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Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Olympic National Park
The majesty of the Olympic Mountains, the fairy-tale quality of the rain forests and the pristine wilderness coastline are great reasons to visit Olympic National Park. This World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly one million acres and also includes glacier-carved lakes, waterfalls, over 600 miles of hiking trails, dozens of campgrounds and scenic vistas. Highlights of the Park include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest and 60 miles of unspoiled coastline.
Wildlife Viewing
The Olympic Peninsula is one of the best places on the globe to view diverse wildlife at close proximity. Black-tailed deer inhabit the hills and lowlands and are frequently seen through the region. Likewise, eagles and raptors such as falcons and hawks populate many areas on the peninsula. In the fall, spawning season brings different species of salmon into the rivers and streams. In Olympic National Park, mountain goats live in the higher altitudes, while Roosevelt elk roam in the lower areas and move in and out of the Park boundaries.
Olympic Natural Resources Center Trail
Whether you are looking for a quick hike or a more leisurely exploration of mature second growth forest and fauna, the University of Washington’s campus in Forks features a 2 ½ mile rustic trail for hiking and bird watching. The trail is well maintained with some elevation gain, giving the walker a good workout. Highlights include a scenic view of the City of Forks along one of its stretches. Bring a snack and enjoy the view from one of the two picnic tables. A favorite place to hike for local Forks residents on their lunch hour!
Port Ludlow Falls Trail
Here is an opportunity for a walk in Port Ludlow if you are visiting and time is limited. A bit of quiet to reflect on things is on hand with a five minute drive from anywhere in the Port Ludlow area.
The Port Ludlow Falls trail is wonderful, protected, short interpretative trail through varied and quite surroundings. Many signs point to local micro-environments and their plant species on this adventure punctuated by the Ludlow Falls at the halfway mark. This walk can be the perfect winter afternoon break.
Directions:
The Last Dam Summer on the Elwha River
Now that we have your attention the Gateway Visitor Center would like to invite you outdoors and out of Jefferson County to the Elwha River valley.
Port Ludlow Falls Trail - Hike
Port Ludlow Falls Trail:
Here is an opportunity for a walk in Port Ludlow if you are visiting and time is limited. A bit of quiet to reflect on things is on hand with a five minute drive from anywhere in the Port Ludlow area.
Olympic Discovery Trail
A paved trail system that connects Port Townsend on Puget Sound to the Pacific beaches at La Push is 70% on abandoned Railroad grade. The trail is growing as sections are completed and is being constructed as a non-motorized corridor, including equestrian use in most areas. When completed, the trail will cover 120 miles and will be one of the longest trail systems in the US. A year-round opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery edging the northern Olympic Peninsula along the historic route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroads.
Breathe Mile-High Air at Hurricane Ridge!
Hurricane Ridge, 17 miles south of Port Angeles, in Olympic National Park, will make you feel like you're on top of the world. And, in fact, you are! Hurricane Ridge is reached by taking Hwy 101 into Port Angeles. Look for the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge signs. Turn south on Race Street, and taking a slight right curve on the Hurricane Ridge Parkway. From there you will see signs leading to the Park Entrance.
