources of the park, visitors are invited to participate in Olympic Park Institute. A brochure is available at visitor centers or through the Olympic Park Institute, 111 Barnes Point Rd., Port Angeles, WA 98362 or call (360) 928‑3720. www.yni.org/opi

NAT’L FOREST SPECIAL PLACES Olympic National Forest Headquarters’ Office-Located off the Black Lake exit on Hwy 101, the Visitor Center provides a variety of Interpretive Displays throughout the year. The Center also has informational brochures, maps and an interpretive sales area. Enjoy a Native plant identification walk adjacent to the office.

High Steel Bridge-This 685-foot steel structure rises 420’

above the South Fork of the Skokomish River, which winds its way through a basalt chasm of mostly vertical walls. Originally built by Simpson Timber Company in 1929, this bridge served as a single logging railroad track, opening inaccessible areas to timber harvesting. It was converted into a wooden deck for ve‑ hicles in 1950 and was later replaced with concrete and guard rails for modern travel needs. To get there, travel up the Skokomish Valley Rd. 5 mi. to FS Rd. #23, go 2.4 mi. to Rd. #2340 and follow it another 2.4 mi. to the bridge. PLEASE NOTE: Dangerous, steep, slippery areas exist on the slopes around the bridge. Stay away from these areas. No recreational facilities, such as picnic areas or restrooms are available.

Brown Creek Nature Pond -The Brown Creek Recreation

Kloshe Nanitch Fire Lookout-This site offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the quaint charm and spectacular views of a historic fire lookout. Perched on a craggy point above the Sol Duc Valley, Kloshe Nanitch Lookout was an important tool for fire detection from its construction in 1917 to the early 1960’s. The site includes a replica of the original lookout building (built from the original plans), a parking area, and a viewpoint trail.

Lake Quinault-Beautiful Lake Quinault, nestled in the rain forest, is the setting for the historic Quinault Lodge, cabins at the Rain Forest Resort Village and several campgrounds. Visitors may stroll along the 1/2-mile Quinault Rain Forest Interpretive Nature Trail or take a longer adventure on the 4-mile Quinault Loop Trail, which winds through the rain forest and along the lake. Lake Quinault is located on the west side of the Peninsula off Hwy 101, north of Aberdeen.

Mt. Mueller Trail-A recent addition to the recreation trail sys‑

tem is the 13-mi. Mt. Mueller loop trail located on the Soleduck Ranger District. Though classified as a more difficult trail for hik‑ ing, it offers exhilarating views of Mt. Olympus, Mt. Baker, Lake Crescent, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hundreds of wildflow‑ ers including paintbrush, columbine, tiger lilies, yellow western wallflowers, and daisies may be seen in the open meadows along the ridge top. The trailhead is located on FS Rd. #3071, 31 mi. west of Port Angeles on Hwy 101.

Area offers fun for all ages. Brown Creek Campground nestled in the trees along the creek is the take off point for the nature trail which winds through the forested area around the pond. This is a wonderful spot to observe wetland and forest ecosystems and the wildlife species such as woodland songbirds, wood ducks, mergansers, deer and beaver. There are several sites to accom‑ modate equestrian lovers in the adjacent Brown Creek Horse Camp. Nearby South Fork Skokomish River Trail beckons those wishing to hike a longer distance. Follow Skokomish Valley Rd (6 mi. north of Shelton on Hwy 101) for 5 mi. to FS Rd. #23. Turn right and travel 9 mi. to FS Rd. #2353. Turn right and go 3/4 mi. to bridge. Cross bridge and make sharp right turn on FS Rd. #2340. Brown Creek campground is 1/4 mi.

Mt. Walker Viewpoint-Mt. Walker observation area offers

Hamma Hamma Area-Contact Ranger Station for Road Status.

at Lake Quinault, offering information handouts, maps and an interpretive sales area.

This scenic drive, located off Hwy 101 on Forest Service Road #25, offers spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers Wildernesses. The area is popular for hiking (Lena Lake and other trails), camping, and picnicking. The Living Legacy Trail, which begins at the Hamma Hamma Campground, passes the historic Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail has signs depicting the CCC history on the Olympic. The cabin may be rented by contacting the Hood Canal Ranger Station at (360) 877-5254. When hiking this trail, please respect the privacy of the renters and stay on the trail.

Hood Canal Ranger Station-Located just off Hwy 101 in Hoodsport, offering information handouts, maps and interpre‑ tive sales area.

Interrorem Historic Site -This is the site of the quaint Interrorem Ranger Cabin, built in 1907 as the first administrative office for the Olympic National Forest. The cabin may be rented by contacting the Hood Canal Ranger Station, visitors can also enjoy a glimpse of it from the parking area and take the 1/4-mi. hike through a lush forest with ferns and mosses. Access is via Hwy 101, turn onto F. S. Road 2510, and travel 4 mi. to the cabin and parking area on the left.

panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympics and Seattle. There is a short rim trail, two viewpoints, and a picnic area. It is also popular for the wild rhododendrons that grow along the road and trail. The 2,804’ summit may be reached by a 4-mile drive or a 2-mile trail. The winding gravel road (FS Rd. #2730) begins 5 miles south of Quilcene on Hwy 101 and is not recom‑ mended for trailer travel.

Pacific Ranger Station Visitor Information Center-

Located in Forks, on Highway 101, offering information hand‑ outs, maps and interpretive sales area.

Pacific Ranger District-Located on the South Shore Rd.

Quilcene Ranger Station-Located on Hwy 101 in Quilcene,

offering information handouts, maps and interpretive sales area.

Seal Rock Area -Located north of Brinnon off Hwy 101, it

is one of the few campgrounds located next to saltwater. It has beach access for seasonal oyster and clam harvesting, hiking, bicycling, swimming, boating, beach combing, bird watching, and picnicking. Two short, accessible interpretive trails display the history of Native American use and tell about the marine environment.

Wynoochee Reservoir -This 4-mi. long reservoir is a great

spot for boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. Popular Coho Campground is tucked in the trees along the shore and provides access to the Working Forest Interpretive Trail and the longer 12-mi. loop trail that circles the lake. This is a remote area with no services, approximately 35 mi. up the Wynoochee Valley Road off State Route 12.

South Hood Canal The “Canal Zone”, as Hood Canal is referred to by the locals, is the eastern boundary of Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Southern Hood Canal is characterized by small resort towns on the shores of Hood Canal, which is actually not a canal in the true sense of the word, since it does not have an outlet on each end. This scenic stretch of the Olympic Look is famous for its shellfish – oysters, clams, geoduck, crab and shrimp. You can harvest your own in season, purchase them at roadside stores or order up a plate at canal restaurants.

Small friendly places have names such as Hoodsport, Hama Hama, Lilliwaup, Waketickeh, Duckabush, Eldon, Union and Belfair. There are a number of public campgrounds, re‑ sorts and private RV parks along the shores, where you can rest awhile to soak up the tranquility and enjoy the pristine waters of the canal. Twanoh State Park sits halfway along Highway 106, offering all the salt water activities. Resorts, camping, picnicking and RV spaces with all the hookups are available along the shorelines of the canal.

shelton Shelton is the county seat of Mason County. Nestled in the center is the main street of Shelton, with quaint stores and a bustling community. History abounds in this town of 7,660. Trains once traveled the tracks from the timber harvesting for‑ ests down the main street, called Railroad Avenue, to the mills of the Simpson Timber Company. Many shellfish growers har‑ vest crops there, and the Simpson timber mills work day and night, floating logs from the inlet to Puget Sound. Boats and boat houses moored at the Shelton Yacht Club bob to-and-fro.

hoodsport Located 15 miles north of Shelton, on Highway 101, this unincor‑ porated community stretches along picturesque Hood Canal. At the foot of Lake Cushman and Staircase, it rests quietly against the hillside. Many services, businesses and a district office of the U.S. Forest Service and Olympic National Park are located along the highway. Information is available for any of the parks, hiking trails, fishing areas, boating or recreational areas at the forest and park service visitor information office. Two state parks, Lake Cushman and Potlatch, many resort areas with campgrounds, RV areas and motels are open yearround. Boats for fishing, scuba diving, shrimping and crabbing are available, as are personal guides. Close by, the Washington State Department of Fisheries raises salmon at its hatchery and the Skokomish Indian tribe manages a museum.

mason county Mason County, with a population of 42,000, is the southern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. In Mason County the relaxed atmosphere, non-congested highways and clean air provide a clean, healthy environment. With 200 fresh water lakes and over 350 miles of salt water access, numerous hiking trails, recreational opportunities abound. Fishing, scuba diving, boating, water ski‑ ing, swimming, shellfish gathering, crab‑ bing, shrimping, sailing or any water sport you could wish for can be had in Mason County. If you enjoy the outdoor life, then try the many camping or RV parks.

Some of the finest fishing in the state can be found at Lake Nahwatzel a few miles outside of Shelton. Call the resort at (360) 426-8323 to check on how the fishing is. Antique stores are plentiful throughout the area. Five golf courses are scattered throughout Mason County. Our large county fairgrounds hold festivals, events and RV conventions.

STORM KING RANGER STATION AREA Storm King Ranger Station-The original Ranger Station was constructed in 1909 for the Forest Service and was located next to the highway. A grader rolled off the road and demolished the structure. The cabin was reconstructed using as much of the original materials as possible. Marymere Falls Trail-Beginning in front of the ranger station

the flat, gentle trail winds through old growth forest to Barnes Creek. A foot bridge crosses the creek and a series of switchbacks climbs to an overlook of the 90 foot falls. 1.5 miles round trip; allow about 1 hour for the hike.

Mt. Storm King Trail-Climbs steeply for 1.7 miles from the

Marymere Falls trail to a point on the ridge. The trail climbs about 2,000’ in just under 2 miles and affords a view of Lake Crescent and surrounding mountains. Caution: maintained trail ends before summit. Travel beyond this point is hazardous.

Barnes Creek Trail-Continues straight (south) without crossing

over the creek towards Marymere Falls. Trail is not maintained and hikers should carry a compass, map and essential gear. Expect blown down trees across trail. Experienced hikers only. Backcountry trip permit required for overnight hikes.

Lake Crescent Lodge from Marymere Falls Trail-Hikers

coming back on the Marymere Falls Trail will find the Lodge Trail about 400 feet past the Mt. Storm King Trail intersection. The Lodge Trail continues along Barnes Creek downstream, crosses under Highway 101, crosses Lake Crescent Road, and continues to the Lodge parking area.

Moments in Time Trail-This approximately 1/2 mile loop trail

can be accessed from 3 points, the Storm King Ranger Station, Olympic Park Institute, or Lake Crescent Lodge. The trail winds through old growth forest, past former homestead sites, and of‑ fers nice views of Lake Crescent from Barnes Point.