Hurricane Ridge Road is considered one of the premier cycling uphill rides in the country and offers spectacular views. Registration information is available at the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Thursday, August 11, noon
Come one, come all, to our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, Thursday August 11 at noon. Join us for hamburgers, hotdogs, a veggie-friendly alternative and a great potluck lunch provided by Park staff.
Volunteer Coordinators Heather Stephens and Dave Merritt are stocking up on free door prizes! Superintendent Karen Gustin will welcome us and give a brief "State of the Park" report.
In the Port Angeles Maintenance Compound outside the Volunteer Office, 1 block east of Park Headquarters, 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles. RVSP David Merritt by e-mail
Celebrate Elwha!
With a host of community and regional partners, Olympic National Park invites the public to help “Celebrate Elwha!” this September.
A weeklong series of events for all ages and interests will be held in and around Port Angeles, Sequim and the Elwha Valley from September 10 – 18, all in commemoration of Elwha River Restoration and the beginning of the nation’s largest dam removal to date.
A planning team, comprised of representatives from over 20 area non-profit groups, business associations and businesses, is organizing a multi-day event to engage people in learning more about Elwha River Restoration.
“We are honored and very grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received from our many partners, both new and long-standing, throughout the area,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin.
Activities will range from Elwha-themed art installations in area galleries, a two-day science symposium, venues to watch live-streaming of the official ceremony commemorating the beginning of dam removal, poetry readings and tribal storytelling, music performances and a street fair of educational and interactive booths showcasing the natural diversity and beauty of the North Olympic Peninsula.
“This week-long series of events will give people a chance to experience Elwha River Restoration through a wide variety of media and activities,” explained Gustin. “From poetry to science, from music to outdoor family activities, there will be something for everyone at Celebrate Elwha!”
On Saturday evening, nationally syndicated radio program eTownwill record its weekly show at the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center. eTown is a weekly radio broadcast heard from coast to coast on NPR, public and commercial stations. eTown shows are taped in front of a live audience and feature performances from many of today's top musical artists as well as conversations and information.
More information is available online at the new Celebrate Elwha! website, http://celebrateelwha.com. “We’re continuing to make daily updates, so we urge people to check back often for the latest event information,” said Gustin.
“After years of research, planning, negotiation and construction, the start of dam removal will be a significant milestone in Elwha River Restoration,” said Gustin. “The scope of the project—the largest dam removal in U.S. history—gives us a rare opportunity to reach people who may not know much about national parks, Pacific salmon or the north Olympic Peninsula.
Volunteers Needed! Sept 17
Volunteers are needed for the Celebrate Elwha! events in Port Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 17.
10 am - 5 pm at Port Angeles City Pier
7 pm - 9 pm at Port Angeles High School Auditorium
Help will be needed to -
- take tickets, direct people to the Elwha Dam shuttle buses
- seat dignitaries at the Elwha Dam overlook ceremonies
- direct traffic in the parking areas near City Pier
- ticket takers and ushers for the eTown evening concert
- attend the Friends of Olympic NP information table
If willing to help out, please contact Rod Farlee by e-mail and send me your e-mail address. Thanks!
Olympic Discovery Trail Update
The Olympic Discovery Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized trail that will stretch approximately 140 miles from Port Townsend to the Pacific Coast, nearly half of which is now completed. Olympic National Park is completing an Environmental Assessment of the proposed development of new segments of the Olympic Discovery Trail within the park. The proposed segments, along the north shore of Lake Crescent and near the Sol Duc Road, would provide a universally accessible, multiple-use, non-motorized trail along the general route of the historic Spruce Railroad grade. Engineering studies have been completed to ensure the two rail tunnels can be reopened safely.
Five alternatives have been defined: a "no action" alternative and four trail development alternatives ranging from 4 to 14 feet wide, and ranging from dirt and gravel to paved surfaces. One alternative conforms to ODT standards: 8’ hardened surface, and 4’ horse/runner trail. The Environmental Assessment will be issued in September for public comment, with a decision expected by November 15. For more information, visit the Park Planning website.
Park Roads Update
Olympic Hot Springs Road to close past Altair Campground on August 1 for the duration of the Glines Canyon Dam removal.
Whiskey Bend Road is closed for repairs and is expected to reopen this fall.
Graves Creek Road will close August 10 for about 30 days for minor repairs.
Obstruction Point Road is open to Waterhole; expected to open to trailhead in early August.
Deer Park Road opened July 23.
Lingering snows remain on most high-elevation Park trails. Check Trail Conditions or contact the Wilderness Information Center.565-3100.
FONP Board Meeting
The next meeting of your FONP Board of Directors will be Monday, August 22 at 5:30 pm in the Park Headquarters conference room. Members and the public are always welcome. Topics will include Celebrate Elwha! events, plans for our October 13 General Membership meeting, Park news from the Superintendent's office, and additional upcoming Friends events.