COMPLIMENTARY $3.95 2019/2020 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS MOUNT RAINIER, OLYMPIC & NORTH CASCADES

ACTIVITIES • SIGHTSEEING • DINING • LODGING TRAILS • HISTORY • MAPS • MORE

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WELCOME S:7.375” WelcomeT:8.375” to the national parks of West- you to explore and enjoy. From historic SO TASTY EVERYONE WILL WANT A BITE. ern Washington! Congress gave these sites along the Lewis and Clark trail to spectacular mountain reserves their com- the orca whales off the coast of San Juan mon mission when it established the Na- ­Island, a side trip to one of Washington’s tional Park Service in 1916. All national National Park Service sites listed in the parks share the same goal, to “conserve “More Washington Parks” chapter is sure the scenery and the natural and historic to be worth your while! objects and the wildlife therein, and to pro- vide for the enjoyment of the same...by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” FUN FACTS Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cas-

cades National Parks—three of the more Established: Mount Rainier National than 400 parks in the National Park Sys- Park was established in 1899, Olympic tem—conserve more than 1.6 million acres was established in 1938 and North Cas- of public land and provide enjoyment for cades was established in 1968. millions of visitors each year. Within sight Land Area: The three national parks conserve more than 1.6 million acres of of greater Seattle’s rapidly growing popu- public land. lation, these are places where people can Highest Elevation: Mount Rainier, at reconnect with the natural world and learn 14,410 feet, is the most prominent peak about past and present cultures. They in the Cascade Range. provide an essential habitat for a great Plants & Animals: The dramatic va- riety of elevation in the three parks cre- diversity of plants and animals, and their ates a large diversity of plant and animal glaciers and snowfields feed rivers on which life. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, ©2019 Preferred Brands International. reserved. rights All millions of people downstream depend. black bears and elk. Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Popular Activities: Hiking, biking, Cascades National Parks are always a rock climbing and camping are great ways to enjoy the beautiful wilderness visible reminder of the beauty and com- of the Pacific Northwest, with views of plexity of the natural world. In 1988, rec- pristine subalpine lakes, old-growth for- ognizing the importance of these wild ests and snow-covered peaks. expanses so close to an urban center, Hiking: The best hiking is from May Congress added over 90 percent of each to October, as many roads close in winter. park to the National Wilderness Pres- Camping: All three parks have ervation System. Today, we recognize campgrounds suited for all tastes. the great value these places have for scientific and cultural research and the TASTY BITE® is all-natural and perfect for the trail. Look importance of providing the information for the yellow pouch in the needed to protect them. * international food aisle. These national parks, along with many GET THE APP! tastybite.com IT’S FREE! DOWNLOAD NOW others in Washington State, are here for *Keep wildlife wild; Don’t feed the animals. | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 1

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FINAL Client: Tasty Bite APPROVAL SIGNATURES ROUND(s) 3 Filename: 19tas_2967_Q2_Print_Oh-Ranger.indd SIZE / Date: 4-2-2019 2:32 PM MECHANICAL SPECS (w x h) FONTS & IMAGES PROOF FORMAT Job #: 2967 Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Fonts TRAFFIC Insert Date: 4/1 Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Knockout (HTF49 Liteweight), Acumin Pro Condensed (Light), Pubs or Loc: PROD. Oh Ranger Viewing: 5.375” x 8.375” Acumin Pro (Black, Regular, Bold) Magazine Description: None Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Images STUDIO Scale: 1” = 1” Print Tasty Bite Final 032919-CMYK.psd (CMYK; 448 ppi, 494 ppi; AD Notes: None ACTUAL SIZE (w x h) 66.93%, 60.7%), Tasty_Bite_Logo.ai (17.81%), Tasty Bite Final 032919-Product.psd (CMYK; 536 ppi; 55.95%) CW Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Mekanism Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Inks CD 640 Second St Viewing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black SF, CA 94107 5.375” x 8.375” BM 415.908.4000 Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Gutter: None Designer: Dustin Page Printed at: None CLIENT CONTENTS

Unforgettable Adventures. Welcome 1 What’s New! 4

American Park Network® publishes OhRanger. MOUNT RAINIER Plan Your Visit 6 com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public MOUNT RAINIER Important Numbers 10 lands all across America­—and operates Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi in parks and public lands. American MOUNT RAINIER Lodging & Dining 11 Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife MOUNT RAINIER History & Culture 12 Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. MOUNT RAINIER Things To Do 14

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief MOUNT RAINIER Sights To See 16 MARK J. SAFERSTEIN

Associate Publisher & Executive Editor MOUNT RAINIER Walking & Hiking 18 Joel S. Saferstein MOUNT RAINIER Camping 20 Group Sales & Partnerships Director Alex Frenkel OLYMPIC Plan Your Visit 21 EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Editors: Monette A. Bailey, Daniel Johnson, OLYMPIC Important Numbers 22 Jacqueline Kehoe, Amanda McConnon, Julie McCool, Danielle Taylor, Wendy Willis OLYMPIC Proofreader: Scott Tabor Sights To See 24 Production Manager: Mario Arce Graphic Designers: Karla Aldana, Dennisse Cruz, OLYMPIC Lodging & Dining 26 Tatiana Hurtado, Yamileth Recinos Centerfold Map DIGITAL Technology Manager: Scott Falconer OLYMPIC History & Culture 28 ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING (212) 581-3380 OLYMPIC Things To Do 29 [email protected] Business Development: Randy Burton, Mary Pat OLYMPIC Walking & Hiking 31 Kaleth, Pat Keane, Craig King, Kristi Rummel Feel-Good Savings. Operations Manager: Matthew Price OLYMPIC Camping 32 American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10003 NORTH CASCADES Plan Your Visit 33 Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. @OhRanger 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on RV insurance. More Washington Parks 35 ©2019 APN MEDIA, LLC · All Rights Reserved Nature & Wildlife 39 Oh, Ranger! and American Park Network are registered trademarks of APN Media, LLC. Just for Kids 41 Preservation 42 Who’s Who at the Park 44 The publisher of this guide and the advertisers herein are not geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Park Service. Photography 46 FOR MORE INFORMATION Editor’s Picks 48 Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or Distribution requests in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC [email protected] 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO Cover: Hall of Mosses in the Hoh National Rainforest Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship in Olympic National Park (iStock) [email protected] WHAT’S NEW! WE’RE ALL CONNECTED

As a young man, John Muir, the naturalist known as, “Father of the National Parks,” Mark, Joel & Alex – connecting in parks! had an accident that left him temporarily blinded. It changed his life forever. When he science. I often find inspiration in parks. In its regained his sight, he emerged into the light traditional form, yoga was about joining with ever-determined to pursue his dreams of the collective universe. So, too, is Muir’s quote, exploration. Fortunately for the world, Muir’s best illustrated by an example from Yellowstone. trials led him to help move Congress to set When wolves were reintroduced there after a aside Yosemite, one of his many contributions 70-year absence, the rampant elk population to our nation’s preservation movement. could no longer leisurely nibble on willows, graze When faced with adversity, we have but in open meadows or congregate by the rivers. In two choices. We can either rise above our a short period of time, the forests and meadows circumstance or succumb to our demons of began to regenerate. Song birds appeared. doubt, fear, resentment and apathy. While Beavers flourished, building dams, which Muir was lucky to have his sight return, his created habitats for otters, muskrats and ducks. subsequent efforts drew strength from hope, Cooler waters, shaded by more trees, attracted compassion, kindness and love to rise up different species of amphibians and fish. Tree from personal adversity. roots stabilized the river banks, diminished Lately, it feels like we’re all dealing with erosion and even changed the geography of the too many hurdles. Every hour, “breaking” park! Indeed, pick out anything by itself and we news spews forth accounts of tragedy and quickly find that everything is connected. divisiveness. It was with this backdrop that I Now is the time to seek out connection— SOMEWHERE was preparing to teach a restorative yoga class, whether in a park, a yoga studio or anywhere to create a safe environment for my students you find inspiration—to find strength to rise up BETWEEN and provide an hour’s worth of peace and quiet and overcome the obstacles that face us all… to carry out into the world. What theme would capture their imagination and neatly underscore STUNNING our human need for connectedness? When teaching, I try to use examples that marry ancient tradition with contemporary and SURREAL

GET CONNECTED AT YOUR FAVORITE PARKS! VISITUTAH.COM Parks are about enjoying nature, but what if you want to share a great picture or are awaiting an important email? If you’re looking to add connectivity to your park, or if you already have Wi-Fi and would like help adding content or generating sponsor revenues, please let us know at [email protected].

4 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | MOUNT RAINIER PLAN YOUR VISIT MOUNT RAINIER PLAN YOUR VISIT ing Paradise Road to Highway 123) and $15 per person for pedestrians and bi- Mowich Lake Road, an unpaved road cyclists, and $25 for motorcyclists. Park in the park’s northwest corner that ac- visitors can purchase and print entrance Mount Rainier National Park is located conditions. Follow the park Twitter feed cesses backcountry trails and a primitive passes in advance on yourpassnow.com. in west-central Washington. Several ma- at twitter.com/MountRainierNPS. You campground. Frequent visitors may purchase jor cities­—including Seattle, Tacoma, can also visit nps.gov/mora or call the Carbon River Road is closed to public a Mount Rainier Annual Pass for Yakima and Portland—are within 150 park at (360) 569-2211 for updates. vehicle traffic beyond the park entrance as $55, which covers entrance fees for miles of the park. Note: During winter months, all vehicles a result of 2006 storm damage and subse- the pass holder and their passengers are required to carry tire chains when travel- quent flood events. A new trail to the Ipsut in a single, private, non-commercial GETTING TO MOUNT RAINIER ing in the park (November 1 through May 1). Creek Trailhead is open for hiking or bicy- vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park. Car: From Seattle (about 87 miles away) This requirement applies to all vehicles, re- cling for a distance of five miles each way. or Tacoma (about 60 miles away), take gardless of tire type or weather conditions. The trail provides access to the Old Mine, EVERY KID IN A PARK Interstate 5 South to Highway 512 East, For more information, visit nps.gov/mora. Green Lake, Chenuis Falls and Wonder- To help engage and create our next gen- then drive south on Highway 7; continue Air: The closest major airports are Seat- land Trails. From the closure, it’s a 17-mile eration of park visitors, supporters and east on Highway 706 at Elbe and continue tle-Tacoma International Airport (73 miles round-trip hike to the Carbon Glacier, the advocates, the Obama Administration, in on to the Nisqually Entrance. From Port- away), Portland International Airport (138 lowest glacier in the continental United partnership with the federal land manage- land, Oregon (about 138 miles away), take miles away) and Yakima Air Terminal (66 States. The Ipsut Creek Campground is ment agencies, launched the Every Kid in I-5 North to U.S. 12 East to Morton, then miles away). now a hiker-bicyclist camp. Inquire at the a Park initiative. The immediate goal is to take Highway 7 North and turn east on Bus: There is no bus service into Carbon River Ranger Station for current provide an opportunity for each and every Highway 706 at Elbe, continuing on to the the park. trail conditions. fourth-grade student across the country to Nisqually Entrance. Train: There is no rail service into the experience their federal public lands and Southwest entrance: Follow the above park. However, Amtrak serves Seattle, Ta- OPENING HOURS waters in person. directions to the Nisqually Entrance, which coma, Lacey and Centralia on its north-south The park is open 24 hours a day, year- All kids in the fourth grade have access is the only entrance open year-round. route and Seattle on its east-west route. round, including holidays, except in winter to their own Every Kid in a Park pass at Southeast entrance: From Yakima, take Public transportation: There is no when snow may close entrance roads. everykidinapark.gov. This pass admits U.S. 12 West, then take Highway 123 public transportation into the park. the pass owner and any accompanying North to the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Rental cars: Rental cars are available at ENTRANCE FEES passengers in a private non-commercial Northeast entrance: From Seattle/ all of the airports listed above. Entrance to the park is $30 per vehicle, vehicle to the park. Tacoma, take Highway 410 East; from Ya- kima, take U.S. 12 West to Highway 410 PARK ROADS FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS PASSES North, to the White River Entrance. Due to the dynamic nature of weather at A federal recreation pass is helpful if you plan to visit many national parks, forests or other fed- Northwest entrance: Take Highway Mount Rainier, unexpected road closures eral lands. For information, call (888) 275-8747 or visit store.usgs.gov/pass. 165 South to Carbon River Road. Note: can occur at any time. Between November Road is closed to vehicles at the entrance and April, most park roads are closed alto- Type Cost Availability Details due to road damage, but is open to foot gether due to winter snow. Always check Annual $80 General public This one-year pass is available on site, by phone or Pass $20 Seniors age 62+ online (see above). and bicycle traffic. Plan to leave bicycles road status before entering the park. For Senior This lifetime pass is available on site or via mail $80 U.S. residents age 62+ on trailheads, as they are not permitted the most up-to-date information regarding Pass order. ID required. on trails. road conditions, follow the park’s Twitter Military Active U.S. military and This one-year pass is available on site. Free In the winter, all park roads are closed account, visit nps.gov/mora or stop by a Pass their dependents ID (CAC Card or DoD Form 1173) required. except the stretch between Nisqually and park visitor center or park headquarters. Access U.S. residents with This lifetime pass is available on site or via mail or- Free Paradise. The road between Longmire and Park roads include Nisqually Road, Pass permanent disabilities der. ID and documentation required. Volunteer 250 cumulative volunteer Inquire locally to obtain information about this Paradise closes nightly and opens each Highway 123, Highway 410, Sunrise Free Pass service hours one-year pass. day dependent on weather and avalanche Road, Stevens Canyon Road (connect-

6 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 7 MOUNT RAINIER PLAN YOUR VISIT MOUNT RAINIER PLAN YOUR VISIT

You can obtain the pass by visiting Telescopes give you a close-up look of the everykidinapark.gov and you must print mountain’s lava ridges and glaciers. For iStock it and present it at the park. The Every Kid more information, call (360) 663-2425. in a Park pass is valid until August 31, 2019. The Longmire Museum is one of the Na- tional Park Service’s oldest operating inter- WEATHER pretive museums. It is housed in a historic Mount Rainier creates its own weather, building that was the first park headquar- so prepare for a variety of conditions. ters. It serves as a visitor center and has Dress in layers and carry a sweater and exhibits about the park’s natural and hu- rain gear. Summer temperatures average man history, as well as that of the NPS. If in the 70s; winter temperatures average in the museum is closed, information will still the 30s. Expect freezing temperatures and be available at the Longmire Wilderness In- snowstorms in winter. formation Center during business hours. The Longmire Wilderness Information PARK NEWSPAPER Center and White River Wilderness Infor- The Tahoma News, the park news- mation Center are open in the summer. paper, offers up-to-date information on The Carbon River Ranger Station is open NPS naturalist walks, programs and other from spring to fall. All offer trail informa- activities. It is available at park entrance tion and back­country camping permits. stations, visitor centers and also online at Park Headquarters is located near Ashford, Local guide companies and outfitters can help you prepare for any adventure at Mount Rainier. nps.gov/mora. nine miles west of the Nisqually Entrance. For more information, call (360) 569-2211. near the visitor center at Paradise are There are ATMs at Ashford Valley Grocery VISITOR CENTERS paved, but some are steep. Wheelchair and Ashford General Store as well as in When you arrive, make your first stop SPECIAL SERVICES - users may require assistance. Kautz Creek Packwood. at a visitor center where you can speak to Park facilities and activities that are Interpretive Trail is 3.1 miles west of Long- park rangers who can answer your ques- wheelchair-accessible are indicated mire and 0.1 mile in length. This fully ac- EMERGENCIES & MEDICAL SERVICES tions. You can learn about ranger-guided by this symbol: -. There are reserved, cessible trail leads to a view of the 1947 From any park phone, call 911 for walks and evening campfire programs, accessible parking spaces for visitors Kautz Creek mudflow and, on clear days, emergency medical or ranger assis- obtain backcountry camping permits and with disabilities and ramps to all visitor a spectacular view of the mountain. Kautz tance, or to report accidents or inju- purchase maps and books. Note: Visitor centers and the Longmire Museum. Jackson Creek also has an accessible picnic area ries. Park headquarters, visitor centers center hours vary by season. Check Visitor Center is fully accessible. The Sun- and restrooms. For more information, and ranger stations have first-aid fa- nps.gov/mora before your trip for up-to- rise Visitor Center exhibits are accessible, contact the park by calling (360) 569-2211 cilities. Hospitals and dental services date schedules. with entry to the building possible with or visiting nps.gov/mora. are in Morton (30 miles south), Enum- The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor assistance. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh claw (45 miles north) and Puyallup (50 Center is located adjacent to the upper park- campgrounds have designated campsites miles northwest). ing lot at Paradise. The visitor center offers for visitors with disabilities. Cougar Rock exhibits on geology, glaciers, flora, fauna has an accessible picnic area and rest- GAS STATIONS and park history. For more information, rooms. In Longmire, a portion of the east VISITOR SERVICES There are no gas stations in the park. call (360) 569-6571. side of the unpaved Trail of the Shadows Gas and repair services are available in Sunrise Visitor Center, at the end of loop is accessible with help. Two accessi- BANKING SERVICES Enumclaw, Eatonville, Ashford, Elbe, Mor- Sunrise Road, has educational displays ble trails lead to the base of the Paradise ATMs, currency exchange and other ton and Packwood. If your car breaks down and programs on Mount Rainier’s sub- meadows, and a portion of the trails at banking services are available in Eaton- in the park, contact a park ranger or call the alpine ecology and alpine life zones. Paradise are accessible with help. Trails ville, Enumclaw, Morton and Puyallup. park’s main number at (360) 569-2211.

8 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 9 MOUNT RAINIER PLAN YOUR VISIT MOUNT RAINIER GIFT SHOPS POST OFFICE LODGING & DINING There are gift shops at Sunrise Day Postal services are available at Paradise Lodge, Paradise Inn and Jackson Visitor Inn (summer) and in local communities. Center at Paradise. There is also a general Both park lodges are listed on the Na- daily June through early October and week- store at the National Park Inn at Longmire. RELIGIOUS SERVICES tional Register of Historic Places. Guests ends and holidays during the winter. -  Religious services are available in the are advised to book as far in advance as 4. Sunrise Day Lodge Featuring a LOST & FOUND park (summer) and in local communities. possible, especially for summer stays. snack bar and a gift shop for all of your Turn in found items and check for lost Obtain locations and schedules at park Even if lodge rooms are booked during sightseeing and hiking essentials. Open ones at a ranger station or visitor center. visitor centers. your visit, stop by to explore their rustic set- July through September. No overnight Call (360) 569-2211 for information. tings, browse the gift shops or eat in one accommodations. -  of the dining rooms. Call (855) 755-2275 PETS & KENNELS or visit mtrainierguestservices.com OUTSIDE THE PARK Pets are welcome at Mount Rainier, but PARK REGULATIONS for reservations. There are many lodging and dining they must be kept on a leash no more than 1. Paradise Inn The iconic lodge pro- options in local communities. Contact six feet in length or in a cage at all times. & SAFETY vides a relaxing retreat with panoramic the organizations listed here for more Owners must clean up after their pets, views of mountains and meadows information. Destination Packwood, out- and pets are not permitted on park trails The NPS—as a custodian of Mount Rain- lush with wildflowers. Open mid-May side the southeast corner of the park: or in wilderness areas. Pets are allowed ier, Olympic and North Cascades National through early October. Guest rooms avail- destinationpackwood.com, (360) 492-7365; in parking lots, at campgrounds and on Parks—has set regulations and guidelines to able with and without private baths. - Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce, paved roads. Never leave your pet unat- help protect the natural and cultural beauty AMENITIES The lodge has a café, gift outside the northwest corner of the park: tended. The nearest kennel is located in of the parks, as well as to ensure your safety. shop, dining room and large lobby with enumclawchamber.com, (360) 825-7666; Graham. For more information, contact Pet Please do your part by following the rules out- stone fireplaces and peeled-log ceiling Mineral Lake, near the southwest corner Ponderosa Resorts & Spas, a full-service lined in the park newspapers and elsewhere. beams. Paradise Inn Dining Room Filled of the park: minerallake.com; Mount Rain- kennel, by calling (253) 847-7763 or By working together, we can help preserve with natural light and breathtaking views ier Visitor Association, outside the south- visiting petponderosa.com. the parks for generations of visitors to come! during the day or the warm glow from the west corner of the park: mt-rainier.com; fireplace in the evening, guests can enjoy Crystal Mountain Lodging Association, local flavors guaranteed to satisfy the heart- outside the northeast corner of the park: IMPORTANT NUMBERS iest adventurer.  staycrystal.com; Visit Rainier, for all ar- Park Headquarters & Information (360) 569-2211 2. National Park Inn Nestled in the eas outside the park: visitrainier.com; Emergencies 911 (from any phone located in the park) forest at Longmire, the 25-room inn is open Visit Seattle, 88 miles northwest of the park: year-round. Guests enjoy stunning views visitseattle.org, (206) 461-5800. Wilderness Information (360) 569-6650 nps.gov/mora from the north porch and are just steps Camping Information (360) 569 -2211 away from hiking trails.- AMENITIES The Campground Reservations recreation.gov Inn has a dining room, guest lounge and

Road & Weather Information (360) 569 -2211 general store with cross-country ski and Shutterstock Special Services Information - (360) 569 -2211 snowshoe rentals available during the win- ter. National Park Inn Dining Room Enjoy TDD (360) 569-2177 flavors of the Pacific Northwest in the rus- Mt. Rainier Guest Services (360) 569-2400 tic, casual dining room with selections to Alpine Ascents International (206) 378-1927 please the entire family.  International Mountain Guides (360) 569-2609 3. Paradise Camp Deli At the Jack-

Rainier Mountaineering Inc. (888) 892-5462 son Visitor Center, this is a perfect stop for The Paradise Lodge is on the National Register a quick dine-in lunch or snack to go. Open of Historic Places and is a great place to stay.

10 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 11 PRESERVATIONMOUNT RAINIER MOUNT RAINIER HISTORY & CULTURE HISTORY & CULTURE MOUNT RAINIER’S HUMAN HISTORY

NPS 1890 James Longmire and his wife build Longmire’s Springs, Mount As the face of Mount Rainier changes Philippines demonstrate the volatile nature Rainier’s first hotel. Fay Fuller, a depending on weather, season and time of of the Ring of Fire. school teacher from a small town day, so too does the mountain’s interior. Its near Olympia, becomes the first inner rumblings remind us that it is a moun- THE MAKING OF THE MOUNTAIN woman to climb the mountain. tain whose story is still being told. Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascades, a volcanic mountain range that 1899 Mount Rainier is established as the LAND OF FIRE stretches from British Columbia to north- nation’s fifth national park. Mount Rainier is an active volcano, but ern California. Mount Rainier was formed 1915 Automobiles are permitted on its most recent confirmed eruption oc- not in one great cataclysm, but by many the road between Longmire and curred about 1,000 years ago. It is part years of volcanic activity. It is a compos- CCC workers made improvements on buildings and trails at Mount Rainier. Paradise. of the Ring of Fire, a string of volcanic ite volcano (or stratovolcano) made from 1930s The Civilian Conservation Corps ranges that almost circles the Pacific Ocean sluggish, intermittent lava flows and explo- 5000 B.C. to A.D. 1800s American Indian builds and repairs many park and includes volcanoes in the Aleutians, sive eruptions of ash and rock. tribes live in the foothills of the the western coast of North and South Volcanoes have been erupting in this buildings, trails and bridges, which mountain that some call “Takhoma.” America, Antarctica, eastern Indonesia, region for at least 40 million years. About are still used today. the Philippines and Japan. The 1980 erup- 500,000 years ago, fiery forces thrust mol- 1792 British Navy Captain George 1962 Mount Rainier is the training tion of Mount Saint Helens, located about ten rock through a weak spot in the earth’s Vancouver names the mountain ground for the successful 50 miles southwest of Mount Rainier, and crust. Lava oozed out of the hole and rock Mount Rainier for his friend Rear American expedition to the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the and pumice spewed out violently, resulting Admiral Peter Rainier. Mount Everest. in a volcanic cone. Mount Rainier grew to 1981 Nine out of 11 members of an estimated 16,000 feet above sea level. 1833 Dr. William Tolmie, a Scottish Project Pelion, a group of climbers About 5,600 years ago, the smolder- physician at nearby Fort with disabilities, reach Mount ing fires inside Mount Rainier erupted and Nisqually, is probably the first Rainier’s summit. the mountainside collapsed. Tons of rock, white man to venture into what is Library of Congress of Library mud and debris rolled down the peak’s 2006 The Great Flood: A deluge dumps now the park. northeast flank. A catastrophic wall of mud 18 inches of rain on the park within cascaded like a river of wet cement across 1870 General Hazard Stevens and 36 hours, causing just under $28 more than 200 square miles, ending in the Philemon Van Trump make the million in damage. waters of Puget Sound. This mudslide is first well-documented ascent of 2019 Mount Rainier National Park called the Osceola Mudflow; the towns Mount Rainier. celebrates its 120th anniversary. of Kent, Sumner, Auburn and Puyallup are built on top of the flow. The 16,000-foot summit of Mount Rainier was gone, leav- The two craters overlap at the mountain’s Only time will tell when Mount Rainier ing a northeast-facing depression measur- summit, 14,410-foot Columbia Crest. will erupt again, or if Washington’s highest ing nearly two miles in diameter. Local newspapers published uncon- peak will be eroded by the actions of ice, Small to moderate eruptions have oc- firmed reports of volcanic activity on water and wind. curred, on average, every few hundred Mount Rainier during the 1800s, and the years in the past 10,000 years. The re- mountain may continue to spew ash and For answers to all your questions, In this photograph, taken circa 1915, a group mains of the older, higher cone are seen steam intermittently, causing small floods of visitors uses poles to aid their climb up go to OhRanger.com Paradise Glacier in Mount Rainier National Park. in the Liberty Cap and Point Success. and mudflows.

12 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 13 MOUNT RAINIER THINGS TO DO MOUNT RAINIER THINGS TO DO GUIDED TOURS PARK PROGRAMS Let someone else do the driving. Park rangers lead guided snow- There are several services to choose shoe walks on weekends from late Throughout the year you can enjoy September and early October are from. Explore some options at December through late March, snow numerous activities, from nature walks generally the optimal time for cycling at visitrainier.comtransportation-and-tours. conditions permitting. The walks leave and fishing to cross-country skiing and Mount Rainier. During these months, from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial snowshoeing. Always check at a visitor there are usually fewer vehicles on the HORSEBACK RIDING Visitor Center at Paradise. Check at the center to confirm times and availability roads, and fall colors enhance the at- Saddle and pack animals (horses, mules, visitor center or in the park newspaper, of programs. mosphere. After Labor Day, however, burros and llamas) are allowed only on the The Tahoma News, for times. many facilities and services are reduced Pacific Crest and Laughingwater Creek or discontinued. trails. Contact the park for more information. WILDLIFE WATCHING Be aware that the park may temporar- Winter is the time to discover the ily close any road to bicycle use. Signs MOUNTAIN CLIMBING hushed world of Mount Rainier, when SPRING, SUMMER will mark closed roads, and cyclists For more than a century, mountain climb- tracks in the snow reveal the path of & FALL should check current road status online ers have been drawn to the towering sum- a fox hunting or a rabbit fleeing. Ani- at nps.gov/mora before planning a trip. mit of Mount Rainier. Almost all American mals like the white-tailed ptarmigan PARK PROGRAMS Availability of bicycling equipment in or mountaineering expeditions train here be- and snowshoe hare stay active during NPS naturalists offer several interpre- near the park is very limited, and cyclists cause of the challenges of its steep slopes the winter, and you may see signs of tive walks and talks, films and guided na- should be ­prepared to make their own re- and glaciers. Going to the top is rigorous their passing in the snow. Others, such ture and history walks. Evening campfire pairs. For your safety, wear a helmet and and dangerous and requires proper equip- as marmots and black bears, are fast programs are held at Paradise and Cou- follow the rules of the road. ment and training. Before climbing, be sure asleep. Snow hides high-country mead- gar Rock Campground in the summer. Every July, the Redmond Cycling that you are in good physical shape—the ows and transforms the lowland forest Consult bulletin boards or the park news- Club sponsors RAMROD (Ride Around trip is very strenuous. All climbers going into a secretive world. Above it all rises paper, The Tahoma News, for times Mount Rainier in One Day), in which above 10,000 feet or climbing on glaciers Mount Rainier, blanketed in white. For and topics. 800 cyclists test themselves on a 152- must pay a fee and obtain a climbing per- more information about watchable wild- mile course with 10,000 feet of total el- mit. Guide services, including one-day life, please see the “Nature & Wildlife” BICYCLING evation gain. climbing instruction, two-day summit chapter. For animal safety tips, see the Cyclists can enjoy challenging and climbs and five-day seminars are avail- “Preservation” chapter. Please do not scenic riding throughout Mount Rainier. BOATING & FISHING able through Alpine Ascents International, feed the animals. Cycling in Mount Rainier can be hazard- Anglers can try their luck fishing the (206) 378-1927; International Mountain ous due to steep, narrow, winding road- park’s many streams and rivers, but fish Guides, (360) 569-2609; and Rainier WINTER SPORTS ways and narrow unpaved shoulders. are not plentiful because populations Mountaineering Inc., (888) 892-5462. The General Store in Longmire Bicycles are allowed on park roads but are natural and not stocked. Anglers rents cross-country ski and snowshoe they are not permitted on any hiking are asked to use barbless hooks and equipment. Call (360) 569-2275 for trails. The park does not have any des- artificial lures. No licenses are required more information. ignated bike trails, although the former for boating or fishing within the park. Paradise is the center for snow play, Carbon River and Westside roads are Washington State fishing regulations do WINTER offering snowshoeing, snowboarding, now open to mountain biking. Bikes are apply, however, and copies are available Winter is a great time to explore telemarking and cross-country skiing. limited to the roadbeds and may not go at visitor centers or ranger stations. Only the park, but be aware that all roads To protect underlying vegetation—and on trails. There are several significant non-motorized boats are permitted on into the park are closed except the for visitor safety—sledding, sliding and elevation gains and losses. Cyclists are park waters. On some lakes, boating and road from Nisqually to Paradise. For tubing are allowed at the Paradise snow- advised to maintain safe speeds on fishing are prohibited. Check at visitor road and weather information, please play area only when sufficient snow has downhill sections. centers for regulations. call (360) 569-2211. accumulated. Rentals are not available.

14 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 15 MOUNT RAINIER SIGHTS TO SEE MOUNT RAINIER SIGHTS TO SEE GLACIERS iStock

“Of all the fire mountains which, like bea- Paradise area due to the fragility of the cons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, subalpine vegetation. Mount Rainier is the noblest.” – John Muir Radiating out from the summit like the spokes of a wheel, the glaciers of Mount To appreciate the nobility, diversity and Rainier are its crowning glory. Nisqually expansiveness of Mount Rainier, be sure to Glacier is the most accessible and the explore the park’s many regions. most studied of Mount Rainier’s 25 major glaciers. Its terminus is only about LONGMIRE a mile from the glacier overlooks on the Enjoy the scenic, forested drive from Nisqually Vista Trail near Paradise. The Nisqually Entrance to Longmire, the park’s Nisqually Icefall is a jumble of truck- oldest developed area. Located in the sized ice blocks poised in a slow-motion southwestern corner of the park, Long- tumble down the glacier, sometimes mov- Mount Rainier has more glaciers on its slopes than any other mountain in the contiguous states. mire is the site of mineral springs found ing as much as three feet in one day. by James Longmire in 1883. He later built Volcanic activity built Mount Rainier, flowing with climatic conditions. The rate of the park’s first hotel, Longmire’s Springs, OHANAPECOSH but it is glaciers that shape it. True glaciers movement varies, depending on the rate of on this spot. Take a walking tour of the The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail consist of at least three layers: snow, mixed snowfall and snowmelt. Mount Rainier’s gla- Longmire Historic District and enjoy views showcases the old-growth forest in the snow and ice, and pure ice. They are formed be- ciers can move from just a few inches to up of Mount Rainier and the mineral springs southeastern corner of the park. Here, cause the mountain’s winter snowfall surpasses to three feet per day, depending on the steep- along Trail of the Shadows, an easy loop western red cedar, Douglas fir and western its summer snowmelt. Season after season, ness of the slope. Great crevasses open in trail encircling Longmire Meadow. hemlock—some more than 1,000 years the snowpack accumulates and its weight the glacier when stresses on the ice cause old—tower over the forest floor and the compresses the snow below into glacier ice. it to separate. More than 35 square miles of PARADISE Ohanapecosh River. Heavy snow accumulation expands the glaciers ­radiate out from Mount Rainier’s When Martha Longmire first saw Para- glacier, with its weight pushing and moving summit, the largest collection of glaciers on dise Valley, she exclaimed, “Oh, what a SUNRISE the existing ice. This is offset by melting at one peak in the contiguous United States. paradise!” Once you see its lush mead- The highest point in the park acces- the terminus (or snout) of the glacier. Glaciers The mountain has 25 named glaciers and ows, carpeted in wildflowers, you will sible by car, Sunrise is 6,400 feet in el- are called “rivers of ice” because they move numerous smaller, unnamed glaciers and agree. Paradise sits more than a mile evation. Situated in the northeastern area down the steep mountain valleys, ebbing and ice fields. above sea level and averages 643 inches of the park, it offers stunning vistas of of snowfall annually. In the winter of 1971– the dormant volcanoes of the Cascades It covers more than four square miles. Located Carbon River Valley is the sole temperate 1972, a record 1,122 inches fell here! and Mounts Rainier, Baker and Adams. on Mount Rainier’s dry, east side, Sunrise rain forest in the park, produced by the com- In a land brimming with mountain Mount Rainier rises above the tranquil sub- receives much less moisture than Paradise. bination of the area’s abundant rainfall and streams and alpine lakes, Narada Falls alpine meadows of Sunrise with the rocky The vegetation is much more sparse here mild weather. Explore the Carbon River Rain stands out as spectacular. Along the road summit of Little Tahoma Peak visible to and can be easily damaged. Stay on trails to Forest at the Carbon River Entrance or take between Longmire and Paradise, the falls the left. Watch clouds move in from the protect these fragile meadows. a scenic drive to Mowich Lake. are formed where the Paradise River cas- Pacific, bump into and spill over the moun- Note: The Carbon River Road is closed to cades 168 feet off a ledge. Take the short taintop and cascade down Mount Rainier’s CARBON RIVER auto traffic at the entrance due to flood dam- but steep trail to the bottom of the falls for eastern slope. See Emmons­ Glacier, the Sequestered in the northwest corner of age, but is open to foot and bicycle traffic. The a breathtaking view. Note: All hikers must largest glacier in the contiguous United the park, Carbon River is named for the coal unpaved road to Mowich­ Lake is usually pass- stay on maintained hiking trails in the States, on Mount Rainier’s eastern flank. deposits discovered nearby. Deep in the able by late June.

16 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 17 MT. RAINIER WALKING AND HIKING MOUNT RAINIER WALKING & HIKING WALKING & HIKING TRAILS Round-Trip Trail Distance Difficulty With more than 260 miles of trails, • If you do fall in, try to point your feet Trailhead Description Time Elevation Gain Mount Rainier is a hiker’s paradise. downstream and keep your head up. Circle Mount Rainier, passing through Wonderland Trail 93 miles strenuous Stop by wilderness information centers • When you’re ready to cross, unfasten subalpine meadows, glacial streams, Throughout the park or ranger stations before embarking the belt of your pack so you can ditch it valley forests and mountain passes. 10–14 days 22,000 feet

on a hike to obtain current trail infor- quickly if you end up in the water. LONGMIRE mation. For more information, contact • Never jump in to help another per- Trail of Shadows This short loop passes through the the Longmire Wilderness Information son—it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able Across the road from original Longmire Springs Resort site 0.7 mile easy Center at (360) 569-6650, the White to offer any aid in the fast, cold water. the National Park Inn at and circles Longmire Meadow with 20 minutes mostly level River Ranger Station at (360) 569-6670 Instead, keep the person in sight and Longmire mountain views. or the Carbon River Ranger Station follow on the bank until you can safely Rampart Ridge Trail This steep loop trail passes through 4.6 miles moderate Follow Trail of Shadows to at (360) 829-9639. attempt a rescue. forests and offers ridge-top vistas. trail junction 2.5 hours 1,420 feet • Use good judgment—if you have CROSSING STREAMS SAFELY any doubts at all about the safety of a OHANAPECOSH Hikers should take these precautions to crossing, don’t do it! Better safe than Life Systems Trail Discover the ecology of hot springs 0.5 mile easy cross streams safely. sorry—you can always go back the way Ohanapecosh Campground, and the surrounding forest on this 30 minutes mostly level • Choose your crossing spot care- you came. behind visitor center loop trail. fully, whether you’re going to cross on Grove of the Patriarchs Trail Experience the Ohanapecosh River 1.3 miles easy a log, step from rock to rock, or wade. Just west of Stevens and walk among 1,000-year-old trees

iStock 1 hour mostly level Find an area where the water is slow Canyon Entrance on this loop trail. and shallow.­ Look downstream; if you PARADISE see logs or other debris that could Nisqually Vista Trail Walk through high-country meadows 1.2 miles easy trap you if you fall in, find a different West end of lower parking on this loop trail for wonderful views of 45 minutes 200 feet place to cross. lot at Paradise Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. • Carefully assess the depth and speed Bench and Snow Lakes In summer, this trail of gradual ups 2.5 miles moderate of the water before deciding to walk Stevens Canyon Road, 1.5 and downs is an excellent place to 2 hours 700 feet across. If the water is up to your knees, miles east of Reflection Lakes see bear-grass and meadow flowers. it’s too deep to ford. Drop in a stick and Pinnacle Peak Trail This steep trail is a great place to see walk alongside it. If you can’t keep up, 2.5 miles strenuous South side of Stevens Canyon pikas and marmots and provides dramatic the water is too fast to wade. Road near Reflection Lakes views of Mount Rainier and Paradise. 3 hours 1,150 feet • Use a sturdy stick or hiking poles for Skyline Loop Head up the west side of Alta Vista Ridge balance while crossing. Always keep 5.5 miles strenuous North side of upper parking for spectacular views of Nisqually Glacier two points of contact on the ground. If lot at Paradise and Mounts Adams and Saint Helens. 4.5 hours 1,700 feet you can’t see the bottom, probe with the SUNRISE stick before each step. • Be careful during log crossings. Star- Silver Forest Trail Find stunning views of the Emmons 2.0 miles easy South side of Sunrise Vista Overlooks and explore an old ing down at the water can make you parking area burn area. 1 hour 150 feet dizzy; try to keep your eyes forward as Burroughs Mountain Trail This loop trail offers some of the most much as possible. And select a log that 4.7 miles strenuous South side of the Sunrise accessible tundra in the Cascades. 2.5 hours 900 feet isn’t too slippery! If the log is wet or Always share your itinerary with a responsible parking area Watch for pika and marmots! stripped of bark, it’s likely to be slick. person before you go hiking.

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There are almost 500 sites where you Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot Olympic National Park is located in north- leads to Mora’s Rialto Beach, another can spend a night camping in Mount Rain- and Wenatchee National Forests. western Washington, west of the Seattle area goes inland to the Hoh Rain Forest, and ier’s lowland forests. Although campsites For more information about camping on the Olympic Peninsula. Roads provide ac- the Kalaloch beaches are along U.S. 101. are available on a first come, first-served in and around Mount Rainier National Park, cess to the outer edges of the park, but the Park areas along the south side: Spur basis, you can reserve sites at the Cougar visit nps.gov/mora. heart of Olympic is wilderness­—a primeval roads lead into the Queets and Quinault Rock and Ohanapecosh Rock campgrounds sanctuary for humans and wild creatures alike. valleys and to Lake Quinault. by visiting recreation.gov. Ohanapecosh BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING PERMITS Park areas along the north side: Take and Cougar Rock campgrounds are avail- Hikers planning to camp in the backcountry GETTING TO OLYMPIC U.S. 101 to Port Angeles (Park Head- able by reservation only from late June to must obtain a backcountry camping permit. Car: From Seattle (111 miles away) and quarters), Hurricane Ridge, Elwha, Lake Labor Day. Reservations are ­accepted up to It is recommended that you make a reserva- Tacoma (81 miles away), access the Olym- Crescent and Sol Duc. Note: Olympic Hot six months in advance. tion to secure a permit. Your permit reserves pic Peninsula by highway and ferry service Springs Road and Whiskey Bend Road at A $20 fee is charged per night per indi- you a specific wilderness camping site for across Puget Sound. Main access to Olym- Elwha closed indefinitely due to a washout. vidual campsite in designated automobile the night you want to stay. Free first come, pic National Park is via U.S. 101, which runs Open to hikers, cyclists and stock users only. campgrounds. Almost all campgrounds have first-served permits (also known as walk-up parallel to three sides of the park. There are Park areas along the east side: A spur running water, flush or pit toilets, and a table permits) can be issued up to one day prior to several entrances to the park; most are open road from U.S. 101 leads to Staircase. and fireplace at each site. Cougar Rock and your trip start date, or on the start date. Per- year-round. Hurricane Ridge has limited ac- Air: The closest major airport is Seattle-Ta- Ohanapecosh campgrounds have accessible mits must be obtained in person. In summer, cess and is weather-dependent in the winter. coma International Airport (103 miles away). campsites. If you plan to use group sites at they are available at the Longmire Wilderness Sol Duc and Staircase access is weather- Bus: The Dungeness Line, operated by Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh campgrounds Information Center, Paradise Wilderness In- dependent during winter. Some areas are Olympic Bus Lines, provides service be- be­tween Memorial Day weekend and Colum- formation Center, White River Wilderness closed in winter. Dosewallips is washed out. tween Port Angeles and Seattle. Please call bus Day, you must make advance reserva- Information Center or Carbon River Ranger Get around using a temporary trail. For up- (360) 417-0700 or go to dungeness-line.com. tions in order to secure a spot. Station. In winter, go to the Longmire Mu- dates, call (360) 565-3131. Clallam Transit System operates several Camping opportunities are also available in seum or Jackson Visitor Center. For more Park areas along the west side: Going routes in and around Clallam County that the national forests near Mount Rainier Na- information, please call (360) 569-6650, visit from south to north, Quinault, Kalaloch, service multiple park destinations. Call tional Park. Campgrounds are located in the nps.gov/mora or check at visitor centers. Hoh, Mora, Ozette. Other coastal areas (360) 452-4511 or visit clallamtransit.com are accessible from U.S. 101. A spur road for more information. CAMPGROUNDS

Individual Fire Max RV Campground Elevation Site Fee Season Water Toilets Grates Length Shutterstock Cougar Rock1,3 Late May to RV: 35 ft. 173 sites/ 3,180 ft. $20 • Flush • late Sept. Trailer: 27 ft. 5 group sites Ohanapecosh1,3 Late May to RV: 32 ft. 188 sites/ 1,914 ft. $20 • Flush • late Sept. Trailer: 27 ft. 2 group sites White River2 Late June to RV: 27 ft. 4,400 ft. $20 • Flush • 112 sites late Sept. Trailer: 18 ft. Road to campground closed to vehicles (flood damage). Open to walk-in and bike-in use. Ipsut Creek Wilderness camping permit required for overnight stay. No fires or pets allowed. No fee. 1Reservations recommended; 2Sites available on a first come, first-served basis; 3Dump station. A ferry can shorten your trip to Olympic National Park and give you a unique view of the park’s surroundings.

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Train: Amtrak offers rail service to Se- change. An Olympic National Park Annual For more information, call (360) 962-2283. EMERGENCIES attle, Tacoma, Lacey and Centralia on its Pass is $55 and valid for one year from the Mora, Ozette, Quinault, Staircase and Storm & MEDICAL INFORMATION north-south route and Seattle on its east- month of purchase. Additional National Parks King Ranger Stations are open periodically Call 911 for emergency medical or police west route, but service is not available to and Federal Recreational Lands pass informa- during the summer. assistance, or to report accidents or injuries. the Olympic Peninsula. tion can be found on page 7 of this guide. First-aid facilities are available at visitor cen- Ferry: Washington State Ferries SPECIAL SERVICES - ters and ranger stations. Find hospitals and has year-round service across Puget WEATHER The park strives to make facilities, services dental services in Port Angeles on the park’s Sound and between Port Townsend and Summer is the warmest and driest time of and programs accessible to all, such as the northern border; Bremerton, on Puget Sound Whidbey Island, Edmonds and Kings- the year with frequent fog banks and temper- paved Madison Falls Trail in the Elwha Valley. between Seattle and the park’s eastern bor- ton, and Seattle and Bainbridge Island, atures typically in the low 70s. Spring and fall For more information, call (360) 565-3130 or der; Forks on the park’s western border; among others; call (888) 808-7977 or visit are cool and wet, while the greatest rainfall visit nps.gov/olym. and Aberdeen, 44 miles south of wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Black Ball Transport is in December and January, when daytime Lake Quinault. offers near year-round ferry service between temperatures average in the 40s. Weather is Port Angeles and Victoria, British Columbia; cold and severe in the mountains, with snow GAS STATIONS call (360) 457-4491 or visit cohoferry.com. possible year-round at high elevations. Dress- There are no gas stations inside the park, ing in layers is always recommended. VISITOR SERVICES though there are in nearby towns. If your car ENTRANCE FEES breaks down in the park, contact a ranger or Entrance to the park is $30 per vehicle, $15 PARK NEWSPAPER BANKS call the park at (360) 565-3130. per pedestrian or cyclist, and $25 per motor- The park newspaper, The Bugler, is a ATMs, foreign currency exchange and cycle. The entrance fee is valid for seven con- great source of information on NPS programs other services are found in Sequim, Forks, GIFT SHOPS secutive days and good anywhere in the park. and activities. There is a summer and winter Hoodsport and Port Angeles. Gifts, handicrafts and souvenirs are sold Park visitors can purchase entrance passes in edition. It is available at park entrances, visi- seasonally at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, advance on yourpassnow.com. Online passes tor centers and concession facilities, and on- BOOKSTORES Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs must be printed prior to arrival at the park. line at nps.gov/olym. Discover Your Northwest, a nonprofit part- Resort, Log Cabin Resort and Fairholme While in the park, passes must be displayed ner of the park, sells books, maps, posters, Store. The gift shops at Kalaloch Lodge and on the vehicle dashboard. Fees are subject to VISITOR CENTERS & RANGER STATIONS educational games and more at Olympic Na- at Lake Quinault Lodge are open year-round. Olympic National Park Visitor Center: tional Park Visitor Center, Hoh Visitor Center, Exhibits feature Olympic’s natural and cul- Kalaloch Ranger Station and Quinault Rain PETS & KENNELS IMPORTANT NUMBERS tural history, a Discovery Room for kids and Forest Ranger Station. Proceeds from these Facilities are located in Port Angeles Park Information (360) 565-3130 an orientation film. For more information, sales are returned to the park and help fund and Sequim. In the park, pets must re- call (360) 565-3130. education programs, exhibits, visitor bro- main on a leash no longer than six feet Emergencies 911 Hoh Visitor Center: Exhibits and informa- chures and special events. For more informa- and within designated areas. Learn more Wilderness (360) 565-3100 tion on the Hoh Rain Forest’s plants, wildlife tion and online sales, visit discovernw.org. at nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm. Information and ecology are available. Open seasonally. Campground (877) 444-6777 For more information, call (360) 374-6925. CAMPING & PICNIC SUPPLIES POST OFFICES Reservations recreation.gov Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center: Ex- Fairholme Store, Kalaloch Lodge, Sol Find post offices in Port Angeles, Forks, Road & Weather (360) 565-3131 hibits on subalpine plants, geology and wild- Duc Hot Springs Resort and Log Cabin Hoodsport, Quinault and other towns. Information life are displayed. A park film is also shown. Resort carry limited camping and picnic TTY (800) 833-6388 Open seasonally. Call (360) 565-3131 for supplies and are open seasonally, except RELIGIOUS SERVICES Lodging recorded information on road conditions. for Kalaloch Lodge, which is open year- A Christian Ministry in the National Parks & Tours through Kalaloch Ranger Station is open round. Forks, Port Angeles and other sur- offers interdenominational services during Aramark Parks (888) 896-3818 seasonally. It offers information and ex- rounding towns have grocery and sporting summer at various park locations. Schedule & Destinations olympicnationalparks.com hibits on coastal plants and animals. goods stores. information is available at park visitor centers.

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SIGHTS TO SEE iStock

The three key elements of Olympic along the tip of Barnes Point. Less than National Park—the mountains, forest a mile from the lake is Marymere Falls, and coast—may be accessed by U.S. a ribbon of water cascading 90 feet to a 101 with spur roads leading to most ar- pool below. eas. For an orientation to the park, begin West of Lake Crescent, a spur road leads your visit at the Olympic National Park to Sol Duc. According to American Indian Visitor Center at 3002 Mount Angeles legend, the Sol Duc Hot Springs were Road, Port Angeles. formed when two dragons had a great fight that lasted many years. They knocked MOUNTAINS down all the timber from the tops of the Take the spur road off of U.S. 101 lead- mountains and scattered boulders through Ruby Beach is one of the most picturesque coasts in the country. ing to Hurricane Ridge. Leaving the the valleys. The dragons’ skins flew off coastal plain off the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and became the mosses and lichens hang- Quinault Rain Forest is located in both tains, the coastal zone is a world apart. the road enters the lowland forest at Olym- ing from the trees of the rain forest. When the park and Olympic National Forest. Take Eerie sea stacks—remnants of eroded pic National Park Visitor Center and winds neither dragon could defeat the other, the North or South Shore spur roads off coastal cliffs that loom out of the water— high up into the mountain ridges. The mag- they both crept back to their caves. The U.S. 101. Glacier-carved Lake Quinault— seem to guard the coastline. From Shi Shi nificent vistas of Hurricane Ridge show- hot tears they cried formed Sol Duc and with its deep, clear waters and forest- Beach to Kalaloch, more than 73 miles of case the glacier-covered peaks, subalpine Olympic Hot Springs. ringed shore—is a popular fishing site. wild beaches off coastal U.S. 101 preserve tundra and steep river valleys of the Olym- Trails here lead to Salmon Cascades, You can obtain a fishing permit from the a remnant of coastal habitat. Most beaches pic Mountains. In summer, join ranger-led old-growth forests and Sol Duc Falls. Quinault Indian Reservation at local stores. are accessible only by foot or by boat. In walks to view the wildflowers that carpet Access the Hoh Rain Forest and its visi- the pools and on the rocks of the tidal zone the subalpine meadows, spreading tor center by taking a spur road off coastal WHY SO MUCH RAIN? lives a diversity of marine life, including softly before a backdrop of rugged peaks U.S. 101, south of Forks. Located on the When it comes to rain, the Olympic barnacles, sea stars and small crabs. and glaciers. moist, west side of the park, 30 miles Peninsula has few equals; the western In summer, join a park ranger for a Obstruction Point Road is a steep 7.8- from the coast, this temperate rain forest valleys of the Olympic Mountains average guided intertidal walk at Mora or Kalaloch. mile dirt road going east from Hurricane receives 140 to 170 inches of rainfall an- up to 170 inches of rain annually. Three Paths lead to the ocean from several areas, Ridge (open mid-summer to early fall). nually. Some of the world’s largest trees factors produce the amazing amount of including Ruby Beach and Beach 4 at Ka- grow here. Western red cedar and west- rain that falls on the peninsula—the cool laloch. Information is available at the Mora FORESTS ern hemlock can tower more than 170 feet ocean currents, prevailing westerly winds and Kalaloch Ranger Stations in summer. Return to Port Angeles and continue tall, while some Douglas firs can reach 300 and the Olympic Mountains. While the Ozette, located on a spur road off High- west on U.S. 101. Soon you will see feet. Ferns arc like feathers from the forest top of Mount Olympus is deluged by up way 112 in the far northwestern corner of glacier-carved Lake Crescent, a deep, floor. Mosses shroud the trees, covering to 260 inches of precipitation each year, the park, offers boardwalk trails to hike (2.8 freshwater lake known for its Beardslee the trunks in fuzzy green. The air is heavy the town of Sequim may get less than 16 to 3.1 miles one way) to the beach where trout. Travel writer H.F. Dodge wrote of with moisture and sounds are muffled. inches annually because it is located on you can enjoy the wilderness coast. Ozette it in 1903, “As I turned for a last glimpse Bare earth is not visible beneath the count- the dry northeastern side of the Olympic Lake—the third largest lake in Washing- of the beautiful blue lake dissolving in the less plant species that compete for space mountain range. ton—invites visitors to its jewel-like waters. firs, I said to myself, ‘This is surely hard to and nutrients. Overnight hikes require wilderness permit beat.’ Gem indeed of the Olympics, and Explore a self-guiding trail or take a ranger- A COASTAL WORLD reservations. You can also hike, fish, boat worth three times the stay.” The 0.6-mile led nature walk in the rain forest. Please see While the large, interior portion of the or visit the Makah Cultural and Research “Moments in Time” interpretive trail winds the “Things to Do” chapter for more details. park is characterized by forests and moun- Center in nearby Neah Bay.

24 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 25 OLYMPIC LODGING & DINING OLYMPIC LODGING & DINING guest rooms in the lodge, lakeside chalets Log Cabin Resort and Lake Cres- and rustic cabins. The lodge has a restaurant, cent Lodge, call (888) 896-3818 or visit soda fountain, gift shop, general store and olympicnationalparks.com. There are a number of different places to a fireplace. Find a gift shop,a game room, in- boat rentals. Camper cabins and full hook- stay and dine in Olympic National Park. Ka- door pool, sauna and complimentary Wi-Fi. up RV sites and campsites are also available. laloch Lodge is managed by Delaware North Rooms have private baths. There are also Sunnyside Cafe overlooks the lake and offers Parks & Resorts. Lake Quinault Lodge, Sol seasonal guided lake and rain forest tours a friendly, casual atmosphere and traditional Duc Hot Springs Resort, Log Cabin Resort and kayak, paddle board and canoe rentals. Northwest cuisine. - OUTSIDE THE PARK and Lake Crescent Lodge are managed by The Roosevelt Dining Room, named af- Lake Crescent Lodge (5), built in 1915, Aramark Parks & Destinations. ter FDR—who visited in 1937—overlooks sits on the south shore of Lake Crescent and Accommodations are available in many Kalaloch Lodge (1) is located along U.S. the lake and specializes in Pacific North- welcomes guests from late April through neighboring communities. For more infor- 101, 34 miles south of Forks, perched dra- west cuisine. - November, with limited availability in winter. mation about the North Olympic Penin- matically above the Pacific coast. All units Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (3), located Options include contemporary guest rooms, sula, including Port Angeles, Sequim, Port feature private baths and upgraded furnish- 41 miles west of Port Angeles in the Sol Duc cozy cottages and historic fireplace cabins. A Townsend, Forks, and Clallam Bay, visit ings, beds and linens, and some have kitch- River Valley, is open from late March to late light-filled sun porch invites guests to lounge, olympicpeninsula.org. For the Hood enettes. There are phones near the lobby, a October. There are 32 cabins, one riverside while walking trails and boat and paddle Canal area, including Hoodsport, Lake gift shop, a mercantile store and camping suite, 17 RV sites and 81 campsites. Pay board rentals encourage exploration. The Cushman, Skokomish, Belfair and Shel- supplies. Pet friendly. The Creekside Res- phone outside lobby only. Gift shop, conve- waterfront Lake Crescent Dining Room ton, call the Shelton-Mason County Cham- taurant offers spectacular ocean views, a nience store, outdoor swimming pool, three provides a creative take on Pacific Northwest ber of Commerce at (800) 576-2021 or full bar and local, sustainable cuisine. For hot mineral springs pools and massage ther- fare in a casual atmosphere. - (360) 426-2021, or visit sheltonchamber.org. more information, call (866) 662-9928 or apy. The Springs Restaurant overlooks the For more information on Lake Quinault For the Lake Quinault and Amanda Park visit thekalalochlodge.com. - hot springs and offers Northwest seafood, Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, area, visit rainforestgetaways.com. Lake Quinault Lodge (2) is located on chicken, vegetarian fare and burgers. Grab the south shore of Lake Quinault in Olym- lunch at the Poolside Deli. - pic National Forest. The lobby of this 1920s The Log Cabin Resort (4) is located on the Washington’s national Park Fund lodge features living room-style furniture and northeast side of Lake Crescent and offers The official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks

100% of your gifts stay in Washington State for the benefit of these parks in these four core areas: 2 Supporting Science and Research Improving Visitors’ Experiences Strengthening Volunteerism and Stewardship Building Youth and Family programs

1 3 4 Funds are raised through online donations, foundation/corporate support, estate gifts, KEY license plate program, lodge donations, special events, climbs, and RAMROD Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Wheelchair Access Open in Winter Washington’s National Park Fund • 1904 Third Avenue, Suite 400 • Seattle, WA 98101 RESERVATIONS (888) 896-3818 olympicnationalparks.com 206-623-2063 • www.wnpf.org • email: [email protected] • Tax ID: 01-0869799

26 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 27 PRESERVATION OLYMPIC OLYMPIC HISTORY & CULTURE THINGS TO DO

Tribal members have a strong pres- ter the mythical home of the Greek From nature walks to snowshoeing, guided lake tours at Lake Quinault. For ence on the Olympic Peninsula. In fact, gods. The name was made official four there is much to do in Olympic year-round. more information, call (888) 896-3818 or Olympic National Park is adjacent to the years later when Captain George Van- visit olympicnationalparks.com. reservations of several tribes. Check couver entered the name on his maps with the tribes or park staff to find out and referred to the whole range as the BICYCLING about scheduled cultural events and Olympic Mountains. Bicycling is allowed on roads, but other visitor opportunities. Through the latter part of the 1800s, SPRING, SUMMER use caution—many roads are narrow The Lower Elwha Klallam, Hoh, pioneers moved into the peninsula to & FALL and winding with limited visibility. Bik- Jamestown S’Klallam, Makah, Port farm, fish and cut timber. Like American ing is prohibited in the backcountry and Gamble S’Klallam, Quileute, Quinault, Indians, American settlers chose town PARK PROGRAMS on trails, except on Spruce Railroad Trail and Skokomish tribes have traditional sites along the coasts and rivers. Port The NPS offers free interpretive pro- along the north shore of Lake Crescent. and current ties to this land of abundant Townsend became the first permanent grams in the summer, as staffing and Bike rentals are available in some gate- natural resources, and from it they built a American settlement on the peninsula funding levels allow. These include ranger way communities. Before your trip, call rich culture. in 1851. Today, Port Angeles—originally talks, guided walks and evening programs. (360) 565-3131 for road conditions. The people of the Northwest Coast live designated a federal land reserve in Check the park newspaper and bulletin in communal homes called longhouses 1862—is the peninsula’s largest town, boards, or at visitor centers, for a complete BOATING & WATER SPORTS and practice the potlatch, a social custom with a population of 19,500. listing of times and topics. With the ocean and so many lakes and that involves elaborate feasting and the Lake Crescent Lodge and Lake Quinault rivers, the Olympic Peninsula is perfect exchange of gifts to celebrate significant NATIONAL PARK STATUS Lodge both offer interpretive programs for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, whitewa- events. They fish and gather most of their In 1885 and again in 1890, the U.S. by the concessioners, including seasonal ter rafting, powerboating and waterskiing. food for the year during spring and sum- Army led two trips through the region mer. During the mild winters, women to scientifically survey and document

weave baskets and clothing from soft the interior. President Theodore Roos- iStock red cedar bark, while men carve dugout evelt created Mount Olympus National canoes and ceremonial items from cedar Monument in 1909. It wasn’t until 1938 and other trees. that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill designating 634,000 acres EUROPEAN & AMERICAN as Olympic National Park. Most of the EXPLORERS coastal wilderness was added to the In 1775, two Spanish ships made their park in 1953. The park is now nearly one way along the coast near Point Grenville million acres! and the Quinault River, claiming the land An International Biosphere Reserve, for Spain. The Spanish built the first Euro- as well as a World Heritage Site, Olympic pean settlement (actually a stockade) at National Park is 95 percent wilder- Neah Bay in 1792. However, their influence ness. This 1988 protective federal was short-lived because the settlement designation forbids road building, min- was abandoned after only five months. ing, timber cutting, hunting, use of In 1788, an English sea captain, motorized vehicles, and other types of John Meares, was so impressed by use and development within the wil- Mount Olympus that he named it af- derness boundary. The Olympic Peninsula offers opportunities for a wide range of water-based activities.

28 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 29 OLYMPIC THINGS TO DO OLYMPIC Boat rentals are available at Lake Crescent Washington State catch record cards for WALKING & HIKING Lodge and Log Cabin Resort, and from Lake salmon and steelhead trout are required. Quinault Lodge. Ramps are maintained at You can obtain cards from sports stores Lake Crescent and Ozette Lake. Exhilarat- and tackle shops in local communities and The diversity of hiking trails at Olym- craggy peaks of the Olympic Mountains. ing whitewater rafting trips are available in along U.S. 101. Anglers must punch the pic allows you to explore the beaches For more information about Olympic Na- early summer on the Queets, Elwha and card and fill out additional information im- of the wild coastline, immerse yourself tional Park trails, call (360) 565-3100. Hoh Rivers; check nearby communities mediately after catching a salmon or steel- in the cathedral valleys of the Olympic For Olympic National Forest trails, call for outfitters. head trout. Fishing for trout only is allowed Wilderness or lift yourself up onto the (360) 956-2402. at Lake Quinault with a tribal permit during CAMPING the summer. Tribal permits may be ob- Reservations are accepted at Kalaloch tained at the Amanda Park Mercantile or at WALKING & HIKING TRAILS Campground mid-June through Labor the Quinault General Store. Round-Trip Day. To reserve a site at Kalaloch, visit Trail Distance Difficulty recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Trailhead Description Time Elevation Gain There are three National Forest campgrounds Meadow Loop Trails Travels through subalpine environment full of 0.25-0.5 easy at Lake Quinault, two of which are reserva- Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center wildflowers in the summer. Watch for deer miles level and listen for the call of ravens. 30 minutes tion only through recreation.gov. Walk-in WINTER sites may be available on a daily basis At lower elevations, snow seldom ac- Hurricane Hill Travels to the top of the hill for beautiful 3.2 miles moderate through the front desk of Lake Quinault cumulates more than a few inches and End of Hurricane Ridge Road vistas. Wildflowers are numerous in the 2 hours 700 feet Lodge. All other campgrounds are available usually does not remain on the ground summer. Watch for Olympic marmots. on a first come, first-served basis. for more than a few days. Head up the You must obtain a wilderness permit to slopes and you’ll find true winter. Call Moments in Time Nature Trail Offers views of Lake Crescent, an old- 0.6 mile easy Between Lake Crescent Lodge growth forest and former homesteads. 30 minutes level camp in the backcountry. Some backcoun- (360) 565-3131 for recorded Hurricane and NatureBridge try areas require reservations in advance; Ridge road and weather conditions. call (360) 565-3100 for more informa- Guard against hypothermia by dressing in Marymere Falls Spectacular views of 90-foot Marymere 1.8 miles moderate tion. Permits are available at the Wilder- several layers and being prepared for Storm King Ranger Station Falls. 1.5 hours 400 feet ness Information Center (WIC) in Port harsh conditions. Staircase Rapids Trail winds through forest with moss- 2.0 mile easy Angeles, and at some visitor centers and Across the bridge from covered trees along Skokomish River. 1 hour 200 feet ranger stations. Bear canisters are recom- WINTER SPORTS Staircase Ranger Station mended in the backcountry and required in Hurricane Ridge is the center for winter some areas. Contact the WIC for more in- activities in the park. Hiking trails become Hall of Mosses This famous loop trail is located in the Hoh 0.8 miles easy Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center Rain Forest. Mosses blanket the branches of 1 hour 100 feet formation. Refer to the “Camping” chapter cross-country skiing and snowshoe many different kinds of trees. for more camping information. trails. There are several trail options at Hurricane Ridge. The Hurricane Ridge Visi- Spruce Nature Trail This trail exemplifies the rain forest with 1.25 miles easy FISHING tor Center offers downhill and cross-coun- Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center dense lush vegetation. Elk and deer are 1.5 hours level often seen in the area. Fishing licenses are not necessary in try ski and snowshoe rentals, as well as

the park, except when fishing in the ocean food and beverage services. Picnic tables Ruby Beach One of the region's most photogenic 0.25 mile easy from shore, where a Personal Use Food offer a great view. You can also downhill Near Kalaloch Lodge coastlines, the beach is named for tiny red 30 minutes level Fish license is required. Washington State ski at Hurricane Ridge. The slopes are garnets found with patches of fine sand. fishing regulations are enforced. Get a copy open weekends and holidays from mid- Ozette Lake – Cape Alava – Part of the trail follows a wooden walkway 9.2 miles moderate of park fishing regulations at the Olympic December through late March, weather Sandpoint Trail through lush, coastal forest to Cape Alava, 5 hours minimal National Park Visitor Center, ranger sta- permitting. For more information, Ozette Ranger Station then follows the beach to Sandpoint. tions or the park website: nps.gov/olym. call (360) 565-3130.

30 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 31 OLYMPIC NORTH CASCADES CAMPING PLAN YOUR VISIT

Whether it’s deep in the rain forest, Cabin Resort, have hook-ups and can ac- It is difficult to describe the majesty country campsites, and rivers teeming on a lakeshore or on a cliff above the commodate RVs larger than 26 feet. The of North Cascades National Park Service with fish for anglers. Visit nps.gov/noca ocean, camping in Olympic National Park main national park campground at Sol Complex. Words like magnificent, vast and for more information. is truly outstanding. Campsites are avail- Duc is also concession operated. Some rugged only hint at the awesome nature able on a first-come, first-served basis, campgrounds are closed in the winter. If of this portion of the expansive Cascade OPERATING HOURS & SEASONS except at Kalaloch and Sol Duc, where park campgrounds are full, others may be Range. Nestled along the Canadian Border The park complex is always open, but ac- camping is available by reservation. Most available in Olympic National Forest. Con- in Washington State, the complex is a con- cess is limited by heavy snow in the winter. campgrounds have drinking water and tact any of the three USFS ranger stations glomeration of one national park and two Be aware that the North Cascades High- flush or vault toilets, and most campsites at Quinault, Forks or Quilcene, or call national recreation areas. Together, these way (State Route 20), the major access are equipped with a picnic table and fire (360) 956-2402. For backcountry camping three—North Cascades National Park, road through Ross Lake National Recre- grate. There are no hookups, showers or in the park, contact the Wilderness Infor- Ross Lake National Recreation Area ation Area, is typically closed between laundry facilities at park campgrounds. mation Center at (360) 565-3100. See the and Lake Chelan National Recreation milepost 130 and 171 from mid-November Concession-operated campgrounds, lo- “Things to Do” chapter for more camping Area—form the core of one of the largest to mid-April. The exact opening and clos- cated in the Sol Duc Valley at the Log and reservation information. and wildest wilderness areas in the contig- ing of the highway depends on snow and uous United States. avalanche conditions. Reopening is usually CAMPGROUNDS In addition to its stunning natural splen- accomplished by early May. Visit nps.gov/ dor, the park complex offers several rec- noca/planyourvisit/road-conditions.htm # of Sites RVs* FEE/NIGHT reational opportunities within its more for more information. Deer Park 14 no $15 than 684,000 acres, including ranger pro- Fairholme 88 yes $20 grams, nearly 400 miles of hiking trails, ENTRANCE FEES Graves Creek 30 no $20 turquoise lakes ideal for boating, world- There are no entrance fees for the Heart O’ the Hills 105 yes $20 class mountains for serious climbers, North Cascades National Park Service cross-country ski trails, hundreds of back- Complex itself, though there are fees for Hoh 78 yes $20 Kalaloch 170 yes $22 Hope 3 Lake Quinault 57 yes $20–$25 40 49 159 3 VANCOUVER 64 Abbotts- 79 40 3 256 ford 64 $25–$56 1 Hozomeen 78 Log Cabin Resort 38 yes Osoyoos 126 plus tax Campground British Columbia 27 9 Washington Grand 5 43 542 ROSS LAKE NRA 97 Forks Mora 94 yes $20 Glacier 395 Bellingham 542 NORTH CASCADES 49 44 79 North Fork 9 no $15 71 Concrete NATIONAL PARK 20 24 23 39 5 37 8 97 UNITEDCANADA ST 13 97 Ozette 15 yes $20 VICTORIA Burlington 8 20 156 20 Marblemount Winthrop 20 Sedro- Omak 395 ATES Mount Vernon Woolley Rockport Queets 20 no $15 LAKE Twisp 34 5 CHELAN 530 55 155 $21–$24 Darrington NRA 153 Sol Duc 82 yes 64 46 76 plus tax 103 74 50 122 9 80 Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort 17 yes $43 EVERETT Coulee Dam

118 Chelan South Beach 55 yes $15 190 2 SEATTLE 97 Wilbur 405 40 86 2 Staircase 49 yes $20 64 138 90 Distances are shown in gray. Miles are *For additional RV information, visit gocampingamerica.com. 5 Wenatchee given first, with kilometers below.

32 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 33 NORTH CASCADES PLAN YOUR VISIT MORE exhibits, including ranger talks, theater iStock programs, a Junior Ranger Program, a WASHINGTON PARKS relief map of the region, and natural his- tory exhibits. Several short, accessible EBEY’S LANDING NATIONAL Fort Casey Historical State Park or see interpretive trails, a campground, group HISTORICAL RESERVE several of the reserve’s historic block- campsites, restrooms and a picnic area are Located on picturesque Whidbey houses dating back to the 1850s. The nearby. Please call (206) 386-4495 ext. 11 Island, Ebey’s Landing National Histori- reserve does not close, but visitor recre- for more information. cal Reserve provides a vivid historical ation opportunities vary by season. For The Wilderness Information Center record of Pacific Northwest history, more information, visit nps.gov/ebla or is approximately one mile down Ranger including the exploration of Puget call (360) 678-6084. Station Road, which leaves the North Sound by Captain George Vancouver in Cascades Highway (State Route 20) at 1792; early settlement by Colonel Isaac LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL milepost 105.3 in Marblemount. The cen- Ebey, an important figure in Washing- HISTORICAL PARK The Stehekin area of North Cascades can only ter is open on weekends only in May and ton Territory; growth and settlement The Lewis & Clark Corps of Northwest be accessed by foot, plane or boat. daily from late May through early Octo- resulting from the Oregon Trail and the Discovery’s expedition across western ber. Hours vary. The center features ex- Westward migration; the Donation Land America helped to shape the nation that some campgrounds ($16 per night). A dock hibits about wilderness and backcountry Laws (1850–1855); and the continued we are today. The park preserves sites fee pass ($5 per day or $40 per year) is re- travel, a relief map of the area, book sales, growth and settlement of the town of that mark the success of key parts of quired on Lake Chelan from May 1 through maps and other items. This center is the Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in their mission, including successfully ar- October 31. Backcountry permits are re- main backcountry permit office for North Washington State. riving at the Pacific, making ready for quired but are free. Cascades National Park and the adjacent The historical landscape of the reserve the return trip home, maintaining friendly Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National appears much as it did a century ago. relations with the homeland tribes, and INFORMATION CENTERS Recreation Areas. For more information, Enjoy a self-guided driving or bicy- preparing maps and revising journals that The Park & Forest Information Cen- please call (360) 854-7245. cle tour and visit roadside exhibits on would record their discoveries. ter, located on the North Cascades High- The Golden West Visitor Center, the early history of the Pacific North- Walk where Lewis and Clark and the way (State Route 20) in Sedro-Woolley, is located near the north end of 50-mile- west. A self-guided walking tour of the rest of the Corps of Discovery walked as open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. long Lake Chelan, is only accessible via Town of Coupeville is also an option. you explore sites that embody the stories to 4 p.m. year-round and daily from late passenger ferry, trail or floatplane. The Choose from various hikes and explore of hardship and danger, of surprising col- May through late September. The station center, which is just a short walk from beaches, bluffs, woodlands and prairies. laboration and adaptations, and of explo- is operated jointly with the Mount Baker the Stehekin ferry landing, is open daily Visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse at ration and discovery. Ranger District of the Mount Baker-Sno- from late May to late September from The primary visitor center at Fort Clat- qualmie National Forest and features a re- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features a gallery sop offers ranger-led programs, exhibits, lief map of the region’s parks and forests, with works by local artists, an audiovisual films, a museum store, trails and picnic fa- an information desk, book sales, maps and program, ranger talks, a relief map, ex- cilities. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. other items. For more information, please hibits on the natural and cultural history to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. from late June call (360) 854-7200. of the area, an information desk, book to Labor Day. For more information, visit The North Cascades National Park sales, maps and seasonal children’s pro- nps.gov/lewi or call (503) 861-2471. Visitor Center, located near the town of grams and evening programs. For more Newhalem—milepost 120 of State Route information, call (509) 699-2080 ext. 14. FORT VANCOUVER NATIONAL 20—is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HISTORIC SITE

from mid-May to late September. Hours For answers to all your questions, The London-based Hudson’s Bay Com- during the spring and fall vary. The cen- go to OhRanger.com Washington State is home to 13 National pany established an extensive fur-trading ter features a variety of programs and Park Service sites. network throughout the ­Pacific Northwest,

34 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 35 MORE WASHINGTON PARKS MORE WASHINGTON PARKS

utilizing two dozen posts, six ships and about stampeders saw the Klondike gold fields 600 employees during peak seasons. Fort as an attractive alternative to continued

Vancouver was the administrative center and poverty and unemployment. To reach Shutterstock principal supply depot of this “Columbia De- the gold fields, stampeders would travel partment,” controlling 700,000 square miles 1,000 miles by ship, walk over 1,000 miles stretching from Russian Alaska to Mexican through frozen mountain passes and voy- California, and from the Rocky Mountains to age 550 miles down the Yukon River. A the Pacific Ocean. The fort became a center few of the stampeders would become ex- of activity and influence, supported by a mul- tremely wealthy—all would experience the ticultural village with inhabitants from over adventure of a lifetime. Come in for a visit 35 different ethnic and tribal groups. The first and ask yourself, “Would I have gone on hospital, school, library, gristmill, saw mill, the gold rush?” shipbuilding and orchard in the region were all Established in 1976, Klondike Gold Rush centered at Fort Vancouver. National Historical Park is now one part of The park’s living history programs, five units of Klondike Gold Rush Interna- demonstrations, exhibits and archaeology tional Historical Park. Klondike Gold Rush digs help bring to life the people and sto- has a sister park in Skagway, Alaska, and ries of the British Hudson’s Bay Compa- Parks Canada has three sites (Bennett, Fort Spokane in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area was one of the last military forts built on ny’s headquarters and main supply depot, British Columbia; Whitehorse,­ Yukon Ter- the western frontier. This 1884-era barn is one of four original buildings still standing. as well as the Oregon Trail and the U.S. ritory; Dawson City, Yukon Territory). In Army’s subsequent post. Visit and ex- January 2006, the park relocated to a new out ­resorting to violence. It was here in picnic, play on the beach, watch wildlife plore the premiere historical archaeology home within the Pioneer Square Historic 1859 that the United States and Great and enjoy a wealth of programming, includ- site in the Pacific Northwest! District—the Cadillac Hotel (circa 1889). Britain nearly went to war over a pig shot ing the summer living history events. The park is open Tuesday through Sat- Damaged by an earthquake in 2001, the by an American farmer. Actually, it was Grounds at American and English urday year-round except major holidays. Cadillac Hotel has been renovated and ret- a bit more complicated than that. Pres- Camps are open from dawn to 11 p.m. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in rofitted to “better-than-new” condition. sures had been building between the two throughout the year. Visitor center hours summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter. For The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to nations over possession of the San Juan vary by season. During the summer (Me- more information, call (360) 816-6200 or 5 p.m. Films are available upon request. Island group since 1846 when the Treaty morial Day through Labor Day), the Ameri- (360) 816-6230, or visit nps.gov/fova. From June through September, the park of Oregon left ownership unclear. Thus can Camp is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to provides a summer program, which in- came the “Pig War” crisis, at the height of 5 p.m., and the English Camp is open daily KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH cludes ranger-guided walks through the which more than 500 U.S. Army soldiers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact the park for NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Pioneer Square Historic District, ranger and three British warships were nose to winter hours. For more information please “Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!” read the talks and gold-mining demonstrations. nose on the island’s southern shore, not call (360) 378-2240 or visit nps.gov/sajh. headline of The Seattle Post-Intelli- For more information, contact the Klon- 10 miles from Victoria, B.C. Fortunately, gencer on July 17, 1897. Two tons of gold dike Gold Rush National Historical Park: officials on both sides quickly restored NEZ PERCE NATIONAL had just arrived from the Yukon Territory 319 Second Avenue South, Seattle, WA, calm and the nations agreed to a joint HISTORICAL PARK in Canada on the steamship Portland; its 98104; (206) 220-4240; nps.gov/klse. military occupation of the island until the Nez Perce National Historical Park con- 68 passengers were virtual millionaires boundary could be decided. The Ameri- sists of 38 sites throughout Idaho, Montana, who had been mining for less than a year. SAN JUAN ISLAND NATIONAL can soldiers and British Royal Marines Oregon and Washington. The park stretches About 100,000 people, from all walks of HISTORICAL PARK remained for 12 years until Kaiser Wilhelm across much of the traditional homeland of life, were energized by this news to seek This park was created based on the I of Germany, as arbitrator, awarded the the Nez Perce people—who call themselves their fortunes in the Yukon. Motivated by idea that individuals and nations can islands to the United States. the nimí·pu·—and brings together many as- four years of economic depression, most solve their problems peacefully with- Today the park is an ideal place to hike, pects of their history.

36 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 37 MORE WASHINGTON PARKS

The park commemorates places where Spokane and Columbia Rivers. In 1898, NATURE & WILDLIFE the U.S. Army encountered groups of Nez the fort was closed and the buildings were Perce during the summer of 1877. Each converted to an American Indian board- event started with a surprise assault on ing school and tuberculosis hospital. The The park ecosystems in Washington by repeated eruptions. It is part of a com- Nez Perce families and resulted in many American Indian experience at Fort Spo- State are vast and varied, ranging from the plex ecosystem, with diverse vegetation deaths on both sides. The national park kane represents a microcosm of the Amer- temperate rainforests of Olympic to the that reflects the varied climatic and en- recognizes the historical significance, in- ican Indian experience across the country. glaciers and snowfields of Mount Rainier to vironmental conditions across the park’s spiring landscape and spiritual importance The Fort Spokane Visitor Center and the lakes and streams of North Cascades. 12,800-foot elevation gradient. The higher of the sites. Museum are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. elevation zones feature subalpine mead- Park sites located in Washington include from Memorial Day to Labor Day and by OLYMPIC ows, while the lowland forests are home the burial site of Chief Joseph the Younger request during fall, winter and spring. Call From tiny unique flowers on icy peaks to hemlock, Douglas fir and western and the Nez Perce campsites at Nespelem. (509) 754-7800 for dates and times. to sea stars patrolling foaming tidepools, red cedar. Mid-elevation forests extend Chief Joseph died in 1904 and was bur- Lake Roosevelt National Recreation myriad species find refuge in the sanctuary upward from 4,000 to 6,000 feet eleva- ied in a sacred cemetery alongside many Area is located in the northeast corner of Olympic National Park. With 95 percent tion and contain Pacific silver fir, Alaska people who died during the 1877 conflict. of Washington and stretches north from of the park a congressionally designated yellow cedar, western white pine and After his death, the Nez Perce continued the Grand Coulee Dam for 150 miles. For wilderness, Olympic is host to subalpine noble fir. Approximately 58 percent of the their traditional way of life at the campsites more information, call (509) 754-7800 or meadows, rocky alpine slopes and glacier- park is forested, 23 percent is subalpine at Nespelem. This site recognizes the last visit nps.gov/laro. capped summits. The park also protects parkland, and the remainder is alpine, half place where Joseph lived, and it is not a one of the largest remaining blocks of old- of which is permanent snow and ice. developed park site. WHITMAN MISSION growth forest and temperate rain forest in The park headquarters and main visitor NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE the lower 48 states, and its sandy beaches NORTH CASCADES center are located just across the Idaho The Whitman Mission National Historic and rocky offshore islands harbor a wealth Steep mountains coupled with an amaz- border in Spalding, Idaho. The main visi- Site recognizes the significance of Dr. of marine plants and wildlife. ing variety of rock and water features tor center is open daily between March Marcus and Mrs. Narcissa Whitman’s You can find nine kinds of endemic plants contribute to the tremendous biodiversity and early December, and Tuesday through mission—an important outpost on the Ore- and 20 kinds of endemic animals at the of North Cascades National Park Service Saturday from December through Feb- gon Trail—and addresses the historic events Olympic Peninsula. These species—includ- Complex. The park gets its name from its ruary, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed surrounding their deaths. Dr. Whitman was ing the Olympic chipmunk, Flett’s violet abundance of waterfalls, and thousands Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and considered a medicine man to the native Cay- and the Olympic torrent salamander— of miles of rivers and streams originate New Year’s Day. For more information, call use people, but the drugs he used to cure the developed during the last ice age when from the park’s glaciers, lakes and ponds. (208) 843-7009 or visit nps.gov/nepe. Cayuse during an 1847 measles epidemic glaciers isolated the region. As advancing Variation in elevation, soil types, rainfall did not work. Suspicions about the doctor’s ice covered surrounding areas, the moun- and exposure combine to form eight dis- LAKE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL care and rising tensions from the influx of taintops became a refuge for plants and tinctive life zones from the lowland for- RECREATION AREA white settlers prompted the Cayuse to kill animals, which survived and evolved into ests and wetlands to the alpine peaks The Columbia River has drawn people the Whitmans and 11 others at the mission, unique species or subspecies. For a chance and glaciers. To walk among the ancient to its waters for more than 9,000 years. which initiated the Cayuse War. to spot the endemic Piper’s bellflower hemlocks and Douglas firs in the park’s Today, the park’s most popular activities The park is located on Whitman Mis- growing out of cracks in the rocky ledges, renowned old-growth forests, check include fishing, camping, hunting and boat- sion Road in Walla Walla. The visitor cen- or hear the whistle of an Olympic mar- out Big Beaver, Thunder Creek and ing. Visitors also enjoy swimming, picnick- ter is open daily between Memorial Day mot in the distance, visit Hurricane Ridge River Loop Trails. ing and exploring historic sites. and Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and or Deer Park. The area that is now the park once Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. SHARE YOUR FAVORITE served as fishing grounds for American to 4 p.m. in winter. Closed during fed- MOUNT RAINIER PHOTOS WITH US! Indians. In 1880, the U.S. Army estab- eral holidays. Call (509) 522-6360 or visit Mount Rainier is a volcano born of fire FOLLOW US! lished a fort above the confluence of the nps.gov/whmi for more information. and built up above the surrounding country

38 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 39 NATURE & WILDLIFE

ANIMALS OF WASHINGTON STATE JUST FOR KIDS

MOUNT RAINIER Take a hike. Many short, fun nature Become a Junior Ranger. Get a Junior trails have self-guiding booklets. Hike the Ranger booklet for free at any visitor center 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh or ranger station. Complete the activities Rain Forest or the 0.4-mile Living Forest 1 2 3 to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Or, attend a Trail behind the park visitor center. Junior Ranger program in the summer. Discovery Room. In this wonderful Go on a Citizen Ranger Quest. Ask at room of interactive exhibits, you can touch a park visitor center for one or more Quest a whale vertebra, solve a giant puzzle or worksheets, which explore topics like the visit a mini ranger station. Fun for children history, science and stewardship of the of all ages! park. Complete one and earn a Citizen Walk with a Park Ranger. Get the real Ranger certificate; complete four and earn scoop on nature during a guided walk. On 4 5 6 a Citizen Ranger patch. a forest walk, see if you can find a banana 1. BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) 4. OCHRE SEA STAR (PISASTER OCHRACEUS) Go for a walk in the woods. Walk the slug, a salamander or maybe even a Roos- The national bird of the United States, the bald Among the best known of all marine invertebrates, ochre Trail of the Shadows at Longmire or Grove evelt elk! On a tidepool walk, look for sea eagle lives in coastal woodlands and along water- sea stars are characterized by their five-armed shape. ways. It eats salmon carcasses and fish it grabs Their hues range from orange to brown to purple and of the Patriarchs. These and other short stars or witness an octopus turn colors. from the water with its talons. Bald eagles mate they usually grow to be 10 to 12 inches across. Ochre sea nature trails have self-guiding booklets or for life and can live up to 30 years in the wild. After stars are ravenous hunters, feeding on mussels, snails interpretive trail exhibits. NORTH CASCADES Alaska, Washington State is home to the largest and other slow-moving creatures. They are commonly Enjoy a campfire. In summer, join a Become a Junior Ranger. Pick up a population of bald eagles in the United States. • found on rocks and in tidepools. • Weight 1–2 lbs Weight 10–20 lbs • Size 2–4 ft tall; 6–8 ft wing- • Size 8–10 in long • Active Year-round • Found O park naturalist for a guided walk and camp- Junior Ranger booklet and complete the span • Active Year-round • Found MR O NC Photo: Shutterstock fire program. activities inside to earn your badge and 2. BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS) 5.ROOSEVELT ELK (CERVUS ELAPHUS ROOSEVELTI) Visit a nature center. Check out the certificate. Get your booklet stamped It is unlikely that you’ll encounter a black bear, A larger subspecies of the North American elk, visitor centers at Paradise, Sunrise, Long- at each of the six locations throughout one of two large predators in the parks (the the Roosevelt elk lives in the Pacific Northwest other is the mountain lion). Black bears are ac- where it browses among the lowland rain for- mire and Ohanapecosh. the park—Park Headquarters in Sedro- tive from spring through fall, moving around ests and open meadows of the upper zones. Go on a photo safari. Take pictures Woolley, the Wilderness Information the woods and mountains eating berries, fish Protection of the elk was a primary reason for of special flowers, glaciers, big trees and Center in Marblemount, the North Cas- or whatever food they can find. By fall, black the creation of Olympic National Park. Descen- other park features. At home, use the pho- cades Visitor Center near Newhalem, bears claim a den beneath a rock or fallen tree dants of the introduced Rocky Mountain elk to sleep for the winter. • Weight 200–470 lbs • (Cervus elaphus melsoni) live in Mount Rainier tos to make a vacation scrapbook. the Glacier Public Service Center, Hozo- Size 5–6 ft long • Active Spring, summer and National Park. • Weight 400–1,000 lbs • Size meen and the Golden West Visitor Cen- fall • Found MR O NC Photo: Shutterstock 4–5 ft tall at shoulders • Active Year-round • OLYMPIC ter in Stehekin! 3. MARMOT (MARMOTA) Found MR O Photo: Shutterstock. Become a Junior Ranger. Learn about Gather your family for a fun-filled The Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus) and 6. STELLER'S JAY (CYANOCITTA STELLERI) the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) live in The Steller’s jay is recognizable by its crest and vi- the park’s plants and animals by picking up educational experience, connecting with subalpine meadows and alpine ­tundra. They brant blue and black color. Its distinct cry sounds a Junior Ranger booklet at any visitor cen- nature at the North Cascades Environmen- whistle a high-pitched alarm call when dis- like “SHAACK! SHAACK!” but it can also mimic ter or ranger station. Complete the activi- tal Learning Center on Diablo Lake. turbed. Every ­morning, these sociable crea- other birds’ calls, including those of hawks and war- ties to earn your Junior Ranger badge. Get out on the water by renting a ca- tures visit each other’s burrows. During blers. The Steller’s jay has the most extensive range hibernation, a marmot’s heartbeat slows from of any North American jay—it can be found from Get your hands on a Discovery Pack. noe, kayak or motorboat. 130–140 beats per minute to four per minute. • Alaska to central California and as far east as the Imagine exploring the park with nature Stay a weekend in the cozy lodges, Weight 6–20 lbs • Size 15–30 in long • Active Rocky Mountains. • Weight 4–5 oz • Size 13 in guides, maps, a journal and binoculars! and enjoy kid-friendly meals in the lake- May through September • Found MR O NC from tip to tail • Active Year-round • Found Borrow a Discovery Pack at several visitor side dining hall. For more information, Photo: Shutterstock MR O NC Photo: Shutterstock centers in the park. call (360) 854-2599 or visit ncascades.org.

40 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 41 PRESERVATION

PRESERVATION RECYCLING More than 1.2 million visitors to Mount iStock Rainier throw away about 350 tons of Abundant rain and mild winters create Pacific Northwest, roughly half of which is solid waste each year. To reduce trash the perfect environment for trees in the Pa- within Mount Rainier and Olympic National bound for landfills, the NPS instituted cific Northwest to grow large and old. Not Parks. In a region where timber is a core in- a recycling program at Mount Rainier. long ago, ancient forests of Douglas fir and dustry, these are among the last preserves Marked bins are located at park facili- red cedar blanketed nearly all of the Pacific for old-growth Douglas-fir forest. ties, lodges, campgrounds and roadways. Northwest. Most of the old giants are gone Rainier Guest Services (RGS), the park from the Northwest, but in the wilds of our SOMETHING IN THE AIR concessioner, and the NPS also have em- national parks you can visit groves that have Acid rain and fog generated in the ployee recycling programs. In addition, never been cut and retain all the characteris- Puget Sound area and, carried toward the RGS gives priority to purchasing recycled tics of an old-growth forest. park by winds, have caused high ozone and recyclable products from vendors Old-growth forests are defined as hav- levels at Mount Rainier. Researchers, as- with recyclable packaging. After more than a century of manmade ing stands of trees more than 200 years sisted by park employees, are monitor- Olympic National Park and North Cas- damage, the Elwha River runs free once more. old, but they may be much older. In Mount ing the pollution and trying to pinpoint its cades National Park Service Complex pro- Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades Na- sources. Several sites at Mount Rainier and vide recycling bins as well. Pay attention duced by humans into natural ecosystems, tional Parks, many are 500 to 1,000 years Olympic’s Hoh Rain Forest watershed are while in the parks, keeping an eye out for because exotic species interfere with the old! Diversity is another hallmark of Pacific the focus of studies, which include moni- which lodges and other locations recycle health of native plants and animals in the Northwest old-growth forests, where hun- toring visibility, precipitation, fog and acid and what specifically they accept, whether parks. Olympic National Park is working to dreds of species of flora and fauna occupy rain effects. solely aluminum, or cardboard and certain control non-native plants, including Scotch the old-growth ecosystem. plastics, too. broom, Canada thistle and English holly. After over 150 years of logging, about 15 HUMAN IMPACT You can help by cleaning plant material off percent of old-growth forests remain in the In 2000, human waste from the more RESTORING THE ELWHA ECOSYSTEM your shoes, clothing and vehicles before than 40,000 backpackers and 10,000 climb- The Elwha River is transitioning from entering the park, and by packing out food ers finally took its toll on Mount Rainier. The its dam-bound era to a river wild and free. and trash. DON'T FEED THE WILDLIFE resulting decline in water quality is causing The river was severely altered by 100 serious problems in the wilderness. To help years of dams. Biologists say it could take POACHING Minor though it may solve this, the NPS provides toilet facilities at a generation or more to heal. It is rare to Poaching—the illegal shooting of wild- seem, simply not feed- major climbing camps and a blue bag sys- get to witness a river reborn. Scientists life and collecting of plants and other ing the animals greatly protects their welfare. tem for climbers going higher than 10,000 are watching, measuring, monitoring and resources—is a growing problem within When wild animals feet. Backpackers are asked to use pit toilets evaluating the changes in an effort to un- Olympic and Mount Rainier National cease to find their at trailside camps. derstand the river evolution processes. Parks. As logging roads are built into ar- own food, they are no Fragile subalpine habitats are being de- What we learn from the Elwha River Res- eas bordering the park, access into once- longer a part of the balance of nature. They stroyed by hikers who crush plants and over- toration Project will help inform future remote parts improves, making it easier may become unable to forage for them- turn rocks. Ongoing education in both parks dam removal and restoration projects. For for poachers to enter and exit the park selves, a potentially fatal situation when encourages hikers to stay on trails, tread more information on this exciting evolu- undetected. Poachers not only steal valu- the free handouts end at the close of the lightly, not pick flowers and help the parks tion, visit nps.gov/olym/learn/nature/ able resources that belong to everyone, summer season. Animals also lose their preserve delicate ecosystems. elwha-ecosystem-restoration.htm. but they also damage and destroy plants fear of cars and humans, and are more In recognition of the National Park Service’s and animals. Immediately report inci- likely to be injured or killed as they linger early master planning to preserve the park, CONTROLLING NONNATIVE SPECIES dents of poaching by contacting a park near roadsides. Remember, feeding any animal—including birds—is illegal. Mount Rainier National Park was designated The National Park Service is concerned ranger: Call (360) 565-3000 in Olympic or a National Historic Landmark in March 1997. about exotic (non-native) species intro- (360) 569-2211 in Mount Rainier.

42 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | | MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC 43 WHO’S WHO AT THE PARK North Cascades

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) adventures. Visitors mix fun with learning at Lodge at Stehekin Since its founding in 1916, the NPS has en- the institute’s Environmental Learning Cen- Restaurant • Gift Shop deavored to preserve America’s parklands for ter at Diablo Lake. For more information, call Lodging & Cabins generations to come. It is responsible for pre- (360) 854-2599 or visit ncascades.org. serving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks, protecting the fish and GUEST SERVICES INC. wildlife therein, and providing for the public Guest Services Inc. is a park conces- use and enjoyment of the parks. sioner that runs the North Cascades Lodge LODGEATSTEHEKIN.COM at Stehekin. Located at the north end of Lake RESERVATIONS: (855) 685-4167 WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL Chelan, it offers lake- and mountain-view PARK FUND (WNPF) rooms and operates a full-service restau- WNPF is dedicated to ensuring that all rant, gift shop and campground. For more people can experience, understand and love information, call (855) 685-4167 or visit Washington’s parks. The fund provides es- lodgeatstehekin.com. sential financial resources that can be used for critical needs such as storm repair, as ROSS LAKE RESORT INC. Lake Roosevelt well as restoration of natural and cultural re- Ross Lake Resort Inc. owns and oper- sources. For membership information, call ates a single “mom and pop” property, Ross (206) 623-2063 or visit wnpf.org. Lake Resort. Featuring 12 cabins and three Adventures bunkhouses built on log floats, this is the RAINIER GUEST SERVICES (RGS) sole facility located on the lake. For more Houseboat rentals Rainier Guest Services is the park conces- information, call (206) 486-3751 or visit sioner at Mount Rainier National Park and op- rosslakeresort.com. erates Paradise Inn and National Park Inn, as well as food and gift facilities at the Henry M. ARAMARK PARKS & DESTINATIONS LAKEROOSEVELTADVENTURES.COM Jackson Memorial Visitor Center and Sunrise Aramark operates Lake Crescent Lodge, RESERVATIONS: (800) 816-2431 Day Lodge. RGS offers the finest service for Log Cabin Resort, Sol Duc Hot Springs guests while helping the NPS preserve the Resort, Fairholme Store and Hurricane natural and cultural history of Mount Rainier. Ridge gift shop and snack bar in Olympic Visit mtrainierguestservices.com or call National Park, and Lake Quinault Lodge (360) 569-2275 for more information. in Olympic National Forest. For more in- formation, call (888) 896-3818 or visit NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE olympicnationalparks.com. North Cascades Institute—a nonprofit environmental education organization and DELAWARE NORTH PARKS & RESORTS park partner—aims to conserve Northwest Delaware North Parks & Resorts Managed by environments through education. The in- operates Kalaloch Lodge in Olym- stitute offers day and overnight programs, pic National Park. For more informa- including natural history seminars, school tion, please call (866) 662-9928 or visit and graduate programs, and summer youth thekalalochlodge.com.

44 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | guestservices.com

GSI19_Ad_OhRanger_5-375x8-375_20190430.indd 2 5/3/2019 11:09:58 AM PHOTOGRAPHY

For millennia, we’ve looked towards the tion. Next, set your white balance to daylight heavens and contemplated what’s beyond settings (5500k) and turn on your mirror lock our orbit and universe. More recently, star- to avoid mirror shake. Wait until the moon is gazing has become increasingly difficult for out, too, as it’ll illuminate and add detail to millions of people living in developed areas. If your foreground. Make sure that it’s behind you live you in a populated area east of the you. To capture star trails: Mississippi or along the Pacific coast, odds • Set your ISO at 200 to reduce digital noise. are that you can count the number of stars • Compose your image, making sure you you see on your hands. National and state have interesting features in the foreground. parks—remote and minimally developed— • Choose your focal length. The longer the not only protect our land, but also our dark focal length, the quicker your star trails will skies which are ideal for astrophotography. start to form. There are two primary types of astropho- • Set your camera to manual mode so that tography shots that yield different, but stel- you can select your shutter speed and lar compositions. A long exposure setting aperture. will show stars trailing across the sky, while • Set your aperture between f/2.8 and f/4 for a shorter exposure will show pinpoints of best results. light—objects that a camera can capture that • Select “bulb mode” as your shutter speed. the unaided eye cannot. Both require a cam- • Use your cable release or remote to open era with interchangeable lenses and manual the shutter or set your timer for two to controls to set aperture, ISO, and exposure four minutes. settings. Here’s what you’ll need to start: Check your results. If your picture is too • A sturdy tripod: Simply put, a shaky tri- dark, increase the exposure time. If your trails pod will yield blurry photos. are to short, increase the exposure time. • A cable release or remote control or in- Keep playing around with your settings to get tervalometer: You’ll want to avoid touch- the results you desire. To learn how to take ing your camera to minimize shake. The photos of the milky way and millions of points addition of an intervalometer will allow you of light, visit ohranger.com/brightskies. to take sequential long exposures • Batteries: Your aperture may be open for several hours, so it’s important to have

multiple fresh and fully charged batteries. Shutterstock • A wide lens: Use the fastest, widest lens available. • A head lamp: It’ll be useful to set up your equipment and illuminate your foreground. Check the cloud cover; if there’s too much wait until you have a clearer night. Before you start, set your focus to infinity and turn Photographing the night sky is as close as many off your autofocus and high ISO noise reduc- of us will get to exploring space.

46 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | EDITOR´S PICKS Shutterstock; Shutterstock; iStock Shutterstock; Shutterstock;

Clockwise from left: explore Mount St. Helens; trek the Pacific Crest Trail meanders 2,653 miles through California, Oregon and Washington; take a hike on one of Mt. Rainier’s 25 glaciers.

There are many great experiences at • Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Seattle parks and public lands in Washington State. Unit for a taste of the 1897–1898 stam- Here are a few of our favorites: pede to the Yukon gold fields. • Witness the damage from the massive • Splash around in tide pools at Olympic 1980 eruption at Mount St. Helens National Park to see purple and red sea National Volcanic Monument. urchins, orange sea cucumbers and more • Visit Hole-in-the-Wall—an eroded arch diverse aquatic life. north of Rialto Beach—and marvel at • Walk the end of the Lewis & Clark rocky island and sea stacks off the coast ­National Historic Trail and relive the of Olympic National Park. experience of the expedition that opened • Hike a part of the Pacific Crest Trail as a path to the West for the United States. it runs along the eastern edge of Mount • Visit the gorges at Lake Roosevelt Rainier National Park and experience the ­National Recreation Area, the result of dramatic mountain terrain of the region. the largest scientifically documented • Scout for orca whales along the coast of floods in North America. San Juan Island National Historical Park. • Explore the glaciers of Mount Rainier— • Catch a glimpse of the largest unman- the most heavily glaciated peak in the aged herd of Roosevelt elk in the world United States—with more than 35 and find out why Olympic National Park square miles of snow and ice radiating was almost named Elk National Park. from the summit.

48 MOUNT RAINIER & OLYMPIC | www.nalgene.com For more inspiration, follow us here @nalgeneusa