Original

Harpers Ferry Center
National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior
Olympic National Park

Long-Range Interpretive Plan
November 2010
Long-Range Interpretive Plan
November 2010
Prepared by:
Department of the Interior

Pacific West Region

Interpretive Planning
All Photo Credits: National Park Service

Plan Highlights
During the next seven to ten years Olympic National Park interpretive services will provide visitors with
opportunities to increase their understanding and appreciation for the park and its resources; to engage in
educational opportunities; and to protect the park resources.
To provide an active, engaging interpretive program, park staff and partners will work together focused on
the following goals:
 Interpret Elwha River Restoration
 Improve Parkwide Wayfinding, Arrival Experiences, and Orientation
 Evaluate and Develop a Unified System of Wayside Exhibits
 Participate in Kestner Homestead Planning
 Replace Visitor Center Exhibits
 Investigate the Feasibility of an Ocean-themed Multi-agency Visitor Center
 Use Digital Media to Increase Interpretive Opportunities
 Create a More Useful and Interpretive Website
 Develop a Parkwide Strategy for Increased Social Media Use
 Increase Interpretation and Visitor Information Presence Throughout the Park
 Engage Partners to Provide High-Quality Interpretive Services
 Determine Effective Ways to Reach and Engage Youth
 Employ, Engage, and Educate Diverse and Underserved Populations in Their Home Communities and in
the Park
 Strengthen and Expand Wilderness Interpretation
 Strengthen and Expand Climate Change, Ocean Stewardship, and Fire Interpretation and Education
 Support a Citizen Science Program

Message from the Superintendent of Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park protects three different ecosystems — rugged glacier-capped mountains, wild Pacific
coast, and old-growth and temperate rain forest. Encompassing one of the largest wilderness areas in the
contiguous United States, more than three million visitors annually experience this amazing landscape.
The Long-Range Interpretive Plan is a document that sharpens our focus and draws together all of the
education and interpretation services related to Olympic National Park visitor experiences. The Foundation
for Planning section of this document defines the park themes, identifies the desired visitor experience, lists
issues and challenges, and describes the existing condition of the interpretive services within the park. The
Recommendations section identifies the specific actions that we and our partners will take to meet our vision
for the future of interpretation over the next seven to ten years.
Olympic National Park is supported through partnerships with many tribal, local, regional, and
national organizations. The park staff engaged partners, local community members, ARAMARK, tribal
representatives, and many others throughout the planning process. This collaborative effort produced
a more comprehensive and inclusive look at how we will interpret the park to visitors in the future. By
providing a broad spectrum of services, including a variety of media using the most current technologies,
more visitors will be encouraged to experience the park in person as well as virtually.
On behalf of the park staff and our partners, I hope you will take time to review this important plan and
join us as we continue to move forward in our efforts to preserve and protect the values and resources of
Olympic National Park.
Sincerely,
Superintendent
The Planning Process
This Long-Range Interpretive Plan outlines recommendations for future interpretive services, facilities,
and media. Park staff, partners, and stakeholders worked together to develop a comprehensive tool that
will outline educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to develop intellectual and emotional
connections to the natural and cultural resources found within Olympic National Park. Our goal is to
promote Olympic National Park’s resource values through specially planned visitor experiences and
excellence in interpretation.
This Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) recommends actions that should occur over the next seven to
ten years. It identifies park themes, describes visitor experience goals, and recommends a wide variety of
personal and non-personal interpretive services and outreach activities that will best communicate the
park purpose, significance, and themes. Developed in concert with the park Annual Implementation Plan
and Interpretive Database, it completes the Comprehensive Interpretive Plan for the park, as established in
Director’s Orders 6. In addition, this planning process has been customized to meet the needs for Olympic
National Park, as well as the conditions and special circumstances that exist there. The ultimate product
is a cost-effective, tightly focused, high quality park interpretive program that achieves management goals,
provides appropriate visitor opportunities, and facilitates desired visitor experiences.
A scoping trip was conducted on August 10-14, 2009. The Project Agreement was signed in October 2009.
A Foundation workshop was held October 21-22, 2009 with over 40 participants representing park staff,
partners, concessions, local community agencies, tribal representatives, and the cooperating association.
A Recommendations workshop was held March 2-4, 2010 with 36 participants representing park staff,
partners, NPS media experts, concessions, local community agencies, tribal representatives, and the
cooperating association. On May 10, 2010 an implementation strategy session was held with park staff.
Barring legislative changes or major new revelations, the foundational elements expressed in this LRIP
– purpose, significance, themes, and visitor experience goals – will remain constant over the life of the
plan. Specific recommendations about media and programs may need to be updated as staffing, funding,
technology, or resource conditions change. Additional planning and design documents must be produced to
implement some of the goals and recommendations in this plan.
Participants engage in a Foundation Workshop small group exercise.

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Permits required for all overnight O LY M P I C a Ha m m a 101

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he ny Suc
cess Cr
White Lakes
the Wilderness Information Center lley Road Mat Gr
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W O N D E R Staircase Ranger Station 24
A N D
Caution: Don’t get trapped by Impassable headland; Higley Peak
C
x
high tides; get current tide chart ALWAYS use overland trail Capitol Peak M O U N T A I N
July Creek 5054ft 119
at a ranger station. When hiking, Wait for low tide or use Quinault 1540m W I L D E R N E S S 24 Big Creek
watch for targets marking overland trail if available big cedar tree T Merriman C O L O N E L B O B Lightning Peak LAKE
overland trails . UL Falls Colonel Bob 4654ft CU
N A by Big Sitka spruce tree 4492ft 1419m SH
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Sudden high waves can pick up

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Olympic Coast National Marine 101 K ni I Gatton Creek

r
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beach logs and turn them into LA admi naulttion)

Sanctuary covers 3,310 square ( ui a N W I L D E R N E S S
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miles of marine waters. The sanc- Tunnel Island So

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Most reefs, rocks, islets, and tuary provides habitat for one of Ra Q U I N A U LT USFS/NPS Recreation Information h F
ft c h ork
W I L D E R N E S
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group) are designated wilderness marine mammals in North America. Willaby W 2270 summer only. Ri
and national wildlife refuges, It is a link in the Pacific flyway and Le Bar
ve
INDIAN R E S E R VAT I O N
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CLOSED to visitors to protect provides critical habitat for nesting O LY M P I C

Camp Brown Creek
wildlife. Boats must remain 200 and migrating birds. To learn more, Road open
summer only. 119
yards from the islands. visit www.olympiccoast.noaa.gov.
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23
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Hoodsport To Olympia, Tacoma,

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To Aberdeen N A T I O N A L F O R E S T
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and Seattle
Table of Contents
Plan Highlights
Message from the Superintendent of Olympic National Park
The Planning Process
Table of Contents
Part One: Foundation for Planning 1

Site Background 2
Enabling Legislation 2
National Park Service Mission 2
Park Purpose 2
Park Significance 3
Interpretive Themes 4
Management Goals 5
Desired Visitor Experiences 7
Park Visitors 8
Issues and Challenges Affecting Interpretation 10
Part Two: Existing Conditions 11

Information and Orientation 12
Facilities 13
Interpretive Media 19
Interpretive Media Assets 23
Personal Services 24
Partnerships 29
Part Three: Recommendations 33

Goals for Interpretive Programming 34
Research and Evaluation Needs 52
Staffing and Training Needs 52
Implementation Plan 54
Appendices 59
Appendix A: The Planning Team 60
Appendix B: Accessibility Guidelines 62
Appendix C: Interpretive Themes 63
Part One: Foundation for Planning
Olympic National Park Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 1

Site Background Enabling Legislation National Park Service

Mission
Olympic National Park protects Each unit of the National Park
three different ecosystems System is created by Congress and A mission statement is a vision
— rugged glacier-capped the President of the United States. for the future and articulates, in
mountains, wild Pacific All park planning flows from broad terms, the ideas that the
coast, and old-growth and the mission articulated in the NPS strives to achieve.
temperate rain forest. The park’s enabling legislation. The
park encompasses one of the enabling legislation is the specific The National Park Service
largest wilderness areas in the piece of legislation through mission is to preserve unimpaired
contiguous United States offering which Congress created the park natural and cultural resources
visitors a chance to experience and declared its intent for the and values of the national park
the park’s amazing diversity park. Olympic National Park’s system for the enjoyment,
in a natural and pristine state. interpretive services and program education, and inspiration of
Over 600 archeological sites must support this mission and this and future generations. The
document 10,000 years of human help the public understand the National Park Service cooperates
occupation, while historic sites significance of the park. with partners to extend the
reveal clues about the 200- benefits of natural and cultural
year history of Euro-American The enabling legislation of resource conservation and
exploration, homesteading, Olympic National Park (Act of outdoor recreation throughout
and community development June 29, 1938, 35 Stat. 2247) states this country and the world.
in the Pacific Northwest. In that Olympic National Park is
1976, Olympic National Park “set apart as a public park for
was designated an International the benefit and enjoyment of the
Park Purpose
Biosphere Reserve, and in 1981, people.” According to House
The enabling legislation text
the park was declared a World Report 2247, April 28, 1938, the
above is repeated in the 2008
Heritage Site, both honorary purpose of Olympic National
General Management Plan as
UNESCO designations. Olympic Park is to preserve for the benefit,
the Park Purpose statement
National Park is a popular tourist use, and enjoyment of the people,
describing why the area was set
destination with more than five the finest sample of primeval
aside and what specific purposes
million people living within a forests of Sitka spruce, western
exist for the park.
three- to five-hour drive of the hemlock, Douglas-fir, and western
park in the region stretching from red cedar in the entire United
Vancouver, British Columbia States; to provide suitable winter
south to Portland, Oregon. The range and permanent protection
park is also surrounded by a for the herds of native Roosevelt
network of lands and marine elk and other wildlife indigenous
areas managed by state and to the area; to conserve and
federal management agencies, render available to the people, for
American Indian tribes, and recreational use, this outstanding
private interests. mountainous country, containing
numerous glaciers and perpetual
snow fields, and a portion of
the surrounding verdant forests
together with a narrow strip along
the beautiful Washington coast.
The House Report included
language identifying the narrow
strip along the Washington Coast
even though that portion of the
park was not included in the
1938 enabling legislation and was Mount Olympus is the park’s highest
added at a later date. peak at 7,980 feet.
2 I National Park Service

Park Significance  Olympic National Park National Wildlife Refuge, a

protects the primeval total of 3,600 square miles of
Statements of significance character of one of the intertidal, island, and ocean
describe a National Park System largest wilderness areas in the habitats is protected.
unit’s distinctive natural, cultural, contiguous United States.
and recreational resources  Olympic National Park
and values that are the factual  Olympic National Park protects the largest
rationale for national recognition protects some of the finest population of Roosevelt elk
of the site. According to the remaining stands of old- in its natural environment
2008 General Management growth temperate rain in the world. Decades of
Plan, Olympic National Park forest in the United States. protection from human
is significant for the following These forests of ancient harvest and habitat
reasons: and immense trees provide manipulation have sustained
habitat for dozens of not only high densities of elk,
 Olympic National Park smaller plants and animals, but also preserved the natural
protects several distinctly including important habitat composition, social structure,
different and relatively pristine for a number of threatened and dynamics of this unique
ecosystems, ranging from species. coastal form of elk as found
approximately 70 miles of nowhere else.
wild Pacific coast and islands  The Olympic rocky intertidal
through densely forested community is considered to  Olympic National Park
lowlands to the glacier- be one of the most complex protects important cultural
crowned Olympic Mountains. and diverse shoreline resources, with regional
communities in the United and national significance,
 The ecosystems protected States. Olympic National including more than 650
within Olympic National Park protects about 1,400 archeological sites, hundreds
Park contain a unique array square miles of the intertidal, of ethnographic sites, 31
of habitats and life forms, island, and shoreline habitat, cultural landscapes, and 16
resulting from thousands of and, combined with the historic districts. There are
years of geographic isolation, neighboring Olympic Coast 128 historic structures in
along with extreme gradients National Marine Sanctuary the park boundaries that
of elevation, temperature, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife are on the List of Classified
and precipitation. At least 16 Service Washington Islands Structures.
kinds of animals and 8 kinds
of plants on the Olympic
Peninsula exist nowhere
else in the world. Olympic
National Park contains
some of the last remaining
undisturbed, contiguous
aquatic habitat throughout
the range of several west coast
fish species. The park protects
12 major river basins, more
than 3,500 miles of rivers and
streams within 11 watersheds,
more than 300 high mountain
lakes, and two large lowland
lakes. The park also supports
more than 70 unique stocks
of Pacific salmonids, 29 native
freshwater fish species, and
one endemic fish species. The park protects nearly 5,000 native Roosevelt elk.

Interpretive Themes The three primary interpretive Theme B

themes listed in the 2008 General The integrity, diversity, and
Interpretive themes capture the Management Plan were used magnitude of Olympic National
essence of Olympic National by park staff and workshop Park’s wilderness ecosystems
Park’s significance. They include participants to develop more powerfully affect the human
the most important stories and specific themes, sub-themes, and spirit, providing outstanding
represent core messages that stories. Appendix C lists the sub- opportunities for discovery,
every visitor should have the themes and stories associated research, introspection,
opportunity to experience. While with each theme identified by challenge, and inspiration.
interpretation of any site could workshop participants.
touch upon many stories, focused Theme C
themes increase effectiveness. Theme A The Olympic Peninsula’s rich
Well conceived themes explore Olympic National Park is a rare, cultural history reveals a dynamic
the meanings behind the facts. diverse sanctuary, preserving interaction between people,
They open minds to new thousands of species of life from place, and values, illustrating the
ideas and perhaps to multiple the intertidal communities to old ongoing challenge to balance
points of view. When linked to growth forests to glacier-capped the use and preservation of
commonly held emotions or mountains. resources.
universal human experiences,
themes encourage visitors to see
themselves in Olympic National
Park’s stories and discover
personal relevance.
Visitors discover aquatic life in tide pools along the Olympic coast.

Management Goals  Develop or improve  Provide a variety of

existing frontcountry trails educational opportunities
General Management Plan – to universally accessible in the park with continued
Preferred Alternative: standards at Hurricane Ridge, facility-based contacts and
Lake Crescent, Sol Duc, guided activities. Web-
Alternative D was identified as Ozette, Hoh, and Kalaloch. based education would be
the NPS preferred alternative and  Retain the existing provided. Some activities
the environmentally preferred frontcountry trail system at could be for a fee.
alternative in the 2008 General Quinault, and establish an  Coordinate education
Management Plan (GMP). Four accessible trail at the Kestner programs with partners,
different aspects of visitation Homestead. and focus on improving the
and enjoyment are reflected  Develop partnerships general understanding of
in the GMP including the with area agencies, tribes, park natural and cultural
spectrum of park environments local communities, resources, biodiversity, the
(the differences in the ability of and others to expand protection of resources and
visitors to experience all types of educational opportunities, natural processes, research,
park environments); recreational visitor services, and to stewardship, wilderness, park
opportunities; recreational improve coordination and values, and recreational and
services; and visitor facilities. cooperation. visitor opportunities.
 Adaptively reuse historic
Visitor opportunities or factors districts at Kestner, North 2008-2012 Strategic Plans:
affecting visitor experiences and Fork, and Graves Creek for
interpretive planning that are visitor education and park In accordance with the
outlined in the GMP include: operations. Government Performance
 Provide opportunities for and Results Act (GPRA) of
 Improve and expand the present and future visitors 1993, Olympic National Park
visitor contact area at the to enjoy the unique qualities developed a strategic plan and
Olympic National Park offered in wilderness. These management goals through 2012.
Visitor Center. include the experiences of The following goals address
 Redesign and improve solitude, remoteness, risk, recreation, interpretation, and
existing visitor facilities at challenge, self-sufficiency, visitor experiences.
Hurricane Ridge. discovery, and observation of
 Encourage cross-country an untrammeled ecosystem. The outcomes (how well the park
skiing and snowshoeing at  Provide educational is achieving its visitor-related
Hurricane Ridge. opportunities in wilderness goals) for Mission Goals IIa1,
 Conduct a feasibility study ethics and use so that IIb1, and IIb2 are measured
to determine if the Hoh Rain the public and park staff annually at every unit of the
Forest Visitor Center should understand the values of the National Park System through
be retained and improved in Olympic wilderness. survey forms that are distributed
place, or relocated.  Use management skills and to visitors at each NPS unit.
 Improve the visitor techniques such as “Leave Visitors send their completed
information at Kalaloch and No Trace” to promote and survey forms to the University
on the coastal portion of the preserve wilderness values. of Idaho where the data is
park. Conduct a feasibility  Ensure that the park visitor collected and compiled for each
study to determine the is able to obtain visitor NPS unit. The survey results
options for the replacement orientation and trip-planning reflect visitor opinion about
and relocation of the visitor information through a each park’s facilities, services
information station at variety of media. Educational and recreational opportunities,
Kalaloch. programs are available. as well as measures visitor
 Retain existing visitor  Develop outreach programs understanding and appreciation
facilities at Quinault. for and with schools, of each NPS unit’s significance.
tribes, and community
organizations.

Mission Goal IIa1: Mission Goal IIb2: Mission Goal IVb2:

By September 30, 2012, 90% of By September 30, 2012, 80% of By September 30, 2012, Olympic
visitors to Olympic National Park Olympic National Park visitors National Park attendance at
are satisfied with appropriate are satisfied with park facilitated facilitated programs will increase
park facilities, services, and programs. from the FY07 baseline of
recreational opportunities. 400,000 and be maintained at
Actuals: 2007 – 93%, 2008 – 90%, 500,000 visitors.
Actuals: 2007 – 93%, 2008 – 95%, 2009 – 91%
2009 – 94% Actuals: 2007 – 391,900, 2008 –
532,000, 2009 – 587,600
Mission Goal IIb1:
By September 30, 2012, 65% of
Olympic National Park visitors
understand the significance of
the park.
Actuals: 2007 – 75%, 2008 – 67%,

2009 – 49%
At Hurricane Ridge, visitors share views of the Olympic Wilderness.
The mountains can be reached in all seasons. They offer a fighting challenge to heart, soul and mind, both in
summer and winter.
Justice William O. Douglas
There are no words that can tell of the hidden spirit of the wilderness.
Theodore Roosevelt

Desired Visitor Visitors to Olympic National  Witness the salmon run from
Park will have opportunities to: beginning to end.
Experiences
 Stay in clean, fairly, and lower
 Spend time learning about priced accommodations that
Desired visitor experiences
the traditional native life and sell tasteful souvenirs, which
describe what physical,
activities in the park and on include locally-made and
intellectual, and emotional
the peninsula. USA-made items.
experiences should be available
 Have a memorable  Experience what makes
for visitors to Olympic National
experience with friends and Olympic National Park
Park. These experiences will
family members. “famous” which will be
be available to the degree
 Go to well-organized visitor explained to me by polite,
possible to visitors of all abilities,
centers and ranger stations to friendly, welcoming, and
including those with visual,
get oriented. well-informed park staff and
auditory, mobility, or cognitive
 Explore the mountains, rain exhibits.
impairments.
forest, and the coast either  Be amazed at the diversity of
backpacking or day hiking. Olympic National Park.
During the October 2009
 Put on a backpack, hike to a  Eat seafood prepared on the
workshop, participants
remote lake, and spend time beach at Kalaloch.
brainstormed this list of desired
away with family and friends  Begin my experience with a
visitor experiences which reflect
on the trails. nicely stocked bookstore.
the diversity of expectations from
 Discover what it was like here  View active dismantling of
stakeholders and partners as well
500 years ago. Elwha dams.
as various divisions in the park.
 Interact with a ranger to learn  Go backpacking for at least a
Many of the opportunities fall
more about the natural and week and see fewer than 5-10
under the traditional purview
cultural resources. people.
of the NPS, while others do
 Help their children love  Recreate – hike, ski, swim,
not and may be better met by
national parks and grow up fish, and soak in the hot
our partners including the
valuing them. spring water.
American Indian tribes and park
 Go to a wilderness place and  Walk along a remote beach
concessions.
see few people. on the pristine ocean coast
 Walk among a forest of very hearing the waves, feeling
large and very old trees. the salt air, and looking for
 Use kiosks that are staffed by interesting creatures, rocks,
knowledgeable speakers. and driftwood.
 Tell a story (or a few) of  Sleep in a “5-star tent” with
Olympic National Park. soft bedding at the beach.
 Make the best use of limited  Watch fish and wildlife
time and miles. without someone disturbing
 Travel on well-marked roads them.
and trails that have excellent  Eat wild salmon prepared
directional signs for a safe traditionally and share stories
and efficient trip. with original communities of
 Retreat from day to day this area.
stresses and seek solace.
 Sit quietly by a stream and
experience solitude, natural
quiet, and darkness.

Park Visitors 2009 monthly public use data A comprehensive visitor survey
indicates that Lake Crescent was conducted at Olympic
This is a broad description of is the most visited area of the National Park from July 7-16,
park visitors and their needs – park (1,895,748) and Staircase 2000 by the Park Studies Unit of
including current and potential (49,436) is the least visited area. the University of Idaho. Survey
visitors. “Visitor” describes The locations by total number of questions helped determine the
anyone who uses a park’s visits from most to least visited demographic make-up of park
interpretation and education are: visitors, as well as what they
services whether in person did or did not like about their
or “virtually” through digital Lake Crescent – 1,895,748 experience. The survey also
technologies. Kalaloch – 908,610 addressed economic impacts to
Mora – 360,389 the region from park visitation.
Various visitor surveys— Hurricane Ridge – 285,726 Of the 1,189 questionnaires
including annual surveys and Quinault – 222,159 distributed to visitors, 928 were
one in-depth survey—have been Hoh – 155,251 returned for a 78% response
completed for Olympic National Elwha – 124,475 rate. Some results noted in the
Park. These surveys help the park Ozette – 64,166 survey’s summary concluded
judge the effectiveness of their Hoodsport/Staircase – 49,436 that:
interpretive programs as well as
track visitor statistics. Two types 2009 visitor center statistics  64% of visitor groups were
of visitor profiles are presented indicate that only about 4% of family groups.
here: annual visitation figures and the visitors go to the Olympic  2% of the visitor groups
results from a 2000 Visitor Survey National Park Visitor Center participated in a guided tour.
Project. located in Port Angeles.  The majority of United
Ironically, few visitors go to the States visitors were from
Over 3.2 million visitors come to Storm King Information Center Washington (47%) and
Olympic National Park annually. even though Lake Crescent California (8%).
This figure is based on a five- is the most visited area in the  International visitors were
year average of monthly public park. Due to its location on the 8% of the total visitation.
use data taken during calendar coast between the Hoh Rain  Canada and Germany
years 2005-2009. There was Forest and Quinault Rain Forest, were the most represented
a 32% increase in visitation the Kalaloch Ranger Station countries.
from 2008 (3,081,451) to 2009 attracts many more visitors than  Repeat visitation is high.
(4,065,956). Possible reasons for the building was designed to 77% of visitors indicated that
the increase may be that higher hold. Occasionally, busloads of they had made one visit to
gas prices caused visitors from visitors stop in and overwhelm the park during the last 12
the greater Puget Sound and the facilities and single park staff months.
Portland/Vancouver areas to member on duty. Visitor center  69% spent one day or more at
recreate closer to home, fans statistics by total number of visits the park.
of the Twilight book and movie from most to least visited are:  77% of those who spent less
series venturing to where the than one day spent one to six
stories are based, and there may Hoh – 169,795 hours in the park.
have been increased visibility of Olympic National Park Visitor  Most commonly visited sites
the Olympic Mountains causing Center (Port Angeles) – 139,786 were Hurricane Ridge Visitor
more visitors from Seattle to Hurricane Ridge – 72,000 Center (47%), Hoh Rain
come to the park. Kalaloch – 18,722 Forest (44%), Lake Crescent
Storm King – 16,471 (33%), and the Olympic
NPS/USFS Recreation National Park Visitor Center
Information Center in Forks – (31%).
14,515
Staircase – 4,780
Quinault Rain Forest Ranger
Station – 3,047

 Most common activities During the October 2009,  Non-English speakers and
were sightseeing/scenic Foundation workshop the readers
drive (88%), walking on following groups were identified  Youth and organized youth
nature trails (77%), enjoying as currently visiting Olympic groups
wilderness, solitude, quiet National Park based on  First time visitors
(73%), viewing wildlife particular interests and needs:  Repeat, experienced visitors
(72%), and hiking (71%).  Retirees and empty-nesters
 Most used interpretive  Education groups of all ages  Consumptive users
services were park brochure  Technology users and virtual  Accidental/Unintentional
(91%), entrance station visitors  Park staff and partners
information (65%), and  General/Family – multi-  Service groups
trailhead bulletin boards generational groups
(52%).  Local residents – including During the lifetime of this Long-
 Most important interpretive Hispanic and American Range Interpretive Plan, park
services were park brochure Indian communities staff will provide increased
(80% of 710 respondents),  Recreational users and guides interpretive opportunities
information desk service o Backcountry and front for youth, education groups,
(78% of 332 respondents), country and diverse and underserved
and ranger-led walks/talks o Self-guided and guided communities.
(89% of 77 respondents).
Kalaloch Ranger Station, a small facility, has engaging exhibits produced in-house.

Issues and Challenges  Resource and ecological  Changing visitor motivations

changes – Natural processes – In this increasingly
Affecting Interpretation
including washouts and rock media-rich environment,
slides; sea level change and visitor tastes, motivations,
Olympic National Park has
coastal erosion; the listing and desires are constantly
many assets upon which to
and de-listing of endangered changing. It will be
build an effective interpretive
species; and invasive exotics incumbent upon park staff
program, including evocative
and non-native species will and partners to identify those
and compelling stories,
produce changes to the changes and be flexible in
outstanding natural and cultural
resource that may affect addressing them.
resources, ongoing research, and
visitor experience. It will be  Current budget and reduced
dedicated staff and supporters.
incumbent upon park staff permanent staffing – Like
It also faces a number of
and partners to identify those most NPS sites, the park
issues and challenges. Well-
changes and be flexible in is doing more with less.
designed programs can build
addressing them. Over the past 10 years,
on interpretive strengths to
 Anniversary Events – The the interpretive division
help overcome these issues and
75th anniversary of Olympic permanent staff has
challenges.
National Park in 2013 and continued to shrink, reducing
the National Park Service capacity while demands for
 Park planning efforts –
Centennial in 2016 will services have increased.
require adequate staffing,  Embracing changing
is currently working on a
funding, and programming technology – Park staff have
number of planning efforts
to showcase the best that the varied expertise and capacity
and anticipates both updating
NPS can offer. to develop and make use of
and initiating a number of
 Elwha River Restoration – available technologies now
new plans, including Olympic
Ecosystem restoration commonly used in other
Discovery Trail, Kestner
activities including the park sites (video/audiocasts,
Homestead, wilderness,
removal of the Glines Canyon Twitter, Facebook).
transportation, fire plan,
and Elwha Dams will have  Changing demographics –
site planning for the Glines
an impact on the visitor Changes in local population
Canyon area, and concession
experience until about 2015. levels with increasing
prospectus for both Kalaloch
Keeping visitors apprised of numbers of retirees and
Lodge and Log Cabin Resort.
the different aspects of this Hispanics could result in the
Representatives from the
multi-year project will help park making changes to the
Interpretation and Education
them better understand why interpretive and educational
Division will assist in the
they cannot access certain programming to meet the
development of these and
areas that they have been able needs of these groups.
other park planning efforts.
to go into in the past.
 Land use outside of the
 Economics – The 2009
park – Olympic National
economic downturn did
Park’s location makes it
prompt and compel more
highly susceptible to many
stay at home vacation
external threats that will
experiences. Since many
require adequate planning
park visitors come from
and cooperation with local
the Seattle-Tacoma area,
entities, tribes, and agencies
it provides the park an
to ensure quality viewshed,
opportunity to further inform
air, soundscape, and visitor
and promote itself as a local
experience.
“staycation” destination.

Part Two: Existing Conditions
The following is a brief and generalized description of visitor experiences and interpretive services that
existed in FY2008-FY2009. The purpose of this section is to provide a baseline description of current
activities, interpretive media, and visitor programs that can be expected to continue. Unexpected impacts
to the existing condition due to situations like major storm events, road washouts, new initiatives, or
significant park budget or staff reductions could significantly affect the plan’s proposed actions.

Information and forwarded to the Wilderness Website

Information Center (WIC), but
Orientation
sometimes the interpretation The park website is a very
staff assists with these requests. popular way to gain information
Marketing
In addition, some requests about the park. The park Public
that require more specific Affairs Officer is the webmaster,
The park informs the public of
information about various park and representatives from various
upcoming events and special
programs and management park divisions contribute web
programs through press releases
initiatives are forwarded to the content and updates. Most of the
that are sent to a mailing list
park superintendent’s office park one-page site bulletins are
that includes: regional media
for routing or response. It has available on the website.
contacts such as newspapers,
been observed that brochure
radio, and television stations;
requests are decreasing, as park Travelers Information
interested agencies and non-
web visitors are finding the System (TIS)
government organizations, and
information they seek on the
interested individuals. These
park website. The park has three TIS systems.
releases are also posted on the
park website. The park also has The Lake Crescent and Quinault
a newsletter that is published
Signs systems are managed and
approximately six times per maintained by the protection
Except for visitors arriving by division, and one at Olympic
year and is sent electronically to
ferry from Vancouver Island, National Park Visitor Center
park stakeholders and interested
most visitors use Highway 101 (ONPVC) is managed and
individuals. All of these
and spur roads to access the park. maintained by the interpretation
marketing pieces are created by
Highway 101 generally encircles division. The ONPVC message
the Public Affairs Office, an office
the park and connects the access reflects general park information
under the supervision of the
roads that lead to the three including relevant safety
park superintendent. In addition
primary peninsula ecosystems: messages, information on
posters are developed by the park
coast, forest (including rain campgrounds and pets, ONPVC/
education staff and distributed
forest), and mountains. Visitors WIC hours, and where to go for
in the local area for events such
can be confused about where the more information, for example
as National Junior Ranger Day,
park is, because the highway also the ONPVC front porch and
National Public Lands Day, and
goes through Olympic National park website. These are outdated
the Perspectives Series.
Forest, tribal and state lands, systems that do not reach a
private timberlands, gateway sufficient broadcast area. These
Information Services
communities, and private lands. systems should be replaced with
The park receives information updated systems and the park
There are NPS brown metal should explore the feasibility of
requests on a daily basis via
directional signs as well as installing systems in new areas
letters, phone calls, and e-mail
wooden signs indicating that to better meet the needs of park
messages. While many of the
visitors are entering or leaving visitors.
requests are for basic information
the park. The signs are dated
about the park and/or directions
in appearance and the NPS
to the park, there are also many
arrowhead logos include
requests for a wide range of
“Department of the Interior”
information including content for
which is no longer used.
school projects. A large number
of inquiries are for backcountry
The park has a master sign plan
information, and tend to be more
that should be revisited to ensure
detailed in nature. Depending
it reflects current management
on the time of year, backcountry
goals.
information requests are

Facilities Information Center in Quinault The following areas have

staffed by both NPS and USFS entrance stations: Hurricane
The front-country of the park, personnel; and the Hoodsport Ridge (Heart O’ the Hills),
which encompasses only 5% Information Center staffed Elwha, Sol Duc, Hoh, and
of the total acreage, is where by Shelton-Mason Chamber Staircase. These stations are all
the visitor facilities are located of Commerce employees and staffed in the summer season and
and the majority of interpretive volunteers. These facilities most have some shoulder season
services are offered. enhance visitor experience of the staffing. At most locations, fees
park by providing information are collected year-round either
The park manages three visitor and orientation services, by staff or self-serve payment
centers: Olympic National Park passport stamps, interpretive stations. Fees are collected at
Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge media, cooperating associations Ozette only through the self-
Visitor Center and Hoh Visitor sales, and in most areas, federal serve payment station.
Center; four ranger stations, fee permit sales.
primarily staffed by interpreters Olympic National Park
or volunteers: Staircase, Storm The park General Management Visitor Center (ONPVC)
King, Kalaloch, and Quinault Plan (GMP) envisions a visitor
Rain Forest; and six other ranger center for each of the significant Port Angeles, the largest
stations staffed intermittently ecosystems Olympic protects: community on the Peninsula, is
by visitor protection rangers mountain, forest, and coast, as the location of park headquarters
or volunteers: Elwha, Eagle, well as a visitor center which and the only year-round park
Ozette, Mora, Dosewallips, and provides an overall orientation visitor information facility,
Deer Park. In addition, there to the significant resources of Olympic National Park Visitor
are partner-staffed facilities the park. To fulfill this vision the Center. The grounds and local
including the NPS/USFS GMP recommends a partner trails are frequently used by
Recreation Information Center in visitor center for the coastal local community members and
Forks staffed by NPS employees, resources. adjacent neighbors. ONPVC is
the USFS/NPS Recreation open daily, year-round except
December 25 and Thanksgiving
Day; from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in
the summer and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00
p.m. during the winter. Hours
vary during the spring and fall
months depending on current
staffing levels.
ONPVC exhibits introduce

the park’s three ecosystems,
highlight many of the park’s
significant resources, and provide
orientation services and maps.
The children’s Discovery Room
contains numerous activities
including activity drawers,
various puzzles, discovery
boxes, large-scale murals of each
ecosystem, a diminutive ranger
station, a totem pole that can be
redesigned using felt shapes, a
salmon spawning activity, a poem
writing activity, and a computer
for both the Olympic Odyssey
A wide variety of wayfinding signs directs visitors to key park features. program and the microscope.

The auditorium is used for many winter recreation. The Hurricane on weekends. Since the building
special events and programs and Ridge Winter Sports Club is opened and closed by facility
upon request, shows the park provides two mechanized rope and protection ranger staff, there
film, Mosaic of Diversity. The film tows and a Poma lift, and offers are many morning and evening
is open captioned and assistive downhill skiing, downhill ski hours throughout the year when
listening devices are available school, and a terrain park within the building is open to visitors,
upon request. Park information, their assigned area during the and the information desk is
orientation, and maps are also winter season of mid-December not staffed. The maps, exhibits,
available. One of the information to the end of March. and film are available and
desk components is accessible. designed for use even when the
The bookshop and sales area Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center information desk is unstaffed.
is operated by Discover Your is staffed daily in the summer
Northwest with primary focus on from 10:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. and Concessions food and sales
educational materials and safety in the winter on weekends and area are open daily 10:00 a.m.
items. holiday Mondays from 10:00 – 6:00 p.m. in summer (usually
a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A new accessible early May to early October) and
The park library is located at information desk was installed 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. weekends
ONPVC and is open to all park in May 2010. Maps, exhibits, and holidays in winter (mid-
employees and the public upon and a film on the subalpine December to end of March).
request. environment, Life on the Edge,
are also available. The film is The area also has a number of
Wilderness Information open captioned and assistive trails and a picnic area.
Center (WIC) listening devices are available
upon request. Elwha
Backcountry information,
orientation, and wilderness It is likely that short-term funding Although the park has not had a
permits are provided at the WIC, will become available to extend significant interpretive presence
which is located in the ONPVC. Hurricane Ridge Road winter in the Elwha valley in decades,
In summer, WIC-funded staff plowing and increase winter the river restoration project has
are located at several field staffing beginning in FY2011. drawn a great deal of attention
areas, including the Recreation The visitor center is staffed to this area. Once a prime habitat
Information Center (RIC) in occasionally with volunteers in for all five salmon species found
Forks, Ozette, Hoh, and Quinault the fall and spring months. In in the park, as well as ancestral
(USFS office). During the early May, the building is staffed American Indian lands, the
winter, ONPVC, RIC and Hoh
VC staff assists with providing
backcountry orientation and
issuing permits primarily on
weekends. The WIC information
desk is accessible.
Hurricane Ridge
Providing unique visitor access

and spectacular views, Hurricane
Ridge is the only paved road to
higher elevations in the park,
thus it serves as the primary
interpretive and access point
for the sub-alpine and alpine
ecosystems. It is also the only
location with winter plowing to The Elwha River Restoration project is interpreted with a variety of exhibits,
provide access to snow-based publications, and interpretive programs.

Elwha River valley has been natural resources as well as a Log Cabin Resort is a concession
more notably marked by human rich cultural heritage of over a facility on the north shore of
intrusions since the early 20th century of recreational activity. Lake Crescent operated by Log
century. Two hydro-electric dams Trails are accessed year-round Cabin Resort, Inc., with lodging,
drastically altered the valley, with the most popular being dining, gifts, groceries, RV
forming two lakes, and cutting off the short hike to the stunning campground, and non-motorized
salmon spawning routes up-river Marymere Falls. boat rentals. Ranger programs
for nearly a century. are offered in the summer at the
The Storm King Ranger Station, campfire circle near the lake once
For the past two summers, open daily in the summer only a week and approximately 25
interpreters have been roving from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., guests attend each program.
the Glines Canyon Dam area provides visitors with a glimpse
providing detailed informal of a former ranger station with Sol Duc
interpretation about the Elwha a stone fireplace, chairs, tables,
River Restoration project, and information, a large-sized relief Old-growth forest, subalpine
presenting campfire programs map, trail maps, and a Discover lakes, and snowy peaks populate
at Altair Campground. In the Your Northwest sales area. the Sol Duc landscape, while
summer of 2010, interpretive Ranger conducted walks to the Sol Duc River serves
rangers assisted with providing Marymere Falls are offered in as a key highway for coho
information, orientation, and summer. salmon, flowing through the
interpretation services at the valley and ascending to the
ranger station and the station No programs are currently lakes and headwaters in the
was upgraded with temporary offered at Fairholme surrounding mountains. The
exhibits and a small Discover Campground amphitheater interpretive kiosk near the
Your Northwest sales area. The due to storm damage to the Sol Duc entrance station,
information desk is accessible. projection booth. Fairholme five wayside exhibits, and the
Staffing levels are expected to Store is a concession facility Eagle Ranger Station provide
increase as dam removal is poised operated by ARAMARK offering visitors with park information,
to begin. groceries, grab and go foods, wilderness permit information,
gifts, and camping supplies and a small Discover Your
Olympic Raft & Kayak is a during the summer only. Northwest sales area. The ranger
concession operation offering station does not have interpretive
guided raft float trips on the Lake Crescent Lodge is a exhibits.
Elwha River. The put in spot is at concession facility operated by
Altair Campground and the take ARAMARK with lodging, dining, A major recreational attraction
out is at Lake Aldwell. gifts, and non-motorized boat is the Sol Duc Hot Springs
rentals. It is open during the Resort. This concession facility
Lake Crescent summer, though cabins with is operated by ARAMARK and
no food service are sometimes provides lodging, dining, hot
Lake Crescent offers a wonderful available in the shoulder seasons. mineral pools, swimming pool,
perspective of the diversity and Ranger programs are offered at gifts, convenience store, and an
beauty represented in Olympic a campfire circle near the lake RV campground with electric,
National Park. Visitors drive in the summer with up to 25 water, and sewer hook-ups.
or walk along the shores of a guests attending. The current Ranger programs are offered at
glacially-carved lake, or recreate concessioner has proposed the Sol Duc Campground nightly
in the same waters populated providing interpretive programs in the summer.
by types of fish found nowhere at times that complement the
else. They are surrounded by NPS schedule including guided
lowland old-growth forests, a kayak tours, guided Mount Storm
record Grand fir, Barnes Creek, King hikes, evening programs,
and the high country of the and conducted walks.
Olympic Wilderness. Trails
provide access to these amazing

Ozette May 1 and September 30, over 70 miles of wild coast, much
most overnight users arrive of it designated as wilderness. This
With the tall seastacks that dot at Ozette with permits they is one of the longest, undeveloped
the coast, the crystal waters obtained through the Wilderness stretches of coast in the lower 48
of Lake Ozette, the grandeur Information Center. states.
of the old growth forests,
wilderness access, and rich Interpretation services at Ozette As staffing allows, the Mora
history, the Ozette area is full consist of an outdoor kiosk Ranger Station is open in the
of opportunities to explore a of exhibits and the Coastal summer for park information.
diverse landscape. Discoveries Clock trail guide. The park has Wheelchair access to view Rialto
in the past century have not offered ranger presented Beach is possible in the summer
unearthed the presence of a programs in over 20 years. months with the placement of a
culture dating back at least 2,000 wooden trail structure and ramp.
years, as well as a well-preserved Mora
300-year-old village that had NPS/USFS Recreation
been covered by a mudslide. Rocky beaches, giant drift logs, Information Center (RIC) at
Over 50,000 artifacts were pounding waves, and views Forks
recovered, many of which now of offshore islands known as
reside at the Makah Cultural and seastacks are features that define The RIC is a primary visitor
Research Center in Neah Bay. Rialto Beach. The one-mile contact station for visitors wanting
one-way coastal hike to Hole- information and orientation
The Ozette Ranger Station, in-the-Wall is very popular with services for NPS, USFS,
staffed by wilderness rangers visitors. Just inland is the Mora State Department of Natural
and volunteers, is open in the area, characterized by towering Resources, and other public lands
summer for park information. trees, lush undergrowth, and the on the west side of the Olympic
This is a major coastal wilderness omnipresent roar of the Pacific Peninsula. It serves as a Discover
access point and since advance Ocean in the background. This is Your Northwest sales area and is
reservations for backcountry also the center of the coastal strip second only to the WIC for issuing
stays are required between of the park, an area that protects wilderness permits. Staff provides
wilderness permit information,
issues wilderness permits and bear
cans, and sells federal fee passes
and USFS Christmas tree permits
in November and December. A
great deal of time is spent assisting
visitors with backcountry trip
planning, and ensuring visitors
understand potential safety
concerns and resource protection
regulations.
The RIC shares occupancy with

the Forks Transit Center which
acts as a hub for buses along
the north and west side of the
peninsula. The location provides
a rest stop for through-travelers
and is a “park and ride” location
for commuters. The various uses
of this facility have resulted in
confusion and conflicts between
transit station and park users and
The outdoor kiosk at Ozette displays wilderness safety and interpretive exhibits. uses.

The Olympic Peninsula is the Campground is open year-round Quinault Rain Forest
setting for the popular Twilight and is the only campground
series of books and movies. As in the park that takes campsite With its stunning scenery, old-
a result, the Olympic Peninsula, reservations for the summer growth temperate rain forest, rich
particularly the Forks area, months. American Indian and homesteader
is experiencing a substantial history, and easy access to
increase in tourism. Hoh Rain Forest community and visitor services,
the Quinault Rain Forest has
Staffed by Interpretation The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor outstanding potential to become
Division visitor use assistants Center is currently the most an unrivaled visitor experience.
in the summer and the Coastal visited contact destination for This area provides a diversity of
Interpreter in the shoulder visitors wishing to experience the visitor experiences from Olympic
seasons, the information center is old growth temperate rain forest. National Park, Olympic National
open daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Visitors driving into and walking Forest, and Quinault Nation lands
the summer and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 around the Hoh Rain Forest find and waters.
p.m. Friday through Sunday in themselves immersed in a lush
the fall and spring. rain forest of very large and old The Quinault Rain Forest Ranger
trees. Staff interpretive programs Station is open during the summer
Kalaloch describe the rain forest’s unique Thursday – Monday from 9:00
attributes, as well as, the role this a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Because this
With its intertidal pools, excellent forest played in the creation of station has only one seasonal
bird watching opportunities, Olympic National Park. interpreter, it is closed from about
beautiful sunsets, and multiple 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. so the
coastal access trails, Kalaloch is The visitor center is open daily interpreter can take a lunch break
one of the most visited areas of from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. during and conduct a guided walk. An
Olympic National Park. Known the summer and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 accessible information desk and
for its variety of shoreline p.m. Friday – Sunday the rest new ranger station exhibits were
communities, visitors explore of the year. A new accessible designed and installed between
tide pools at Beach 4, view information desk was installed in 1999 and 2002.
seastacks and rocky shoreline September 2010. In addition to
at Ruby Beach, or walk on the exhibits, there is a WIC-staffed In Olympic National Forest,
broad sandy beach at Kalaloch. backcountry desk and a Discover the Lake Quinault Lodge, an
All of these opportunities are Your Northwest sales area. ARAMARK concession, provides
available directly off of Highway
101.
The small, one-room Kalaloch

Ranger Station is open daily 9:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from mid-May
through September featuring
an accessible information desk,
new exhibits, and a Discover
Your Northwest sales area. The
Kalaloch Lodge is a concession
facility operated by ARAMARK
and provides lodging, dining,
gift shop, groceries, vehicle fuel,
and group campsite year-round.
There are two park campgrounds
in this area, Kalaloch and South
Beach, both providing great
views of the Pacific Ocean from Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station features high quality, informative park-
a number of sites. Kalaloch produced exhibits.

lodging, dining, gift shop, and Committee to build upon the Trails
interpretive services, including recommendations from the
evening programs, cultural Expedia project. A variety of short (0.1 to 2-mile)
demonstrations, and guided bus one-way and loop trails are
and boat tours. On occasion, Staircase available from most of the main
NPS interpreters have presented access points encircling the
evening programs at the lodge. Located in a stunning lowland park. The trails lead visitors
forest dominated by enormous to natural features such as
The USFS/NPS Recreation Douglas-firs and the babbling waterfalls and historic resources
Information Center at the USFS North Fork Skokomish River, including Kestner Homestead.
Quinault District Office is open the Staircase Ranger Station is Trail brochures are offered for
daily Memorial Day through open in summer and provides a $1.00 donation at many of
Labor Day; weekdays only the information, exhibits, wilderness these trails. The Madison Falls
rest of the year. permits, and a Discover Your trail in the Elwha Valley meets
Northwest sales area. The ranger accessibility standards, and there
Expedia, based in Bellevue, station is primarily staffed by are also trails that are wheelchair
Washington, is committed Protection and Interpretation accessible with assistance.
to supporting the long-term Division rangers and volunteers
sustainability of communities during the late spring, summer, Over 600 miles of trails
in and around World Heritage and early fall months. provide access to the Olympic
Sites, and in 2009, the company Wilderness. Wilderness access
sponsored a team of tourism Dosewallips is found throughout the park,
experts to the Lake Quinault notably Staircase, Whiskey
community for a two-week Due to a road washout outside Bend and Olympic Hot Springs
tourism consultancy project. As park boundaries, the area has not Roads in the Elwha Valley, Sol
a result agencies and tourism been staffed for about eight years. Duc, Ozette, Mora, Hoh, and
organizations, including Olympic Even prior to the washout, there Graves Creek and North Fork
National Park, have formed were no interpretive programs Roads in the Lake Quinault
the Lake Quinault Tourism presented at Dosewallips. area. Ozette Loop, a nine-mile
loop connecting Cape Alava and
Sandpoint trails, is one of the
most heavily visited areas in the
park and the most heavily visited
backcountry area in the NPS.
Olympic Discovery Trail

may eventually connect Port
Townsend and Forks. Currently
sections are completed from
Sequim Bay to Fairholme. In the
park, the trail follows the Spruce
Railroad trail through the Lake
Crescent area of the park with a
new section of trail continuing
west towards Fairholme. Clallam
County has the lead for sections
in Clallam County and is working
with the park for sections within
park boundaries.
Backpackers can access the Olympic Wilderness on 600 miles of trails.

Interpretive Media Site bulletins are available to along Fairholme Campground

provide specific information Trail, Heart O’ the Forest
Audiovisual Presentations about the park. Color Trail, Marymere Falls Trail,
banners categorize the type of Spruce Railroad Trail, and Sol
Films are available at ONPVC and information found in the one- Duc Falls Trail. A large-print
Hurricane Ridge. Both films have page site bulletins: version was developed and
subtitles which are always on,  Brown banner – WIC series printed in 2010. The other trail
and there are audio-description on wilderness/backcountry brochures highlight nature trails
and assistive listening tracks and destinations, stock use, and located throughout the park.
receivers available for visitors with food storage regulations. They include Madison Falls,
vision or hearing disabilities.  Green banner – Natural Cascading Terraces and Kestner
and cultural history series Homestead Trail at Quinault,
ONPVC – Mosaic of Diversity is includes park formation The Coastal Clock at several
a 27-minute film highlighting the and history, threatened coastal locations, Ancient Groves
ecosystems and species diversity and endangered species, at Sol Duc, Staircase Rapids at
of Olympic National Park, its marmots, weather, butterflies, Staircase, Moments in Time at
wilderness character, and the and other topics. Lake Crescent, Rainshadow Trail
millennia of human habitation  Blue banner – Park on Blue Mountain and Salmon
and use of the bountiful orientation and planning Swimmers in the Forest at various
resources. The film is shown upon series highlights each park lowland locations. The park
request. The children’s Discovery area, with a map and list of requests a $1.00 donation for the
Room has a computer where trails and facilities as well as booklets.
visitors can play Olympic Odyssey, interpretive information.
an interactive game, to learn  Black banner – General Two Discover Your Northwest
about some of the park’s natural information, including sales items featuring Hurricane
and cultural resources. The concession rates and pet Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest
room also contains a microscope regulations. are out of print.
with a camera that projects These site bulletins are reviewed
the magnified object onto the and updated as information
computer monitor. changes. Many are available
on the park website. Other
Hurricane Ridge – Life on the free publications are one-time
Edge highlights mountain ecology projects, such as Fish of Olympic
and is approximately 20 minutes. National Park. If the information
When the visitor center is staffed, is accurate, these publications are
the film is shown upon request. distributed while supply lasts.
When the building is unstaffed
a self-service system is used to The park newspaper “Bugler”
activate the film. is published twice a year,
summer and winter. Interpretive
Publications programs, facility locations and
hours, resource management
According to the FY2009 issues, and safety information are
Servicewide Interpretive Report publicized in the paper.
the park distributes 69 different
publications. In 2009, the Official Ten different trail brochures
Park Map and Guide and the are available for use on shorter,
Olympic Wilderness Trip Planner resource specific trails. Ever
were updated and reprinted. changing, ever green: the low-
These publications are updated elevation forests Olympic
and reprinted annually. Freeing the National Park is a lowland forest
Elwha was designed and printed plant identification guide and
Site bulletins provide trip planning
in 2009. interpretive brochure for use and park resource information.

Bulletin Boards Wayside Exhibits Wayside exhibit text, photos,

and asset details are input
The Protection Division is In July 1980, a wayside exhibit into the NPS Media Inventory
responsible for maintaining park plan was created by Harpers Database System (MIDS) and
bulletin boards. Information Ferry Center for 155 new wayside the NPS Facility Management
posted by area rangers includes exhibits located throughout the Software System (FMSS). An
safety regulations and other park. Most of these exhibits are in-park database for tracking
important, timely items. Several still in place and several have repairs, replacements, and
years ago a design plan was been updated. In addition, the future corrections was recently
created to bring consistency to park has added a number of expanded and updated. The
park bulletin boards. In areas wayside exhibits. These include database identifies exhibits with
where interpretive programs trailhead wilderness exhibits that inaccurate or out of date text and
are conducted, interpretation feature maps, safety, and other notes ideas for subjects that are
has space on the bulletin board backcountry information at eight not interpreted including climate
to post program information park trailhead areas; porcelain change, glacial retreat, sea-level,
under a Ranger Program heading enamel exhibits on the Moments spills, ocean acidification, debris,
that matches the system design. in Time Trail; interpretive and new fossil sea star find at Beach
Initially, components had a rigid panoramic peak identifier 4, and endemic marmots and
lamination, consistent fonts, exhibit at Hurricane Ridge; their decline. Interpretive staff
colors, and more, but as the interpretive exhibits at Sol Duc needs to prioritize the inventory
original laminated components along the road, at the resort, and and seek funding for improving
faded, were vandalized, or in the kiosk; exhibits outside the wayside exhibits, while being
needed to be replaced due Kalaloch Ranger Station; lobelia mindful that the park is already
to changing information, the exhibit at Lake Crescent; and maintaining a very large number
standards at many of the bulletin salmon and trout exhibits at Sol of wayside exhibits.
boards relaxed resulting in a Duc and Lake Crescent. All of
less uniform look to the bulletin these exhibits are inventoried on
boards throughout the park. a park database.
Wilderness trailhead exhibits, located at several park areas, offer hikers backcountry maps and safety information.

Exhibits interconnecting water systems feature some natural and cultural

and watersheds, or the world history artifacts reflective of the
ONPVC heritage designation. The exhibit area; and the Forks Recreation
Exhibits are current and relevant. room becomes very crowded Information Center has some
The Discovery Room provides because of its design and the exhibits. The Elwha Ranger
interactive learning. Other resulting bottleneck can create a Station has a new four-panel
exhibits in the building provide frustrating experience for visitors fabric exhibit on a metal frame,
accessible learning opportunities, trying to get in and get out. a small relief model of the park,
notably the animal tracks exhibit and a life-sized paper mache fish
which was updated in 2010 Kalaloch, Staircase, and Quinault exhibit.
with tactile improvements. A have new exhibits designed by
temporary exhibit on the Elwha park staff and installed within All visitor center and ranger
River Restoration project is on the past fifteen years. They station exhibit assets are
display. In 2009 the visitor center feature text panels and hands-on described in a very detailed
was remodeled to integrate exhibits about Olympic National manner in the NPS Facility
the WIC into the building. As Park’s history, natural history, Management Software System
a result, there was a decrease and American Indian themes. (FMSS).
in area available for visitor Outdoor exhibit panels in Ozette
information and orientation
services and for Discover Your
Northwest sales and storage.
Hurricane Ridge
Temporary exhibits, installed
in 1984, provide information
about early exploration, trees
and other plants, and general
park wildlife. The herbarium and
changing climate exhibits were
installed in the late 1990s. These
exhibits occupy the upper floor
of the visitor center. Although
the exhibit hall is beautiful, the
exhibits are of poor quality and
amateurish design. There has
never been a thematic approach
and the exhibits reflect different
styles and designs from several
decades.
Hoh Rain Forest

The existing exhibits were
designed, fabricated, and
installed over forty years ago
when park visitation was much
lower. The exhibits and exhibit
space have become outdated
and worn, with some of the
contents damaged, inaccurate,
and misleading. They are not
interactive or engaging to today’s
diverse audiences. There is no
information about fish or fishing, ONPVC exhibits introduce visitors to a variety of park resources.

When not displayed at special restoration to the economic and Discovery Backpack
events, the traveling outreach ecologic future of the Olympic
exhibit for Elwha River Peninsula and the marine Park visitors can borrow a
Restoration is on display in the environments of the Strait of backpack filled with binoculars,
ONPVC. The exhibit includes Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. guidebooks, and more for a $5.00
panels describing aspects of donation. The backpacks are
the Elwha River Restoration Junior Ranger available year-round at ONPVC
project, including the history of and at staffed facilities during
the dams, ecological significance During FY2009 9,066 family the summer (Hoh, Quinault,
of salmon, habitat restoration members participated in the Kalaloch, Storm King, and
efforts, cultural significance Discovering Olympic’s Web of Hurricane Ridge). The backpacks
of the watershed to the Lower Life program designed for ages are intended to provide a
Elwha Klallam people, education 5 and up. A $1.00 per copy structured way to explore and
programs, and research efforts. donation supports the junior experience the park.
An interactive, educational ranger program and covers
computer visualization display printing and badge costs. The
using fly-over animation of the park has submitted a funding
watershed before, during, and request from the NPS National
after restoration, as well as a 3-D Junior Ranger funding source
manipulative table model of the and if these funds are received
watershed showing pre- and Discover Your Northwest will
post-dam removal landscape are no longer accept donations from
used at community events and participants. In 2010, Discover
schools. In addition, the exhibit Your Northwest reprinted the
displays National Park Service booklet. ARAMARK purchased
and partner-printed material junior ranger books to sell at
including the Freeing the Elwha Sol Duc. During the past three
brochure, a fact sheet, and years, hundreds of participants
timeline. Partners and volunteers have celebrated National Junior
have been trained to set-up the Ranger day at ONPVC.
display and interpret the Elwha
Restoration Project.
The Feiro Marine Life Center

(FMLC), City of Port Angeles,
and Peninsula College Center
of Excellence are partnering
with Olympic National Park to
interpret the ecological benefits
of dam removal and Elwha
River restoration to the marine
resources, and the role of the
dams in local community history.
A 10-foot hands-on interactive
model of Glines Canyon Dam
and Lake Mills complete with
running water representing the
Elwha River at various flows,
has been installed in the FMLC.
Exhibit panels will tell the stories
of the dam’s role in building
the City of Port Angeles and
the importance of watershed In FY2009, over 9,000 family members participated in the Junior Ranger program.

Interpretive Media Scientific Publications North Coast and Cascades

Assets Science Learning Network
The park has an online (NCCSLN)
Media assets include other searchable database, Nature Bib,
park resources available to of Olympic-related scientific A NCCSLN website is being
interpretation that support publications. The database is developed by staff from parks
the design of personal services available to park staff and the throughout the network to
programs or interpretive media. park curator is available to assist communicate information about
with searches. Original articles the natural resource inventory
Interpretive Prop Collection are usually housed in the cultural and monitoring program and
archives. research being conducted in the
Natural items, such as skins, network parks. This information
skulls, rocks, laminated historic Art Work will be useful to visitors and
photos, and models are housed interpreters as they prepare
in visitor centers throughout the The park has a restricted digital programs on various topics.
park and are available for use file of original art for media
in programs and exhibits. This projects. It is available for use on
interpretive prop collection is a request basis. An exhibit storage
catalogued in an Excel database. cabinet is located in the ONPVC.
It houses original art and exhibit
Interpretive Digital Photo models that need protection.
Library
Park Library
The park has a collection of
both not-for-publication and The park library, located in the
public domain images for use ONPVC, is available to all park
in programs, exhibits, and employees and volunteers to
publications. The collection use as a resource. It is open to
needs more attention and an the public upon request. There
ongoing upkeep strategy. Other is a networked online catalog
divisions also have images, but for searching the collection. In
there is no parkwide central addition, most of the other park
library. visitor centers, ranger stations,
and contact stations have small
Artifact Collection and collections of books relevant
Archives to those areas. The library also
contains a collection of VHS
The Cultural Resource tapes and a small set of DVDs.
Management Division is Additionally, there is a collection
responsible for the park of science files that feature
collection and archives. Park scientific papers addressing park
staff can access and utilize, as topics. This hard-copy collection
appropriate, archival documents is scheduled to be digitized in the
by contacting the collections next few years.
specialist.

Personal Services  Ecosystem Olympics, a Freeing the Elwha is an integrated

curriculum-based program, curriculum for middle-school
Education delivered off-site for the students. Lessons address
fourth grade classes on Washington State standards
According to the FY2009 the Olympic Peninsula. in Science, Social Studies, and
Servicewide Interpretive Report, The program serves as an Language Arts. The curriculum
138 education programs were introduction to the three is web-based and designed to
presented to 7,624 visitors by major ecosystems in the be updated as teachers share
both Olympic National Park student’s “backyard” – best practices. The curriculum
education rangers and Olympic Olympic National Park. project was developed to allow
Park Institute educators.  Specific programs requested lesson plans to be modified as the
by teachers (from preschool restoration effort progressed and
The Outreach and Education to college) when staffing and needs of the project, students,
Specialist and a seasonal provide time allow. and educators changed. The
the following:  In cooperation with Feiro curriculum is also available on
Marine Life Center and the Elwha River and Salmon
 On-site curriculum-based Olympic Coast National Restoration compact disc.
programs on insects and Marine Sanctuary, North This CD-ROM also includes
plants support the Science/ Olympic Watershed (NOW) a PowerPoint program on
FOSS (Full Option Science Science programs are offered the background of the Elwha
System) Kit curriculum used to fifth grade classes in the Restoration Project, a collection of
in the first and second grades Crescent, Port Angeles, and public domain images for partner
in the Crescent, Port Angeles, Sequim School districts. The and public use, and inquiry-based
and Sequim school districts. program has received funding student activities that explore
There is no transportation through a NOAA B-Wet grant salmon and habitat restoration,
funding, so not all schools that provided transportation Elwha tribal history, changing
can participate. funding that facilitated school cultural values towards the dams,
participation. and the physical processes related
to dam removal.
Four elementary grade traveling

trunks are available. They are
primarily used by homeschoolers.
The topics include adaptation,
living forest, ecosystem, and
salmon.
Olympic Park Institute (OPI)

provides three- to five-day
residential field science education
annually for about 4,000-6,000
students in grades 4-12. Teacher
workshops are offered that
demonstrate inquiry-based
teaching methods. In addition,
OPI works with Lower Elwha
Klallam Tribe and Western
Carolina University to deliver
weeklong summer programs for
middle and high school students.
These programs are supported
through the Diversity in the
Ecosystem Olympic is a 4th grade curriculum-based program presented in Geosciences grant from the
Olympic Peninsula classrooms.
National Science Foundation.
North Olympic Skills Center Community Outreach Elwha restoration and fisher
is an alternative high school reintroduction programs
engaged in resource management According to the FY2009 are presented to local civic
and service learning projects Servicewide Interpretive Report, and special interest groups.
with the park. The Outreach 72 community programs were Between late July and the end of
and Education Specialist serves offered. September 2008, a park ranger
on their Advisory Board, and contacted nearly 2,000 park
together with the natural A lecture series, “Perspectives,” visitors by presenting Elwha
resources teacher developed is offered annually November interpretive programs in the park,
an Elwha Field course for high through May. The program topics informal roving interpretation,
school students. focus on current park research and community outreach events.
and attract a local audience of
Special Events 50-60 people per lecture. Park staff participates in two-
to three-hour community
According to the FY2009 Children’s activities and park events such as literary events at
Servicewide Interpretive Report, information are provided at local the library, transition fair, the
two special events, National festivals held on the peninsula Kiwanis Kidsfest, and YMCA
Junior Ranger Day and the and other locations in the Healthy Kids program.
screening of America’s Best Idea region including the Juan de
PBS documentary at the Port Fuca Festival, Clallam County
Angeles High School, were held Fair, StreamFest, Dungeness
and 900 visitors attended. River Festival, National Park
Family Day events in Seattle,WA
and Vancouver, WA, the Crab
Festival, the Lavender Festival,
and Irrigation Festival.
Park rangers engage youth in interpretive experiences in the park and in many neighboring communities.

Personal Services Programs Elwha Hall of Mosses Trail Walk – 1.5-

Altair Campfire Program – hour guided walk offered daily
According to the FY2009 Saturday Evening Program – Monday,
Servicewide Interpretive Report, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and
1,462 formal programs were Lake Crescent Saturday
presented for 32,915 visitors Marymere Falls Walk – 1-hour
primarily in the summer season. guided walk offered daily Kalaloch
Lake Crescent Lodge Campfire Tide Pool or Beach Walk – 1.5-
ONPVC Program – Sunday, Tuesday, hour program in the morning
Discover Olympic! Talk 20- to Thursday, and Saturday Coastal Forest Walk – 2-hour
30-minute talk offered daily Log Cabin Resort Campfire guided walk daily
Family Nature Program – 1-hour Program – Monday and Friday Coastal Highlights Talk – short
program offered on Sunday talk offered daily
Sol Duc Evening Program – Monday,
Heart O’ the Hills Evening Program – nightly Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Family Forest Activities – 1.5-
hour program on Saturday Mora Quinault Rain Forest
Evening Program – Monday, Tide Pool Program or Beach Life in the Rain Forest Walk –
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday Walk – daily, meets at tide pool 1.5-hour guided walk offered
area 1.5 miles from Rialto Beach Thursday through Monday
Hurricane Ridge or 2-hour guided walk
Snowshoe Walk – 1.5-hour Family Forest Walk – 1.5-hour Staircase
program offered mid-December program offered intermittently Forest Walk – 1.5-hour guided
through March weekends and on Saturday and Sunday walk offered Friday through
holiday Mondays Evening Program – Monday, Sunday
Terrace Talk – 20-minute talk Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday Family Forest Activities – 1.5-
offered 3 times daily hour program offered on Sunday
Meadow Walk – 1-hour guided Hoh Rain Forest Campfire Program – Friday
walk offered 2 times daily Spruce Nature Trail Walk – 1.5- Evening Program – Saturday
Roving – daily in summer and hour guided walk offered daily
weekends in winter
Visitors attend guided walks in the Hoh Rain Forest and many other park areas.

Staffing  The GS-025-11 West District  The GS-025-11 Outreach

Interpreter oversees the and Education Specialist
The Interpretation and interpretive operations at oversees all of the
Education Division staff includes: Ozette, Mora, NPS/USFS curriculum-based education
Recreation Information initiatives, community
 The GS-025-13 Chief of Center, Hoh, Kalaloch, and outreach programs, and the
Interpretation and Education Quinault. Since the West North Coast and Cascades
serves as a member of the District Interpreter position communication activities.
park management team and is vacant, the East District The Outreach and Education
oversees all of the division’s Interpreter also supervises: Specialist is the liaison
areas of responsibilities. o GS-025-9 subject-to- between science, resource
The Chief serves as the park furlough Rain Forest management, interpretation,
partner liaison for Discover Interpreter (24 pay and the public, and
Your Northwest, Feiro periods) supervises seasonal staff
Marine Life Center, Forks o GS-025-9 subject- involved with environmental
Chamber of Commerce, to-furlough Coast education and outreach
Olympic National Forest, Interpreter (24 pay activities.
Olympic Park Institute, and periods)
Shelton-Mason Chamber
of Commerce. The chief
supervises:
o GS-025-11 East District
Interpreter
o GS-025-11 West District
Interpreter (vacant)
o GS-025-11 Outreach and
Education Specialist
o GS-025-11 Interpretive
Media Specialist
o GS-303-07 Administrative
Support Assistant
(vacant)
 The GS-025-11 East District
Interpreter oversees the
interpretive operations
at Staircase, ONPVC,
Hurricane Ridge, Elwha,
Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc.
The East District Interpreter
supervises:
o GS-025-9 ONPVC
Interpreter
o GS-025-9 subject-to-
furlough Hurricane
Ridge Interpreter (13 pay
periods)
o Staircase, Elwha, Lake
Crescent, and Sol Duc
seasonal staff
Guided snowshoe walks at Hurricane Ridge offer winter visitors a glimpse of the
Olympics.

 The GS-303-11 Interpretive staff seasons are shorter due

Media Specialist oversees to college schedules or other
all of the park’s interpretive circumstances. Seasonal staff
media assets, maintains and may be assigned to the following
updates existing media, locations:
evaluates media needs,
develops new media,  ONPVC/Hurricane Ridge:
conducts formative and 7 GS-025-5 full-time park
summative media evaluations, rangers, 4 GS-025-5 part-time
maintains media databases park rangers
(park and FMSS), and serves  Elwha: 1 GS-025-5 full-time
as the contracting officer’s park ranger
representative on media  Staircase: 1 GS-025-5 part-
projects. time park ranger
 Four GS-025-9 Interpreters  Lake Crescent/Sol Duc: 4 GS-
oversee the daily operation 025-5 full-time park rangers
and scheduling of their  Mora: 2 GS-025-5 full-time
respective locations and park rangers
supervise seasonal staff and  RIC: 3 GS-303-5 full-time
volunteers. visitor use assistants (WIC
 Since the 0.5 FTE GS- funded staff )
303-07 Administrative  Kalaloch: 3 GS-025-5 full-
Support Assistant is vacant, time park rangers and 1 GS-4
the Visitor Services and full-time visitor use assistant
Resource Protection Division  Hoh: 4 GS-025-5 full-time
Administrative Support park rangers
Assistant provides budget,  Quinault: 1 GS-025-5 full-
travel, and timekeeping time park ranger
assistance.  Environmental Education
and Outreach: 2 GS-025-5
Since only thirteen pay periods part-time park rangers
of salary are funded by the park
base account, the Hurricane For the past two winters, a
Ridge Interpreter assists with seasonal interpreter has worked
project funded initiatives such at ONPVC/Hurricane Ridge
as developing new interpretive from mid-December through
media and supporting special March. If the park receives
projects. FY2011 short-term funding for
winter operations, the park will
Summer seasonal interpreters hire an additional GS-025-5
work from June 1 through full-time seasonal park ranger to
September 30, although some work at Hurricane Ridge.

Partnerships ARAMARK is committed to model of the Glines Canyon

presenting interpretive programs area surrounded by murals and
Park Project Support at some of these locations and interpretive text. The park, Feiro
providing thematic displays at Marine Life Center, and Olympic
The Interpretation Division is their gift shops. ARAMARK staff Park Institute are also working
frequently requested to lend has attended park interpretive together on NOW Science
expertise by assisting other training sessions. (North Olympic Watershed
park program areas with the Science), a curriculum-based
accomplishment of projects or Discover Your Northwest education program focused on
initiatives. For some Natural The Pacific Northwest Regional Olympic Peninsula Watershed
Resource Management Division Office maintains a cooperative protection.
funding sources an interpretive agreement with Discover
component is either required or Your Northwest as the park’s Forks Chamber of Commerce
recommended. Funding sources cooperating association. and West Jefferson County
that require an interpretive Discover Your Northwest sales Tourism Committee
component include all Natural outlets are located at Hoh These two organizations
Resource Protection proposals and Olympic National Park contribute funding for 1.4
and any Natural Resources visitor centers, the NPS/USFS summer seasonal positions
Preservation Program (NRPP) Recreation Information Center at Kalaloch Ranger Station
Disturbed Land Restoration, in Forks, and at Staircase, Elwha, to provide park visitors with
Natural Resources Management, Storm King, Eagle, Kalaloch, information about the park and
and Threatened and Endangered and Quinault Rain Forest ranger western Olympic Peninsula
Species proposals that are greater stations. Hurricane Ridge is the visitor services.
than $100,000. An interpretive only visitor center without a sales
component is recommended for outlet. The park does not have a Friends of Olympic National
Air Quality-Natural Effects and scope of sales. Park
Natural Sound Program funding The mission of this organization
proposals. Prior to submitting FY2009 annual sales totaled is to support Olympic National
the proposal, the program lead $310,911. The park receives a Park in preserving the park’s
should connect with both the percentage donation based on natural, cultural, and recreational
Chief of Interpretation and annual sales. This donation is resources for the benefit of
the North Coast and Cascades used to support administration present and future generations.
Science Learning Network aid, free publications, interpretive The Friends of Olympic National
to determine the appropriate programs, library activities, office Park promote understanding
combination of interpretive expenses, branch improvements, of the park’s ecological,
services and/or interpretive marketing and promotions, and educational, economic, and
media for the proposal. park volunteer expenses. recreational importance, and
work with Olympic National
Feiro Marine Life Center Park on special projects,
Partners
The Feiro Marine Life Center, including co-sponsoring and
an educational and scientific providing refreshments for the
ARAMARK Parks and
organization promoting marine park’s annual “Perspectives”
Destinations
education and conservation, lecture series.
A park concessioner,
ARAMARK, operates three of shares a common goal with the
park to foster the understanding Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports
the four lodges in the park: Lake
of marine environments and Club
Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot
related watersheds of the A park permittee offering ski
Springs Resort, and Kalaloch
Olympic Peninsula. The Feiro services at Hurricane Ridge
Lodge, as well as Lake Quinault
Marine Life Center and the park during the winter season.
Lodge in Olympic National
Forest. In addition, they operate are working together to interpret
the snack bar and gift shop at the Elwha River Restoration
Hurricane Ridge and the visitor project with an exhibit at the
convenience store at Fairholme. Center that includes a working

Lake Quinault Tourism citizen science for seabird Olympic Park Institute’s largest
Committee monitoring, and until recently, program area is field science
A committee of the Lake provide NOAA funds to enhance education for school groups,
Quinault Community Action the seasonal interpretive staff at which constitutes about 17,000
Forum, the Lake Quinault Kalaloch and Mora. student program days each year
Tourism Committee’s mission is for a diverse group of young
to formulate, collate, evaluate, The Olympic Coast National people and their teachers.
and execute initiatives that Marine Sanctuary staff is Over half of the participants
promote and bring visitors to frequently called upon to receive scholarship funding
the Lake Quinault area and join or lead science and from Olympic Park Institute to
to generate awareness of the education peers in regional attend the field science program.
Lake Quinault brand. The environmental and ocean Through this inquiry-based
committee funds the operation literacy initiatives. The Sanctuary program, each student has a
of two area visitor information is just completing a general unique experience based on
centers, develops and prints management plan and will their personal connections
area brochures, and participates soon be developing a strategic formed with mountain, forest,
in tourism promotion events. approach to their education, and ocean ecosystems. In 2009,
Olympic National Park staff interpretation, capital facilities, Olympic National Park began a
attends monthly committee and stewardship activities. It is pilot project to provide a ranger-
meetings and recently received a mutually envisioned that the presented program about the
grant from Expedia to improve implementation actions in this mission of the National Park
wayfinding and interpretive signs Long-Range Interpretive Plan Service and the significant
in the Lake Quinault area. and the Sanctuary’s 10-year resources of Olympic National
interpretive plan are aligned. Park. It is a park management
Log Cabin Resort, Inc. goal to provide this park
A park concessioner operates Olympic National Forest stewardship program to all
Log Cabin Resort. The park and Olympic National students participating in the field
Forest share many common science program.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe boundaries around the
The park is partnering with the peninsula. The two agencies Currently about 25% of Olympic
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe on have formal agreements covering Park Institute’s programs either
Elwha River Restoration project several areas including operating focus or include a component
outreach and education efforts. and staffing two joint park/forest in the Elwha watershed. This
recreation information centers, includes student field science
Olympic Coast National one in Forks and the other on the groups, teacher professional
Marine Sanctuary south shore of Lake Quinault. development opportunities,
The park and the Olympic Coast NOW Science programs for
National Marine Sanctuary Olympic Park Institute north Olympic Peninsula school
work together on protection, Located within an Olympic districts, and in-depth work with
interpretation, and management National Park National Historic youth from the Lower Elwha
of coastal resources. Park Register District, Olympic Klallam Tribe.
interpreters and Sanctuary Park Institute, a campus
educators have collaborated of NatureBridge, provides Olympic Peninsula Tourism
for many years to partner on residential, standards-based Commission
interpretive training for seasonal education programs to students The commission is a partnership
park employees, furnish exhibit in grades 4-12. In addition, of eleven Chambers of
material for the Recreation they offer teacher workshops, Commerce and tourism
Information Center in Forks, family camps, adult ecotourism marketing entities in Clallam
co-coordinate the annual coastal programs, conference services, and Jefferson Counties. The
cleanup, develop exhibit plans and a wedding venue. In 2008, commission develops a tourism
for the Kalaloch Ranger Station, the park signed a 25-year marketing program, hosts an
conduct student field trips and cooperative agreement with annual tourism conference,
teacher trainings, coordinate NatureBridge. develops a detailed travel

planner, and coordinates a park based on traditional land

partner website with partner use, origin beliefs, mythology,
generated content. Olympic and spiritual beliefs and
National Park provides a practices. These tribes are Hoh,
focal point for many of the Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower
commission’s promotional Elwha Klallam, Makah, Port
materials and initiatives. Gamble S’Klallam, Quileute,
Quinault, and Skokomish.
David King dba Olympic Raft
& Kayak Representatives of these eight
A park concessioner offering tribes and Olympic National
guided raft float trips on the Park signed a Memorandum
Elwha River. of Understanding on July 11,
2008 that recognizes the shared
Port Angeles Regional interests over the lands and
Chamber of Commerce waters, activities, or resources
The Port Angeles Regional within the boundaries of
Chamber of Commerce is Olympic National Park and
a membership organization intends to facilitate government-
representing the community to-government relations, effective
of Port Angeles and the coordination, open and timely
surrounding area. The Chamber communication, and meaningful
concentrates their marketing consideration of the interests and
efforts with the natural boundary priorities between the parties on
of Sequim Bay to Lake Crescent. issues of concern.
The Chamber is dedicated to
raising the awareness of the Port Washington’s National Park
Angeles area through tourism Fund
and markets the area as a tourism Washington’s National Park
destination. The Chamber fund is the only philanthropic
provides visitor information and organization dedicated
orientation services at the visitor exclusively to supporting Mount
center which is located in Port Rainer, North Cascades, and
Angeles near the ferry dock. Olympic National Parks through
charitable contributions. In
Shelton/Mason Chamber of 2008, the fund provided a grant
Commerce of $55,000, matched by $55,000
After the USFS/NPS Recreation in federal funds through the
Information Center in NPS Centennial Challenge, to
Hoodsport closed in 2004, the support Elwha River Restoration
park developed a partnership interpretive and education
with this chamber of commerce materials and programs. This
to support their interest in grant funded the Freeing the
providing visitor information Elwha color brochure, the
and promoting tourism for the Freeing the Elwha education
eastern part of the Olympic curriculum, ranger programs in
Peninsula along Hood Canal. the Elwha Valley, and assisted
with the completion of the Elwha
Tribal Memorandum of traveling exhibit and the Elwha
Understanding River Restoration Interpretation
There are eight Olympic and Education Plan.
Peninsula tribes that continue to
recognize a relationship to the

Volunteer Program handouts, responding to visitor meeting park visitors’ needs for
information letters, and helping information and interpretation.
According to the FY2009 with exhibit maintenance. Each Interns work full-time and do
Volunteer Report 5,449.50 hours season a 40-hour a week intern interpretive programs, staff desks,
of service was provided for is also a key team member and and rove. Community volunteers
interpretation. not only helps in visitor center help about three- to five-days a
operations, but also researches week at Hurricane Ridge in the
At the ONPVC, a core group and presents programs at summer and one- to two-days
of volunteers from the local Hurricane Ridge and the a week in winter. They staff the
community provide valuable ONPVC. information desk, rove trails, and
visitor information and assist visitor management and
orientation services throughout Interns and volunteers, working resource protection.
the year. They also assist with at Hurricane Ridge Visitor
library projects, producing Center, play an important role in
At ONPVC, volunteers provide valuable year-round visitor information and orientation services.

Part Three: Recommendations
The following recommendations are based on the Foundation for Interpretation Workshop, on
existing conditions detailed in the first two sections of this document, and on the ideas generated by the
March 2010 workshop participants. Together, they provide a broad range of possibilities for Olympic
National Park’s future interpretive services. While many of these recommendations are included in the
implementation portion of this Long-Range Interpretive Plan, others will likely be considered in future
long-range planning efforts.

Interpretive planning supports The following principles will Goals for Interpretive
the park’s 2008 General apply to all interpretation at
Programming
Management Plan (GMP). It Olympic National Park:
assesses current conditions and
Workshop participants identified
formulates recommendations  All interpretation will provide
goals to enhance the effectiveness
that will provide direction and physical and programmatic
of the interpretive services within
focus to achieve the desired accessibility.
Olympic National Park. These
future interpretive program as
goals and associated actions are
prescribed in the GMP. A long-  Where possible,
representative of many ideas
range interpretive plan analyzes interpretation will use
generated during the workshop.
all needs and recommends reproduction objects and
Action items are listed below
a wide array of interpretive documented personal stories
each goal, and were used to
services, facilities, programs, and to bring the story alive for
create the Implementation Plan
opportunities for partnerships visitors.
located in the next section of this
to communicate in the most
document. Over the next seven
efficient and effective way the  Where possible, the park will
to ten years Olympic National
park’s purpose, significance, and partner with neighboring
Park and its partners will focus
values. institutions to develop
on achieving the following goals:
programs and media and
At Olympic National Park share research.
interpretation, curriculum-based Interpret Elwha River
education, and outreach are the  The park will follow the Restoration
three primary functions of the standards of the National
Interpretation and Education Park Service Graphic Identity The park has developed a draft
Division. In earlier planning Program as signs, brochures, Interpretation and Education
documents including the General and interpretive media are plan specifically for the Elwha
Management Plan there was an developed and upgraded. River Restoration project.
inconsistency in the use of these The plan will describe the
terms.  Interpretation will include comprehensive interpretation
examples and perspectives and education program that
The Recommendation section from diverse points of view. focuses on both the ecological
is a description of programs and It will respond to diverse restoration and the cultural
media proposals designed to audiences, varying levels of aspects of this project. A
realize these visions, objectives, interest, and different lengths variety of personal services,
themes, and visitor experiences of time for a visit. publications, exhibits, digital
for Olympic National Park. These media, and wayside exhibit
suggestions should not limit  Where possible, “virtual panels will be developed.
creativity in the development visitors” will have
of personal services or media opportunities to view key Interpretation staff will be
design. park vistas and access to assigned to support this
new research, studies, project in addition to their
management plans, and regularly assigned duties. These
historical information. assignments may affect the
park’s ability to carry out the
recommendations outlined in
this long-range interpretive plan.

Improve Parkwide Due to multiple departure and  Use consistent maps

Wayfinding, Arrival arrival points, Olympic National throughout the park: on
Experiences, and Park has very different challenges the park brochure, at the
Orientation than many other parks. It can sign kiosks in the parking
be a challenge to ensure that lots and in the visitor center
Visitor centers and other the information on how to relief maps. Although detail
locations where visitors gain safely enjoy the park and park should vary according to use,
information in parks are more resources is easily accessible to all a consistent map design style
often viewed as out-of-date visitors. Because of the multiple and presentation will make
and old fashioned. They are not entry points visitors using park it easier for people to orient
friendly to the ways in which resources may not ever make themselves and find their way.
more and more tech-savvy contact with park staff. It can  Survey the visitor experience
visitors gain information once in also be challenging for visitors throughout the park. Enlist
a park, or to increasing amounts to understand when they are new employees to participate
of information that is available in the park or at a location that in a survey at the beginning
to visitors before they come to a can provide park information and end of the summer
park. or services. Designing an arrival season.
experience will intuitively guide  Work with partners to
Second Century Commission’s visitors to park resources and develop a multimedia
Connecting People and Park services. interactive that could be
Committee Report posted on the web and on
Specific recommendations stand-alone computer kiosks
An important goal for providing include: at key points for visitor
interpretive services over contact. The multimedia
the next 7 to 10 years is to  Monitor front-country interactive would allow
improve parkwide wayfinding nature trails and ensure visitors to plan their trip
and orientation. To ensure that directional signs are based on ability, type
consistency between planning located at trail intersections. of experience, season,
efforts, Interpretation staff will This is a safety as well as destination, and length of
work with the Maintenance and an orientation and visitor time.
Protection divisions to revise and experience issue.
update the comprehensive sign
plan and bulletin board plan,
as well as implement the NPS
identity standards to increase
the visibility of the NPS brand
throughout the park and along
the Highway 101 corridor. Before
visitors can have a meaningful
and enjoyable park experience,
they need to find their way to
the park, make informed choices
about where to go and what to
do, and take care of their basic
needs. Visitor experience issues
such as agency identity and
orientation must be addressed
before interpretation can
begin. Effective signs as well
as pedestrian orientation and
information are the first steps
toward satisfying these basic Park visitors receive wayfinding information from a variety of sources including
visitor needs. the park brochure, park newspaper, and area exhibits.

Evaluate and Develop a of waysides. The proposal will  Temperate rain forest is a
Unified System of Wayside provide an in-depth assessment unique/rare ecosystem on
Exhibits of all potential wayside planet earth providing a living
exhibit sites. It includes both laboratory of diversity at Hoh
Wayside exhibits tell Olympic informational and interpretive and Quinault.
National Park stories on location. exhibits. The plan should  Fragile plant communities at
They “caption the landscape” determine the nexus between ONPVC.
and help visitors make direct wayfinding and digital media.  Historic messages at Lake
connections with resources The document also can set Crescent: Lady of the Lake,
and their meanings. Wayside priorities to guide wayside Ambulance Corner, Singer
exhibits provide round-the-clock development in phases as Tavern, Qui Si Sawha,
information and interpretation, funding allows. The proposal Ovingtons, Ferrier, Spruce
and with appealing high quality will describe the purpose of each Railroad, the Lodge, and
design, writing, and graphics, wayside exhibit, identify graphics historical buildings.
they can serve to instill and available for use, show thumbnail  Geology and glacial history
reinforce respect for important design concept drawings, and on 101 and at Storm King
resources. In association with determine exact exhibit sizes, Ranger Station.
good graphics, waysides can base styles, and locations. A  Humans at Barnes Point, at
show what a site looked like detailed budget estimate would the Lake Crescent Lodge,
at different points in time. In also be part of the document. Storm King Ranger Station,
addition, temporary waysides and OPI.
can be developed inexpensively Workshop participants suggested  Summit to Sea: story of a
to interpret construction and the following wayside exhibit watershed at Hurricane
restoration/preservation projects. panel topics, themes, and Ridge.
locations:  Isolation has led to the
A wayside exhibit proposal is evolution of species found
recommended to ensure the  Ozette village. nowhere else on earth:
development of a complete,  Significance, importance, and Olympic marmots at
high-quality, and unified system uniqueness of the Hoh Rain Hurricane Ridge.
Forest.
Hundreds of wayside exhibits offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the park.

 Mile-high is the only place  Climate change and coastal  Restoration and revegetation
to see Mt. Olympus, sub- impacts at Mora. of impacted sites in Olympic
alpine vegetation, animals,  Beach safety along the coast. National Park – on the
whistle with a marmot –  Diversity of the intertidal Olympic Discovery Trail at
wayside exhibit with audio habitats at Olympic National the Matt Albright Native
component at Hurricane Park: types of habitats and Plant Center near Sequim.
Ridge. types of species along the  Tell why the petroglyphs
 Climate change – on coast. at Wedding Rocks are
Hurricane Ridge terrace with  Bogachiel is PART of the rain important and the proper
photo comparisons of glacial forest – Bogachiel trail head. ways to enjoy and appreciate
retreat.  Restoration along Elwha. them at the Ozette Ranger
 Logging and its impact on  Salmon: role in nutrient cycle; Station.
the forests, economy, views, tying ocean to forest – along  At Sol Duc show salmon on
and more near edges of restored Elwha River. the move: exploring species
park along the 101 Scenic  Fire history and micro- of salmon where they live and
Corridor. climates within Elwha that our effect on their watersheds
 Queets: fisheries, salmon, are more fire prone, natural from river to ocean.
wilderness values, silence, occurrence of fire.  Sea star fossils at Beach 4.
and self-reliance.  Restoration takes time on the
 Powerful Pacific storms, spillway of the Glines with Participate in Kestner
impact of erosion, geology before and after photos. Homestead Planning
and harshness, ruggedness,  Forest ecosystems and the
and uniqueness of the coastal natural process of fire on The Kestner Homestead was
experience near Kalaloch the landscape; show visible established by Anton and Josepha
Lodge. evidence of past fires and Kestner, Austrian immigrants
 Welcome to park and list facts of fire maybe who came to the valley in the
overview info on Washington include pictures of the fire if 1890s with their two sons Joseph
State Ferries. available. and Otto. The Kestners cleared
 Those beautiful mountains  Orientation - park land in the rain forest to build
you are seeing are in Olympic information kiosk at Port their homestead consisting of a
National Park near Seattle. Angeles Gateway center. house, barns, fields, and orchard.
 Rain forest ecology at Hoh
and Quinault.
 First Nations cooperatively
created at Quinault.
 Press and O’Neal expeditions
on Quinault loop drive.
 Quinault: Lake formation,
homesteaders at Kestner and
Bunch, loop information,
multi-agency info, and tribal
partnership – create an
“official pullout” partnered
with Quinault tribe on 101.
 Value of wilderness including
natural soundscape and night
skies at Sol Duc trailhead.
 Fire ecology and natural
role of fire, how fires were
managed, changes in wildlife
and vegetation after the
fires at Dosewallips and
Duckabush trailheads. The Kestner Homestead Historic District is located in the Quinault Rain Forest.

The Kestner Homestead Historic Replace Visitor Center Two major projects
District is a landscape of many Exhibits recommended during the life
facets and retains a distinct sense time of this plan are to design,
of place within a unique rain Exhibits provide both two- and fabricate, and install new
forest environment. three-dimensional displays of exhibits at the Hoh Rain Forest
informational and/or interpretive and Hurricane Ridge Visitor
The 2008 GMP states that the material that may include Centers. At the Hoh Rain Forest
park may adaptively reuse the text, maps, images, models, Visitor Center exhibits must be
historic district at Kestner for replicas, artifacts, or interactive portable rather than permanent
visitor education and park components. Olympic National because the visitor center may
operations. In 2010, the park Park has a spectrum of exhibits be relocated. Because Hurricane
began a planning process that from professionally produced Ridge Visitor Center is open to
will focus on the historic Kestner to in-house handmade exhibits. visitors year-round, the exhibits
Homestead Historic District A thematic analysis of exhibits must be able to function in an
located in the Quinault Rain should be conducted throughout unstaffed environment. Both
Forest area. The site plan will the park to identify which stories locations need to have poor
address how best to protect and are being told at which location quality exhibits replaced with
interpret the historic homestead, to ensure that visitors are not professional ADA-compliant,
and will evaluate the kinds of only learning about the primary thematically relevant exhibits.
visitor services and facilities themes, but also the site-specific
that might be developed or stories. Exhibit space is limited March 2010 Recommendations
maintained in the area. at most locations, however, it is Workshop participants suggested
extremely important for visitors to that the Hoh Rain Forest exhibits
hear and read about these stories. emphasize the connection of
land and sea; cycle of water;
carbon cycle; nutrient density
and size of life; power of the
river to sustain life; significance,
importance, and uniqueness of
the Hoh rain forest; the value of
the old growth forest; importance
of elk; natural soundscape; and
temperate rain forest is a unique,
rare ecosystem on planet earth
providing a living laboratory of
diversity; develop, fabricate, and
install a push button exhibit to
watch the watershed from Blue
Glacier to Pacific Ocean.
The workshop participants also

suggested that the Hurricane
Ridge exhibits emphasize the
wilderness of Olympic National
Park and ecological integrity
found here; subalpine ecology:
adaptations to harsh/extreme/
climate change; wilderness;
Hurricane Ridge through the
seasons and through multiple
perspectives (voices); geology of
New exhibits at the Hoh and Hurricane Ridge visitor centers will enhance the Olympic Mountains including
visitor experience. biogeography; development of

winter sports and move from to help visitors understand Before actually conducting the
Deer Park Road and lodge the scope of resource-based study, park staff will need to
history; use of the mountains projects going on within the park investigate funding opportunities
by Native peoples: extensive including the Elwha Restoration, and identify potential partners
use over a long period of the natural process of fire, and including Olympic Coast
time and sophistication of the effects of insect infestation National Marine Sanctuary,
knowledge and complexity of and wind throw. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
social organization; Summit Washington State Parks, Discover
to Sea: story of a watershed; Investigate the Feasibility Your Northwest, ARAMARK,
develop, fabricate, and install a of an Ocean-themed Multi- tribes, communities, and civic
functioning weather station and agency Visitor Center organizations.
exhibit about all of the amazing
weather that can be seen from The 2008 GMP states that March 2010 Recommendations
Hurricane Ridge. the park will improve visitor Workshop participants suggested
information at Kalaloch and that possible future interpretive
The Storm King, Eagle, and the interpretation of the coastal exhibits and audiovisual
Mora Ranger Stations do not portion of the park. The GMP components emphasize
have exhibits. They are located also suggests conducting a Washington’s wilderness coast
in areas with high visitation feasibility study to determine and tell stories of biodiversity,
that have minimal seasonal the options for the replacement cultural and natural resources,
interpretive staffing. Exhibits and relocation of the ranger history, human interconnectivity,
would allow visitors to discover station at Kalaloch. While many the Olympic Peninsula tribes,
more about local park resources visitors go to the Kalaloch Ranger Olympic Coast National Marine
and stories when interpretive Station, many more could be Sanctuary; the coast is special
staff is unavailable. accommodated and more stories because it is protected and
of the significant ocean and relatively undeveloped; and
Portable, changeable, and coastal ecosystems could be shared agency messages.
digitally-enhanced exhibits revealed in a multi-agency visitor
are needed and recommended center.
In the future, a multi-agency coastal visitor center would further the protection of ocean resources.

Use Digital Media to tours associated with the Elwha update all web-based content to
Increase Interpretive River Restoration, and other meet the current standards and
Opportunities locations in the park, and a video accessibility requirements, and
to be shown on the Washington remain vigilant about what is
Digital media is well-suited to the State and Victoria ferries would posted via social media sites.
presentation of chronological be appropriate ways to engage
and sequential material. It visitors using digital media. An ever-increasing percentage
can capture realism, provide of park visitors are web users
emotional impact, and create a Create a More Useful and who visit Olympic National Park
mood or atmosphere. Also it can Interpretive Website (www.nps.gov/olym) seeking
reach many visitors at one time information. Many of these
and may be included in exhibits Since Olympic National Park “virtual visitors” never actually
or posted onto the park website, was established in 1938, the way come to the park, but have their
in addition to being shown in park information is accessed by needs met solely though the
dedicated auditorium spaces. visitors has changed dramatically. website. The website should
During the life of this plan, park highlight the opportunities and
Digital media can reach the staff will need to continually experiences that are available to
many visitors who are now using increase and improve their skills both on-site visitors and virtual
computers, cell phones, Global with the technology, monitor and visitors.
Positioning System (GPS) units,
MP3 players, and a variety of
other technological systems for
entertainment, information,
orientation, and interpretation.
In response to the growing
demand for these services,
Olympic National Park needs to
offer portable “individualized”
audio and/or audiovisual
opportunities. Using new
technology will possibly create
opportunities for a more diverse
audience to experience park
resources than ever before. These
services will allow visitors to
access more park resources and
meanings at their convenience.
Before digital media is

developed, park staff shall
attend copyright and section 508
compliance training. The current
interpretation digital library
needs to be populated with
additional images and graphics,
and a staff member assigned the
responsibility to maintain the
collection. An accessible photo
gallery could then easily be
created for interpreters, media
developers, web users, and
educators. Cell phone or GPS-
activated tour stops or driving Many wonders and challenges await coastal hikers.

Park staff will develop a  Develop virtual geo-caching  Explore Olympic National
workplan prioritizing actions sites. Park: the virtual field trip
to provide more interpretive  Create something like www. – each month feature a
content on the park website. fieldscope.us/fs2 for Elwha. different feature (geologic,
Approaches could include video-  Establish a “Twilight Advisory natural, cultural) or career
casts, storytelling, and links to Group” (TAG) that bridges field found at the park and
NPS focus sites, such as North fact and fiction for the park. host a field trip for visitors to
Coast and Cascades Science  Develop and post a webpage find out what is happening in
Learning Network, Climate with photos of rare plants the park similar to a town hall
Change, Ocean Stewardship, and exotic plants (and why meeting.
Wilderness, National Junior this is important).  Develop a virtual
Ranger, and Fire.  Ensure that all web-based backpacking trip that can
interpretive services meet also serve as a backpacking
Workshop participants suggested NPS accessibility standards. trip preparation guide;
the following actions to improve  Develop comprehensive “wilderness” information
the park website: recreational use website/plan values and benefits, leave no
in partnership with Olympic trace information, info on
 Link to Econet “StoryCorps- Peninsula Tourism and other fragile plant communities,
style” website that collect interested partners. human waste issues and
individual stories about  Develop, fabricate, and install other impacts and mitigation
wilderness. exhibits on the geological techniques.
 Link to 3-minute Science formation of Lake Crescent.  Add an “ask a ranger” feature
Learning Network video that  Develop, fabricate, and to the website; perhaps offer
shows the diversity of the install an exhibit with live chats.
intertidal habitats at Olympic map of world’s temperate  Develop a fire management
National Park. rainforest sites and what little webpage that describes fire
 Develop and post a webpage remains that could be used at history and fire’s natural role
that articulates how the Quinault or the Hoh. in forest ecosystems.
Olympic National Park rain  Develop an interactive  Explore the historic and
forest is a rare, disappearing web page on fragile plant modern use our trail system
habitat to provide more in communities and potential evolved from Native use,
depth information about the human impacts. historic use to the current
world’s temperate rainforest  Develop a web-based map system today.
sites and what little remains. that provides scientific and
 Develop and post a webpage restoration information about
that explore stories of the Elwha.
culture, plants, and animals  Post digital stories linked to
of the Olympic Peninsula. a map based interface (e.g.
 Develop a multi-media web- Google Earth) about how
based virtual tour of Queets the Elwha restoration is the
that demonstrates wilderness story of cultural and natural
values, silence, and isolation. resource renewal.
 Develop and post a webpage  Create a webpage based
on salmon and their role in on the theme that Olympic
nutrient cycle; tying ocean National Park is our home
to forest; connect to Elwha and shapes our high quality
restoration. of life.
 Bring “for kids” section of  Offer better pre-trip planning
website to life or appropriate for visitors who are stock
alternate digital media users, fishermen, boaters,
format. bikers, as well as people with
 Create a web ranger unit for disabilities.
Olympic National Park.

Develop a Parkwide Social media has the potential Increase Interpretation and
Strategy for Increased Social to become one of the most Visitor Information Presence
Media Use used components of the Throughout the Park
Implement a variety of current interpretive program. Specific Olympic National Park does
and leading edge technologies recommendations include: not have a parkwide year-round
and media to facilitate National interpretive operation. During
Park-based learning anytime,  Provide staff training in the summer season, a limited
anywhere. technology awareness, number of programs are offered
accessibility, copyright, and at Mora and Quinault. No
Second Century Commission’s development of potential programs have been offered at
Education and Learning applications. Ozette for at least 25 years. Daily
Committee Report  Assemble a parkwide social off-season activities are focused
media team to develop and at the Olympic National Park
The Second Century implement the strategy. Visitor Center with a much more
Commission’s Connecting People  Develop a parkwide strategy limited schedule at Hoh and
and Parks Committee report for social media. The strategy Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centers
recommended “…technologies will include how partners are and the Recreation Information
and the expectations and habits using social media, and how Center in Forks. Many visitors go
of those who use them (especially to collaborate with them on to the coast, Lake Quinault, and
younger populations), can social media. The strategy Lake Crescent year-round and
increase connectivity with parks will include how to best have little or no opportunity to
and the values they contain, utilize social media, as well contact an interpretive ranger.
and create conditions for more as manage user-generated
meaningful park experiences.” feedback. Specific recommendations to
Since the report was written,  Potential ideas to consider address these concerns include:
restrictions on using social once strategy is developed
networking technologies on include:  Increase the number of
government-supported websites o Develop and offer a summer seasonal employees
have been relaxed, providing portable field application working at Mora and
some opportunities to use a “Surviving the changing Quinault to provide daily
limited number of sites. While tides” that identifies coverage.
security concerns limit access places to explore the tide  Increase the number of staff
to some websites, opportunities pools and learn more available during the off-
now exist for the National Park about intertidal zones season on the westside of the
Service to benefit from the new along the coast. park by filling the vacant West
communication processes that o Develop and offer an District Interpreter position.
visitors may access to make application that provides  Increase the number of staff
decisions about what to do, updates on Olympic available at Lake Crescent in
where to go, or what services are National Park weather the early fall and late spring.
worthwhile for their social group. conditions, provides  Increase the number of
An associated recommendation orientation, tracks fishers, summer seasonal employees
suggests that parks, “Embrace and interprets glaciers. working at Ozette to provide
available and emerging o Provide social media coverage 5 days per week.
technologies to reach and interact opportunities for visitors
with the American people, to record a digital story Interpreters are the best
connecting NPS employees of their park visit and interactive tool in enabling
with their communities, and also access other visitor’s visitors to experience,
facilitating interactions with videoclips; rent flipcams understand, appreciate, and
parks and programs that are at kiosks, visitor centers, make personal connections
engaging to visitors. Leverage and trailheads. with the resource. The diversity
technologies to receive and of Olympic National Park’s
respond to broad public input.” resources and themes presents

almost limitless opportunities Engage Partners to Provide Interpretive partnerships play

for both standard and innovative High-Quality Interpretive a key role in the delivery of
interpretive activities. As staffing Services essential programs and can
levels permit, and in keeping also provide opportunities for
within the parameters of the The Second Century enhanced interpretive products
interpretive themes and visitor Commission’s Connecting and services. Partnerships are
experience goals, interpreters People and Parks Committee most effective when partners
throughout the park should report recommended that all share a common goal and
be given a high degree of parks leverage partnership at all can leverage their efforts to
creative freedom to explore and levels to position and operate accomplish the goal. Workshop
experiment with new programs. the NPS as an integral and participants recognized that the
This will help to maintain a respected partner in achieving NPS staff cannot and should
creative edge and attract new and larger natural, historical, cultural, not be the sole provider of
returning audiences. and social goals. Two actions to interpretive services. Working
achieve these goals are: more closely with ARAMARK
There is great potential managers, tribal leaders, and
to experiment with the  Foster and create mutual designated park partners as well
development of programs linking respect, common working as other local, state, and federal
the spectrum of park resources. relationships, operational agencies is imperative.
Visitors are then provided with goals and programs with
many opportunities to travel communities, agencies, One example of how the park
around the park and discover and organizations adjacent is leveraging resources is seen
the unique features and stories at to parks in recognition in the contract for ARAMARK,
each location including tidepool that “we are all in this an Olympic National Park
walks, sunset tours, and post together” socially, concession. The contract
dam removal walks. Increasing economically, culturally, and specifically states that interpretive
the number of interpreters who environmentally. Strategies themes and message will be
are roving out in the field and to create mutual respect integrated into the interior décor
at the lodges will provide more and positive relationships of facilities. The concession
opportunities to actively engage would include engaging will also explore methods to
visitors in the resource. Since in collaborative work convey the themes and messages
personal services and interpretive processes when undertaking through a variety of items. Park
programs are relatively easy park planning efforts or publications and the newspaper
to change, activities should be coordinating efforts to attract are available at all concession-
evaluated on a regular basis to visitors. managed locations.
discontinue those that are not  Engage with non-profit,
effective, modify or improve academic, governmental, Specific recommendations
those that require it, and validate community, and other include:
those that are successful. partners to cultivate
programmatic connections  Host an annual partner
to parks that make use meeting to share information
of park resources for the and review collaborative
mutual benefit of parks and objectives.
partners. For example, such  Host a Cooperative
programmatic connections Agreement Technical
may include place-based Representative training.
environmental, cultural  Increase tribal involvement
and historical education, in interpretive programs and
research, healthy activities, media.
clean air and water, social o Collaborate with
justice programs, and the like. the tribes to develop
Interpretive programs provide
memorable moments for visitors of all appropriate way to
ages. communicate tribal

history and stories Sanctuary, West Jefferson the history of creation

through interpretation, County Tourism Committee/ of Olympic National
art, storytelling, and Forks Chamber of Park: that it began as
interactive media. Commerce, Shelton-Mason Forest reserve and Chris
o Meet with tribal leaders Chamber of Commerce). Morganroth’s role.
and representatives and Coordinate programs and  Develop scope of sales for
explore ways to combine goals so organizations cooperating association.
efforts for the NPS to tell support and supplement each  Participate in the Lake
a more complete story other. Quinault Tourism Committee
and for the tribes to help  Identify potential partners to develop new interpretive
maintain their culture and appropriate to initiative/ opportunities in the Lake
increase their tourism activity (shared objectives – Quinault areas.
businesses. diverse audiences).
o Incorporate tribal  Identify gaps and where Determine Effective Ways to
perspectives when partners are needed. Reach and Engage Youth
demonstrating multiple  Identify where duplication
points of view within may exist within “Youth in the Great Outdoors”
interpretive services. partnerships. is Secretary of Interior Salazar’s
o Collaborate with tribes  Commit to honest, initiative to employ, educate,
to create an interpretive transparent relationships and and engage young people from
paddle journey along the interactions. all backgrounds in exploring,
coast.  Identify funding sources connecting with and preserving
o Partner with Quileute that build on the power of America’s natural and cultural
tribe to tell the Quileute partnership to garner funds. heritage. Through employment
wolf story and tie the  Build capacity by sharing and educational opportunities,
story to the potential re- staffing expertise/resources. youth will have a key role in
introduction of wolves at  Identify champions to keep creating a new energy frontier,
Olympic National Park. initiatives alive. tackling climate change
o Create a videocast of  Collaborate with current and issues, empowering Native
a tribal demonstration new park partners, including communities, building trails,
showing cultural tribes, to share information enhancing wildlife habitat, and
connections to the cedar. about interpretive, education, restoring our cultural and historic
o Use a handheld portable and youth opportunities on landmarks. The initiative includes
audio media player (made the Olympic Peninsula. reaching out to underserved
available at the ranger o Develop exhibits in
station) to hear the Ozette cooperation with the
village story produced by Clallam County Historical The NPS should “affirm the
the Makah tribe. Society. important role of the National
 Establish partnerships with o Develop, fabricate, Park System in life-long, place-
federal, state, and local and install an exhibit based learning and authorize
agencies, non-government highlighting the different the supporting structure and
organizations, concessions, park ecosystems resources to provide for the
tribes, and surrounding and opportunities in same” and to strengthen and
communities to begin to have downtown Port Angeles. expand service learning and
a common vision and voice o Produce an audiocast citizen science opportunities at
for telling our stories in and and compact disk to sell national park sites and their
around the park. of historic messages of surrounding communities
 Strengthen existing Lake Crescent: Lady of to reflect a changing global
partnerships (Olympic Park the Lake, Ambulance landscape.”
Institute, Olympic National Corner, Singer Tavern,
Forest, ARAMARK, Feiro Qui Si Sawha, Ovingtons, Second Century Commission’s
Marine Life Center, Olympic Ferrier, Spruce Railroad. Education and Learning
Coast National Marine o Produce a video that tells Committee Report

populations to ensure that these  Identify the education park natural and cultural
resources are enjoyed by all interest of park groups. resources.
Americans and transforming the  Develop a virtual field trip  Evaluate pilot initiative of
lives of young Americans while experience incorporating providing an NPS program
growing the next generation of the lessons learned from the for all OPI residential field
conservation and community Elwha Electronic Field Trip. science programs and if
leaders. Director Jarvis has  Establish an international effective, continue program.
also stated that education and education exchange with
engaging youth are top priorities Student Conservation In this planning document youth
for his administration. Association. programs are designed for pre-
 Develop web-based pre- kindergarten to age 25.
An effective park curriculum- trip educational resources
based education and youth for teachers and other Specific youth engagement
program requires adequate staff educational groups. recommendations include:
for planning, development,  Engage students in the
implementation, and assessment. classroom and in the  Develop a youth engagement
The resources and themes park in ongoing resource plan.
of Olympic National Park management monitoring. o Education
offer great potential for the  Reach out to local youth o Park Stewards
development of dynamic and using both in-school and o Citizen Science
popular education programs on-site day and residential o Youth Employment Plan
in collaboration with Olympic programs through  Establish a Youth Advisory
Peninsula area schools, partner partnership with Olympic Committee and define its
agencies, and tribes. Park Institute, Fiero Marine function.
Life Center, and the Olympic  Employ, engage, and educate
Specific curriculum-based Coast National Marine high school students.
education recommendations Sanctuary.  Support Olympic National
include:  Involve local students in Park’s existing youth program
national research projects and help it grow.
 Work with partners and other related to snowpack  Conduct research on the
divisions to provide field monitoring and dam removal. interests and demographics
learning and educational  Identify partners interested of peninsula youth.
opportunities with service in offering teacher training  Work with park partners to
learning projects. on subjects relevant to acquire funding to target
youth programs.
 Liaison with all park divisions
Create a continuum of service and work programs and partners in youth
from high school through college that includes outreach programs.
volunteerism, national service, paid internships, and  Establish a nature club in Port
conservation service by partnering with existing youth Angeles.
service programs such as the Student Conservation  Increase Junior Ranger
Association and other, similar local programs. These opportunities: develop tiered
programs should be undertaken with the goal of age appropriate programs,
building a life-long connection between young people develop a coastal junior
and the parks, preparing them for employment in the ranger program, and develop
parks while supporting needed improvement to park a wilderness junior ranger
facilities, assets, and resources. These programs will be program.
particularly impactful to young people with limited  Develop and offer preschool
employment opportunities that may provide an programs.
introduction to the parks.  Promote the existing
National Scout Junior Ranger
Second Century Commission’s Connecting People and Program with area councils.
Parks Committee Report  Work in cooperation with

partners to expand National Employ, Engage, and

…actively develop enduring
Junior Ranger Day locations Educate Diverse and relationships with all of the
and activities. Underserved Populations in diversity of the American
 Develop and offer family Their Home Communities people, both as visitors and as
oriented programs,
and in the Park employees…make our national
opportunities, trails, and
parks welcoming and relevant
more.
Olympic National Park is to all Americans. A sustained
 Develop and implement
actively engaged with Klondike commitment to training,
a rewards program for
Gold Rush National Historical community outreach, and
youth participation in eco-
Park – Seattle Unit to develop programs that authentically tell
programs.
an outreach program that will the stories of our country and
 Develop and install an
connect the park to underserved connections to our resources
interactive game at ONPVC
populations in the Seattle- must become part of the
about threatened and
Tacoma metropolitan area. This Service’s ongoing practices and
endangered species (e.g.
program will begin to address the values for this to be achieved.
questions on spinning wheel
charge of the Second Century
with prizes!).
Commission and NPS Director Second Century Commission’s
 Present a parkwide same Connecting People and Parks
Jarvis to make relevance a
day every year “kid’s stuff” Committee Report
priority.
program in cooperation with
partners.
The park also needs to establish Specific recommendations
an outreach plan that identifies include:
the local, Olympic Peninsula
diverse and underserved  Establish an engagement plan
populations to be served as well for underserved populations
as a specific focus or context to in Western Washington
promote a strong connection with the goals of increasing
between the park and those understanding of the need
communities. for and the value of protected
areas such as national parks
and wilderness areas. Do this
in coordination with other
government agencies and
community groups.
 Create accessible, not
necessarily camping-based,
opportunities for non-
traditional park users to bring
their families to the park.
 Find common ground with
community interests to build
sustainable relationships.
 Identify preconceived ideas
of NPS staff and community
and create community
outreach events to address
those preconceived ideas.
 Provide engaging activities
appropriate to the audience.
 Provide translations of
Expanding the National Junior Ranger Program will engage a future generation interpretive materials on the
of park stewards. park website.

 Hire bilingual interpreters designation is important, and opportunities such as guided

and information desk how visitors can best explore the hikes or canoe trips.
employees. wilderness could be told. Visitors  Continue to offer guided
 Create share-site where could discover what wilderness backpacking trips into the
non-English speakers can means to tribal members whose park wilderness.
record experiences they had ancestors extensively used the  Use cultural demonstrations
in nature in their country area we now call wilderness. to tell the story of wilderness
of origin and what they felt Expanded discussions on – connections of people to
about their experience at pollution from local and non- land.
Olympic National Park. local sources, as well as impacts
 Develop and create a from natural process such as Outreach
program using historic wildland fire, and how these  Continue and expand
and current photos that impacts affect the park’s class community outreach at
demonstrate cultural changes. one airshed. While these topics local festivals focused on
 Promote volunteer vacations are currently part of interpretive wilderness.
to educate and participate in programming content, using  Develop booklet for
bettering the National Park in different approaches such as the recreational guides on history
your backyard. park website and other digital of Wilderness Act, wilderness
media or citizen science efforts designation, and what
Strengthen and Expand will strengthen opportunities for that means for managing
Wilderness Interpretation the visitor to learn about these recreational use.
stories.  Require wilderness
Ninety-five percent of Olympic Commercial Use
National Park is designated A variety of interpretive Authorization groups to
wilderness. The 2008 GMP programs and services need provide certain level of
states that present and future to be developed to connect to Olympic National Park
visitors will enjoy the unique diverse visitor groups. Specific specific natural and cultural
qualities offered in wilderness. wilderness interpretation and history education.
These include the experiences education recommendations
of solitude, remoteness, risk, include: Youth
challenge, self-sufficiency,  Develop a wilderness junior
discovery, and observation of Programs ranger program.
an untrammeled ecosystem. The  Develop and present evening  Offer overnight camping
values of the Olympic wilderness programs that focus on experiences for youth.
will be understood by the public the value of the Olympic  Offer experiential 3-day
and park staff through education wilderness; the integrity of wilderness education
in wilderness ethics, use, and its ecosystems; and the value programs for youth and
using management skills and of its natural soundscape, families.
techniques to promote and natural darkness, and
preserve these values. wilderness character. Curriculum-based Education
 Develop and present  Offer school programs that
While recognizing that current programs (or items) to help take children on wilderness
interpretive services provide coastal cleanup participants backpacking trips (minimum
some connections to wilderness learn the basic principles of 3 days) where they receive
values and concepts, workshop wilderness. instruction in the value
participants felt that more could  Develop and present Leave of wilderness, protecting
be done. For example, a greater No Trace and similar wilderness for the future, and
emphasis could be placed on two programs. Leave No Trace.
rare aspects of wilderness found  Continue and expand  Offer guided wilderness
at Olympic National Park: dark, opportunities to present programs for high school
night skies and quiet. The story conducted walks of varying students from the city.
of why is wilderness is protected, lengths.  Explore and embrace new
how and why the wilderness  Offer experiential learning methods and technologies

for wilderness education and Strengthen and Expand visitors to reduce emissions.
inspiration. Climate Change, Ocean  Provide incentives for those
Stewardship, and Fire visitors ready to take action.
Website Interpretation and  Explain impacts and also
 Create a virtual tour of Education “what you can do” messages.
wilderness areas (aerial  Adapt the protect park
photos; backcountry hiking resource message to include
Climate Friendly Parks
journals). climate change.
 Develop and post educational  Encourage and provide
Olympic National Park provides
program online to help youth incentives for bus-friendly
a model for climate friendly
understand wilderness values visits.
behavior within the NPS. As
and resources and aids for  Develop a “leave no trace” or
a participant in the Climate
teachers to use in class. “leave no carbon” challenge
Friendly Parks (CFP) program,
 Set up earth caching Olympic National Park belongs
that encourages visitors to
locations in partnership with plan zero impact or low
to a network of parks nationwide
U.S. Geological Survey. footprint visits.
that are putting climate friendly
 Provide online trip planner  Update park handouts for
behavior at the forefront of
information for non- mailings.
sustainability planning. In
hiker users in wilderness/  Incorporate climate friendly
2009, the park developed an
backcountry areas (what messaging in and around the
Action Plan to educate park
facilities are in place for park.
staff, visitors, and community
boat, kayak, stock, bike,  Expand interpretation of
members about climate change.
fishermen). climate change through
As part of the National Park
 Create wilderness in action Service’s Pacific West Region,
media and programs to
page for website that provides include the NPS strategy
Olympic National Park is
current updates to wilderness of science, mitigation,
involved in the first regional
monitoring activities; and adaptation, and how each of
effort within the NPS to become
wilderness education ethics us can make a difference.
carbon neutral by 2016.
for visitors.  Strive to meet zero waste
 Use social media to One of the strategies identified
goal for division events such
encourage visitors to share as National Junior Ranger
in the action plan is to “Increase
digital stories about what Day, Perspectives Series, and
Climate Change Education
Olympic wilderness means outreach events.
and Outreach because a better
and why it is significant and  Take the lead to circulate
understanding of the challenges
relevant to them. periodic green ideas bullets.
and benefits of reducing
 Write and distribute a
greenhouse gas emissions
Sales Items wellness newsletter.
can motivate staff, visitors,
 Sell wilderness education  Offer info/programs on
and community members to
materials in the bookstore climate change projected
incorporate climate friendly
and through concessions. impacts of trees/tree line at
actions into their own lives.” The
 Develop and sell a park plan describes many actions that
Hurricane Ridge.
publication that ties all  Develop a park webpage that
can be used to engage the visitors
ecosystems through the helps visitors plan a climate-
before, during, and after their
wilderness concept. friendly visit.
visit including:
Outside of LRIP scope to take
 Complete the new NPS
specific action on the following
climate change training
recommendations unless
module by all park
interpretation investigates
interpreters.
opportunities, works appropriate
 Develop focused messages
division staff/concessions,
highlighting what the park is
and/or provides incentives for
currently doing about climate
interpreters:
change, and encouraging

 Work with Discover Your  Identify incentives and award series of strategies and strategic
Northwest to sell carbon to staff who reduce carbon objectives to engage visitors in
offsets. footprint (including partners) ocean stewardship activities.
 Conduct monthly status or distribute “CFP” bucks for Strategy #3 is to “Engage visitors,
check on progress of CFP bringing up ideas, ride share, partners, and communities to
Actions at Leadership bike to work. become active ocean stewards.”
meeting.  Distribute annual Associated Strategic Objective
 Develop and implement Environmental Management #3 is to “Explore approaches
parkwide recycling including Team (EMT) action to engage visitors, teachers, and
field areas and offices. plan for feedback and students in the practice of ocean
 Install renewable energy commitments by park staff stewardship through interpretive/
systems where possible and management. education programs, experiential
(Headquarters Maintenance  Encourage concession learning, and recreational
yard, PV panels, solar hot to not sell bottled water. opportunities,” and “Expand
water on demand, hot water Provide water fountains interpretive programs – Broaden
in housing and lodging). and education about water the reach and increase capacity
 Assist with the planning quality. by increasing park interpretive
for a park alternative staff focused on ocean
transportation system; Ocean Stewardship stewardship and related climate
also explore opportunities change. Seek new program funds,
to use alternative fuels or The 2009 Alaska and Pacific positions, and partnerships to
use vehicles that run on West Region Pacific Ocean focus ocean stewardship efforts
alternative fuels. Stewardship Plan identified a at the national, regional, and park
level.”
Ocean stewardship encourages visitors to protect exposed coastal archaeological sites.

The Pacific Ocean Education instill understanding of fire’s information to backpackers

Team Action Plan identifies role on the park’s ecosystem to about fire operations in their
specific actions to implement the various publics of Olympic area.
the Pacific Ocean Stewardship National Park. The plan also  The park could include
Plan Strategy #3. Many of intends to facilitate public fire information in regular
these actions are similar to awareness of safety regarding park publications (like the
those identified during the all fire incidents. Goals of the park newspaper). When
Recommendations Workshop. plan include providing year- appropriate current fire
round education on fire ecology issues will be included in
Specific recommendations and fire history of Olympic the “Topics of Interest”
include: National Park; and promoting publication. The park will
interdisciplinary collaboration provide and make the
 Identify and work with between fire management, “Wildland Fire in National
partners to communicate interpretation, public affairs, Parks” brochures available to
a clear ocean message and research, and resource the public.
ocean literate community. management.  The park will maintain and
 Use local expertise (tribal, update when necessary the
Olympic Coast National The park’s Fire Management interpretive wayside exhibit
Marine Sanctuary, NPS, US Officer and Fuels Management about fire at Hurricane Ridge.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and Specialist serve as the primary The Incident Information
Washington State Fish and contact for fire communication Plan could identify who will
Wildlife Service) to collect and education, and work closely maintain permanent and
data for public outreach and with the Chief of Interpretation, non-permanent bulletin
education. the Public Affairs Officer, the boards both inside and
 Work with Pacific Ocean interpretive media specialist, and outside the parks.
Education Team to plan, other interpretive staff to develop  Update park website and
provide content, and review educational materials and interpretive staff on an annual
the NPS Pacific Ocean film. disseminate fire information. basis national and park fire
 Create citizen science messages.
opportunities. A variety of interpretive and  Develop web content that
 Provide cross-training with education methods will be used shows the natural process of
partners such as the NOAA to contact targeted audiences fire on the landscape.
boat trip. including:
 Investigate the feasibility
of creating a large multi-  Integration of fire messages
agency visitor center at into hikes, walks, campfire
Kalaloch focused on ocean programs, and special off-site
stewardship. presentations. Fire ecology
 Provide training to concepts will be integrated
interpretive staff to increase into curriculum-based
resource knowledge. education programs, student
 Encourage multi-agency field research experiences,
commitment to fill data gaps. after-school programs, and
 Protect exposed teacher workshops.
archeological sites.  During fire operations, park
employees will be stationed
Fire Education in high-use visitor areas,
including trails, to answer
The Olympic National Park Fire questions about the current
Communication and Education activity and/or explain the
Plan (draft 2010) provides fire and fuels management
guidance for the fire management program. Backcountry
program to communicate and rangers will also provide

Support a Citizen Science Specific recommendations

Program include:
National Park Service Research  Interpret climate change

Learning Centers have been impacts through citizen
developed to facilitate park science monitoring.
research efforts and provide  Set up a “Globe”-type
education opportunities. They website.
have been designed as public-  Opportunities to monitor for
private partnerships that local residents/students and
involve a wide range of people park/peninsula visitors
and organizations including o Quillayute watershed/
researchers, universities, Elwha
educators, and community o Sediment distribution
groups. The citizen science o Pool creation
initiative, a technique to o Water chemistry
accomplish Research Learning o Turbidity
Center goals, involves trained  ATBI-Bioblitz – discover of
volunteers observing and life in America understanding
recording scientific information of restoration impacts
such as the occurrence, to transfer to home
distribution, and behavior of communities.
species.  Educate public about
ongoing science research
Interpretation staff will partner and ways to get involved,
with resource managers and newspapers, and posters (e.g.
interpreters from Olympic fisher sighting flyers/signs).
National Park and the North  Explain more on current
Coast and Cascades Science research in the park including
Learning Network on initiatives short term impacts created
that engage visitors of all ages (e.g. aircraft monitoring that
to increase science literacy is good for the long term).
and promote stewardship and  Explain/expand information
environmental leadership. on natural processes
The Elwha River Restoration including fire, windstorm,
project and the ongoing and landslides.
marmot research may provide  Offer visitors opportunities
opportunities to engage the to go out with park fisheries
public in scientific monitoring biologists for surveying at
activities. Queets.

Research and Evaluation get feedback on project content Staffing and Training
midstream—before it is finalized
Needs Needs
and fabricated. Knowing how
potential visitors react to the
All interpretive programs Staffing
content and presentation
and services must be solidly
of a media product and the
grounded in research. The In the past 10 years the
overall visitor experience can
park has started to develop an Interpretation Division
be applied to the completion
interpretive database and should permanent staff has been
of the media development.
ensure that the database includes reduced by about 30%. The park
Summative evaluations are
the most important resources has submitted OFS (#25724 and
valuable in helping to determine
as well as identifying secondary #24958) requests for additional
the effectiveness of final media,
and tertiary resources to provide funding. Increased base and
facilities, and programs – i.e.
additional knowledge. There is project funds will enable the park
whether the intended themes
currently a tremendous amount to hire additional interpretive
are being communicated, if
of natural and cultural research staff. Positions that should be
people are actually using the
conducted by the park, but the considered during the next five
information, or if visitor behavior
interpretation staff needs time years include:
is affected. Summative evaluation
to gain an understanding of
may even be a necessary follow-
research findings and ways to
up for certain sources of funding  Elwha Outreach and
integrate that into programs Education Park Ranger
such as foundation grants.
and media. In order to fully subject-to-furlough term
Summative evaluation is most
accomplish the actions included GS-025-7
effective when a percentage of
in this plan and support the
the budget is retained to improve  West District Interpreter
interpretive themes, the park GS-025-11
the project in areas identified by
needs research on effective ways
the summative evaluation report.  Interpretive Media Specialist
to meet the needs of current and GS-025-7
emerging audiences.  Hurricane Ridge Park Ranger
Evaluate Elwha Education
GS-025-9 subject-to-furlough
Evaluation is also important Curriculum (PMIS#157814) –
- increase base funded pay
in the development of specific In this proposed project, peer
periods
educators will evaluate and
media and programs and will be  Administrative Support
planned and budgeted for as part pilot test the Freeing the Elwha
Assistant part-time
of all substantial media projects curriculum to meet educator
GS-0303-7
demand at the national and
and special programming. Front-  Olympic National Park
end evaluation is conducted at international levels. This project
Visitor Center Park Guide
that start of a media project, and proposes the development
GS-0090-5/7
of an evaluation protocol, a
informs the project team about  Seasonal Park Rangers
what visitors already know about workshop for middle school
GS-025-5
the site before they come, what teachers, stipends for teachers
they are interested in, and what that pilot and evaluate the
they anticipate, or are looking effectiveness of the curriculum
for in their park experience. in their classrooms, curriculum
This type of evaluative study is refinement from evaluation
targeted so that practical use can feedback, and curriculum
be made of the results. Formative promotion to a national audience
evaluations allow the team to of educators.

Training Annual supervisory training is

required for the division chief
A trained and motivated and the two district interpreters,
workforce is necessary for and is highly recommended
any successful park operation. for all division staff who lead
Emphasis should be placed on seasonal or term employees.
accountability for interpretive Volunteers are an important
standards to be applied or part of the workforce; therefore
adhered to when any park interpretive staff members
employees or volunteers provide require an appropriate level of
informal interpretation, present volunteer supervisory training.
interpretive programs, design
publications, media, and exhibits, The division is involved with
or present curriculum-based many interpretive projects,
educational programs. Ensure therefore the division program
that all staff members who leads and the district interpreters
provide interpretive services are encouraged to be certified
are held to the appropriate COTRs – Contracting Officer’s
NPS standards as defined in Technical Representatives.
the Interpretive Development And because of the number of
Program and be trained park partners, the chief and
accordingly. the outreach and education
specialist should also be
The recently established on- Certified Agreements Technical
line Eppley Institute provides Representatives (CATR). To
training opportunities covering provide the highest level of
topics including NPS history and accessibility with the many
management, the Wilderness Act, interpretive media projects
and interpretation. Seasonal staff recommended in this Long-
and interns are encouraged to Range Interpretive Plan, staff
take advantage of these courses members shall attend copyright
and are provided annually one and section 508 compliance
‘fee’ course free of charge to training.
promote their professional
development. Volunteers are also
encouraged to take these courses.

Implementation Plan
The measure of success of any During the 2010 The park is proposing many
plan is the extent to which Recommendations workshop, actions be taken during the
it is implemented. Initial the participants agreed to first three years of this plan.
implementation of strategies divide the actions necessary to To accomplish some of these
needs to be both realistic and implement the recommendations actions, especially those
flexible. Because funding into short-term (1-3 years), connected to the Elwha, existing
opportunities and priorities mid-term (4-6 years), and long- services and programs may
often change, park management term (7-10 years) goals. Most of have to be reduced or cut. It is
may need to adjust the the recommended actions for the park leadership’s goal to
implementation strategies to curriculum-based education enhance education opportunities
adapt to changing conditions. programs and personal services for the Elwha River Restoration
The park interpretive staff and are dependent on the hiring of project through the utilization
key park partners shall meet new staff. Other action items can of project funds and expanded
each year to draft an Annual be implemented immediately, partnerships to ensure that the
Implementation Plan for each within existing funding and existing base-funded programs
new fiscal year based on funding staffing levels. remain intact.
opportunities and coordination
with other projects. Flexibility
is extremely important to allow
park staff and partners the
opportunity to try new and
different interpretive ideas and
make adjustments as necessary.

OlympicNationalPark: 1Ͳ3years 4Ͳ6years 7Ͳ10years

OnͲgoing
PrioritiesbyInterpretiveService FY11Ͳ13 FY14Ͳ16 FY17Ͳ20
InterpretElwhaRiverRestoration
EngageinandsupportcitizenscienceinitiativesintheElwhaRiverwatershed. x
Workwithpartners(Feiro,OPI,OCNMS)tocontinuetoprovidetheNOWscience
program. x
Design,fabricate,andinstallinterimwayfindingexhibitsatvariouslocationswithinand
outsidethepark. x
Developinterpretivecontentforparkwebsitetoincludeinterpretivetextforwebcam
pagesandvideocaststoshowProjectprogress. x x
WorkwithpartnerstodeliveranElectronicFieldTriponElwhaRiverRestoration. x
WorkwithNorthOlympicPeninsulaSkillsCenter'sNaturalResourcestoofferElwha
FieldCoursebasedon2010pilotprogram. x
PartnerwithOlympicParkInstituteandNorthOlympicPeninsulaSkillsCenterto
identifyLowerElwhaKlallamstudentstoparticipateinpathwaysforyouthinternships x
potentiallyleadingtootherparkemploymentopportunities.
Createaseriesofvideosfortheparkwebsite,ONPVC,andotherremotelocationssuch
asWashingtonStateFerriesandtheCohoshowingbackgroundandprogressonElwha x x
RiverRestoration.
Establishcellphone/GPSactivatedtourstopsordrivingtoursthatprovideorientation
andinterpretationonElwhaRiverRestorationforbothduringdamremovalandpost x x
damremoval.
Develop,fabricate,andinstalladigitaldisplayatONPVCaboutElwhaRiverRestoration
thatsharesrealtimedataandincludesachangingvideothatshowschangeovertime. x
Design,fabricate,andinstallinterimwaysideexhibitsatElwhaDamandGlinesCanyon
Damoverlooksforduringdamremoval. x
Design,fabricate,andinstallaseriesofwaysideexhibitsintheElwhaValleyinterpreting
ElwhaRiverRestorationpostdamremoval. x
WorkwithpartnerstoplanandimplementKickͲOffandCountdownevents. x
WorkwithDYNWtodevelopthematicsalesitemsandageneralinterestbook. x
WorkwithFeiroMarineLifeCenterandtheCityofPortAngelestocompleteaninterior
exhibitonrestoringtheElwhaRivernearshoreenvironmentandanexteriorexhibitfor
thePortAngelesCityPierontheroleoftheElwhaRiverdamsintheindustrializationof x
thecityofPortAngeles.
Develop,fabricate,andinstallanexhibitatONPVCcelebratingsalmonthroughoutthe
park,particularlyElwhaRiver. x
Design,fabricate,andinstallnewexhibitsatElwhaRangerStationfocusingon
restorationandresearch. x
ImproveParkwideWayfinding,ArrivalExperiences,andOrientation
Continuetoparticipateinparkwidesignplanandbulletinboardplanefforttoinclude
NPSgraphicidentitydesignconcepts. x
Developaparkwayfindingplantodeterminedesignfeatures,signlocations,andarrival
experiences. x
Workwithpartnerstodevelopamultimediainteractivetoassistvisitorswithtrip
planning. x
EvaluateandDevelopaUnifiedSystemofWaysideExhibits
Design,fabricate,andinstallanewwaysideexhibitontheOlympicmarmotforthe
HurricaneHillTrailandanotherontheshrinkingOlympicMountainglaciersforthe x
HurricaneRidgeVisitorCenterterrace.
Conductacomprehensiveevaluationofwaysideexhibitcontent.Evaluationshould
includeagapanalysistodeterminewhatnewcontentisneeded. x
Createacomprehensivewaysideexhibitplantocreateacohesivevisitorexperience.
Theplanshoulddeterminethenexusbetweenwayfindinganddigitalmedia. x


OnͲgoing
ParticipateinKestnerHomesteadPlanning
ParticipateintheKestnerHomesteadsiteplanningeffortwhichcouldresultinnew x
ReplaceVisitorCenterExhibits
DesignnewexhibitsfortheHohandHurricaneRidgeVisitorCenters. x
Conductaninventory,assessment,andgapanalysisofexhibitthemesandconditions
throughoutthepark. x
FabricateandinstallnewexhibitsattheHohandHurricaneRidgeVisitorCenters. x
InvestigatetheFeasibilityofanOceanͲthemedMultiͲAgencyVisitorCenter
DeterminepotentialpartnersincludingOCNMS,USF&WS,tribes,WashingtonState
Parks,ARAMARK,DYNW,communities. x
WorkwiththeOCNMStoinvestigatefundingopportunities. x
UseDigitalMediatoIncreaseInterpretiveOpportunities
Organizeandmaintaintheinterpretationdigitallibraryincorporatingexistingvideo,
illustrations,anddrawingstothecurrentdigitalphotolibrary. x
Planandimplementcellphone/GPSactivatedtourstopsordrivingtourthatprovide
orientationandinterpretationonoverallparkthemesthroughoutthepark,suchasthe x
Hoh,Quinault,andHurricaneRidge.
ProduceavideotoshowontheWashingtonStateferriesandVictoriaferriesthattell
thestoryofOlympicNationalPark'ssignificantresourcesandrecreational x
opportunities.
CreateaMoreUsefulandInterpretiveWebsite
Developaworkplanprioritizingactionstoprovidemoreinterpretivecontentonthe
parkwebsite.ApproachescouldincludevideoͲcasts,storytelling,andlinkstoNPS
focussites,suchasNorthCoastandCascadesScienceLearningNetwork,Climate x
Change,OceanStewardship,Wilderness,NationalJuniorRanger,andFire.
CreateawebͲbasedphotogalleryfeaturingthe“BestofOlympicNationalPark.” x
DevelopaParkwideStrategyforIncreasedSocialMediaUse
Providestafftrainingintechnologyawareness,accessibility,copyright,and
developmentofpotentialapplications. x
Assembleaparkwidesocialmediateamtodevelopandimplementthestrategy x
Developaparkwidestrategyforsocialmedia.Thestrategywillincludehowpartners
areusingsocialmediaandhowtocollaboratewiththem. x
ImproveAccessibility
Completeexistingaccessibilitysurveyofinterpretivefacilities,programs,andservices,
andcompleteFMSSentriesrelatedtoaccessibility. x
IncreaseInterpretationandVisitorInformationPresenceThroughoutthePark
IncreasethenumberofstaffavailableduringtheoffͲseasononthewestͲsideofthe
parkbyfillingthevacantWestDistrictInterpreterposition. x
IncreasethenumberofsummerseasonalemployeesworkingatMoraandQuinaultto
providecoverage7daysperweek x
IncreasethenumberofstaffavailableatLakeCrescentintheearlyfallandlatespring. x
IncreasethenumberofsummerseasonalinterpretersworkingatOzettetoprovide
coverage5daysperweek. x


OnͲgoing
EngagePartnerstoProvideHighͲQualityInterpretiveServices
Collaboratewithcurrentandnewparkpartners,includingtribes,toshareinformation
aboutinterpretive,education,andyouthopportunitiesontheOlympicPeninsula. x
ParticipateintheLakeQuinaultTourismCommitteetodevelopnewinterpretive
opportunitiesintheLakeQuinaultareas. x
Hostanannualpartnermeetingtoshareinformation,coordinateprograms,identify
gapsandduplicativeefforts,buildcapacitybysharingresourcesandstaffingexpertise, x
andplanfuturecollaborativeprogramsandservices.
MeetwithtriballeaderstoexplorewaystheNPSandtribescanfurtherincorporate
tribalhistoryandstoriesintoparkinterpretiveprogramsandmedia. x
Developscopeofsalesforcooperatingassociation. x
DetermineEffectiveWaystoReachandEngageYouth
CurriculumͲBasedEducation
EvaluatepilotinitativeofprovidinganNPSprogramforallOPIresidentialfieldscience
programs,andifeffective,continueprogram. x
DevelopwebͲbasedpreͲtripeducationalresourcesforteachersandothereducational
groups. x
Identifypartnersinterestedinofferingteachertrainingonsubjectsrelevanttopark
naturalandculturalresources. x
Workwithpartnersandotherdivisionstoprovidefieldlearningandeducational
opportunitieswithservicelearningprojects x
Developavirtualfieldtripexperienceincorporatingthelessonslearnedfromthe
ElwhaElectronicFieldTrip. x
YouthEngagement
Liaisonwithotherparkdivisionsandpartnersinyouthoutreachprograms. x
Workwiththeparkyouthcoordinatorandpartnerstodevelopayouthengagement
plan. x
EstablishaYouthAdvisoryCommitteeanddefineitsfunction. x
WorkincooperationwithpartnerstoexpandNationalJuniorRangerDaylocationsand
activities. x
IncreaseJuniorRangeropportunitiesdevelopingageappropriateactivitiesonavariety
ofthemes,suchasaoceanstewardship,wilderness,orclimatechange. x
PromotetheexistingNationalScoutJuniorRangerProgramwithareacouncils. x
Employ,Engage,andEducateDiverseandUnderservedPopulationsinTheirHomeCommunitiesandinthePark
AssistKlondikeGoldRushNationalHistoricalParkͲSeattleUnitindevelopingan
outreachprogramthatwillconnecttheparktounderservedpopulationsintheSeattle x
area.
Providetranslationsofinterpretivematerialsontheparkwebsite. x
Workwithpartnerstodevelopanengagementplanforunderservedpopulations. x
BuildonthesuccessofMountRainier'sCAMPprogramtocreateaccessible,not
necessarilycampingͲbased,opportunitiesfornonͲtraditionalparkuserstobringtheir x
familiestothepark.


OnͲgoing
StrengthenandExpandWildernessInterpretation
EnsurethatexistingandnewinterpretivemediaandeveningprogramsaboutOlympic
wildernessincludenaturalsoundscape,naturaldarkness,andwildernesscharacter. x
Developmediaand/orpresentprogramstohelpcoastalhikers,includingcoastal
cleanupparticipants,learnthemeaningandvalueofwilderness. x
Developawildernessjuniorrangerprogram. x
Workwithpartnerstoofferovernightcampingexperiencesforyouthandfamilies. x
Expandopportunitiestopresentexperientiallearningopportunitiessuchasguided
hikesorkayaktripstofocusonwildernessvaluesandincreasingparticipant's x
recreationalskills.
Developawildernessoutreachstrategythatincludesinterpretivemediaandactivities
focusedonwilderness. x
DevelopabookletorwebͲbasedcontentforCommercialUseAuthorizationgroupson
thehistoryandapplicationoftheWildernessAct,themeaningandvalueofOlympic's
naturalandculturalresources,andtechniquesthattheirgroupscanutilizetobe x
successfulwildernessstewards.
StrengthenandExpandClimateChange,OceanStewardship,andFireInterpretationandEducation
ClimateFriendlyParks
StrivetomeetzerowastegoalfordivisioneventssuchasNationalJuniorRangerDay,
PerspectivesSeries,andoutreachevents. x
CompletethenewNPSclimatechangetrainingmodulebyallparkinterpreters. x
Assistwiththeplanningandimplementationforaparkalternatetransportation
system. x
WorkwithDiscoverYourNorthwesttosellcarbonoffsetsatparksalesareas. x
Expandinterpretationofclimatechangethroughmediaandprogramstoincludethe
NPSstrategyofscience,mitigation,adaptationandhoweachofuscanmakea x
difference.
DevelopaparkwebpagethathelpsvisitorsplanaclimateͲfriendlyvisit. x
OceanStewardship
WorkwithOlympicCoastNationalMarineSancturarytoensurealignmentbetween
eachagency'sinterpretiveplansandoceanmessagesandtodevelopdesignstandards x
forjointinterpretivemediaprojects.
WorkwithPacificOceanEducationTeamtodevelopoceanmessagesandincorporate
thesemessagesininterpretivemediaandprograms. x
WorkwithPacificOceanEducationTeamtoplan,providecontent,andreviewtheNPS
PacificOceanfilm. x
Expandpartnershipstoprovidemoreoceaneducationopportunitiesforparkvisitors,
teachers,andstudents. x
Fire
Updateparkwebsiteandinterpretivestaffonanannualbasisnationalandparkfire
messages. x
Developwebcontentthatshowsthenaturalprocessoffireonthelandscape. x
SupportaCitizenScienceProgram
Asopportunitiesarise,supportcitizenscienceiniativesbyprovidingeducational
content,publicprograms,interpretivewebsiteservices,andoutreachactivities. x

Appendices
Appendices
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life
lasts.
Rachel Carson

Appendices
Appendix A: The Planning Team


Karen Gustin, Superintendent
Todd Suess, Deputy Superintendent
Sue McGill, Deputy Superintendent (retired)
Kathy Steichen, Chief of Interpretation and Education
Bryan Bell, Wilderness Information Center Supervisor
Janis Burger, Hurricane Ridge Interpreter
Dean Butterworth, Outreach and Education Specialist
Dave Conca, Archeologist
Chris Eckard, East District Interpreter
Jerry Freilich, Research Coordinator and NCCN Science Learning Coordinator
Paul Gleason, Chief, Cultural Resource Management
Cat Hawkins Hoffman, Chief, Natural Resource Management
Lisa Hilt, Concession Management Specialist
Judy Joy Lively, Coast Interpreter
Greg Marsh, Olympic National Park Visitor Center Interpreter
Barb Maynes, Public Affairs Officer
Larry Nickey, Fire Management Officer
Jon Preston, Rain Forest Interpreter
Todd Rankin, Fuels Management Specialist
Janet Scharf, Interpretive Media Specialist
Ruth Scott, Wilderness Specialist
Maggie Tyler, Volunteer/Youth Programs Coordinator
Jacilee Wray, Anthropologist

Toni Dufficy, Interpretive Planner (Team Captain)
Krista Kovach-Hindsley, Exhibit Planner
Park Partners
Jim Adams, Executive Director, Discover Your Northwest
Margaret Baker, Branch Manager, Olympic National Park, Discover Your Northwest
Rebecca Benjamin, Executive Director, North Olympic Salmon Coalition
Roger Blain, Director of Activities and Interpretation, Quinault, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Pam Dahl, General Manager, Sol Duc Resort, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Pete Erben, Recreation Planner, Olympic National Forest Pacific Ranger District
Molly Erickson, Public Services, Olympic National Forest Pacific Ranger District
Frank Geyer, TFW Biologist, Quileute Tribe
Greg Halberg, Friends of Olympic National Park
Kim Hanson, Education Director, Olympic Park Instititute
“Howeeshata” David Hudson, Hoh Tribe
Julie Jackson, Board Member, Dungeness River Audubon Center
Ryan Karlson, Interpretive Planner, Washington State Parks
Roberta Korcz, Assistant Planner, City of Port Angeles
Jacqueline Laverdure, Education and Outreach Specialist, Olympic Coast NMS
Amanda Lovelady, District Manager, Olympic Peninsula, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Micah McCarty, Makah Tribal Council
Chris Morganroth, III, Quileute Tribe
Deborah Moriarty, Education Coordinator, Feiro Marine Life Center

Appendices
Lyn Muench, Board Member, Dungeness River Audubon Center

Donna Nemeth, Public Affairs Officer and Administrative Staff Officer, Olympic NF
Nicholas Pankow, General Manager, Kalaloch Lodge, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Garrett Rasmassen, Quileute Tribe
Becky Rice, Manager, Log Cabin Resort
Viola Riebe, Cultural Resources, Hoh River Tribe
Diane Schostak, Executive Director, Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Tom Sanford, Director, Olympic Park Institute
Bob Steelquist, Education and Outreach Coordinator, NOAA, Olympic Coast NMS
Nathan West, Director of Community Development, City of Port Angeles
Kai Wallin, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, North Olympic Salmon CoalitionNancy Williams, General
Manager Lake Crescent Lodge, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Sarah Zablocki-Axling, Student Conservation Association
I may not see the abundance of fish come back in my lifetime, but I would like to see it come back for my
grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and the rest of my people, the following generations to come. It was a
gift from our creator, it was our culture and heritage.
Beatrice Charles, Klallam tribal elder
In closing I would state that while the country on the outer slope of these mountains is valuable, the interior is
useless for all practicable purposes. It would, however, serve admirably for a national park.
Lt. Joseph P. O’Neil, 1890 report
In the end we will conserve only what we know. We will love only what we understand. We will understand
only what we are taught.
Baba Dioum

Appendices
Appendix B: Accessibility Guidelines
Every attempt will be made to provide full access to interpretive media and programs to ensure people with
physical and mental disabilities have access to the same information necessary for safe and meaningful visits
to national parks. This is in compliance with the National Park Service policy:
“ …To provide the highest level of accessibility possible and feasible for persons with visual, hearing,
mobility, and mental impairments, consistent with the obligation to conserve park resources and preserve
the qualities of the park experience for everyone.”
NPS Special Directive 83-3, Accessibility for Disabled Persons
All interpretation will follow general standards for accessibility as described in the Harpers Ferry Center
Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for Interpretive Media http://www.nps.gov/hfc/pdf/accessibility/
access-guide-aug2009.pdf.
A geological relief map at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center orients visitors to the park’s physical features.

Appendices
Appendix C: Interpretive Themes

The themes and sub-themes were developed during the August 2000 LRIP workshops and revised during
the current planning effort. The stories were identified during the October 2009 and March 2010 LRIP
workshops.
THEME A
Olympic National Park is a rare, diverse sanctuary, preserving thousands of species of life from
intertidal communities to old-growth forests to glacier-capped mountains.
1. The unique assemblage of plants, animals, and habitats in Olympic National Park exists as a result of
geographic isolation of the Peninsula through the millennia.
2. The geography of Olympic National Park, including topography, slope, aspect, and elevation, creates
climate zones and precipitation gradients that give rise to diverse habitats.
3. Olympic National Park preserves one of the largest remnants of rare old-growth forest habitat in the
United States, including record trees of many species.
 The park is a last stronghold for many old-growth dependent wildlife species, including the northern
spotted owl, marbled murrelet, fisher, and several species of bats.
 Forest species demonstrate myriad strategies and adaptations to survive in their habitats.
4. Olympic National Park protects some of the finest old-growth temperate rain forest left in the world.
This ecosystem, with its characteristic Sitka spruce, nurse logs, colonnades, and abundant epiphytes,
receives nearly 12 feet of rain annually.
 Dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees, this forest ecosystem produces more biomass
per year than is documented for even the tropical rain forest.
 Only a tiny remnant of old-growth rain forest remains on the Olympic Peninsula. Most of this
original rain forest is protected in Olympic National Park, with only small disconnected fragments
outside the park.
5. The young, steep, glaciated Olympic Mountains, with weather extremes including dry summers,
hurricane force winds, and over 30 feet of annual snowfall, are prime examples of subalpine and alpine
environments.
 Olympic marmots and other endemic mountain taxa illustrate the isolation of the Olympic
Peninsula.
 Mountain species demonstrate myriad strategies and adaptations to survive in their habitats.
6. Olympic National Park, with its many partners, protects over 70 miles of dynamic wild coast with
interconnected terrestrial and marine life.
 Numerous seastacks, rocky outcrops, and varied beach types along the Pacific Coast, as well as
extensive tide and wave splash zones, support one of the most complex and diverse convergences of
southern and northern intertidal species in the United States.
 Coastal and marine species demonstrate myriad strategies and adaptations to survive in their
habitats.
7. Plant species and resident and migratory animal species, including endangered, threatened, and
reintroduced marine and terrestrial species, benefit from the diverse habitats of Olympic National Park.
8. The establishment of Olympic National Park created a sanctuary for Roosevelt elk, a species almost
hunted to extinction in the early 1900s. This herd of nearly 5,000 is now the largest free-roaming
population of Roosevelt elk in the world.
9. Olympic National Park protects one of the largest intact freshwater aquatic ecosystems in the lower 48
states, from glacier-fed creeks to rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries.
 Aquatic ecosystems provide one of the largest and most pristine sanctuaries for salmonids in the
lower 48 states.
 Rich and protected freshwater resources, including 12 major river drainages, over 3,500 miles of
rivers and streams, more than 300 mountain lakes and two large lowland lakes, form an integral
connection between land and sea.

Appendices
10. Olympic National Park, with nearly one million acres of protected land, is a place where natural forces
and biotic and abiotic processes function and interact.
 The park protects and sustains resources, cycles and processes that enrich life far beyond its
boundaries, yet conversely the park is impacted by events that occur outside its boundaries.
 Wildfires that occur during dry summer periods are one of the largest natural modifiers of Olympic
Peninsula forests and subalpine habitats.
11. Olympic National Park’s size, ecological integrity and rich natural and cultural resources have been
recognized as significant to all humankind through the park’s designation as an International Biosphere
Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
THEME B
The integrity, diversity, and magnitude of Olympic National Park’s wilderness ecosystems powerfully
affect the human spirit, providing outstanding opportunities for discovery, research, introspection,
challenge, and inspiration.
1. The impressive scenery and powerful places of Olympic National Park offer rare opportunities to
experience solitude, quiet, darkness, mystery, reflection, and inspiration.
2. Olympic National Park’s rugged landscapes, from mountains to sea, and extensive trail system offer
diverse recreational experiences. Personal challenges, including physical, intellectual, and emotional,
enhance the visitor’s connections to wilderness.
3. Despite its remoteness, the Olympic Wilderness is impacted by forces including climate change,
pollution, non-native species, ocean acidification, and visitor use, both inside and outside park
boundaries. Maintaining the integrity of the wilderness requires ongoing stewardship and vigilance.
4. Olympic National Park offers scientists a rare, large-scale, and nearly intact living laboratory for research.
 Research findings provide essential tools for managers to make informed decisions and for the public
to learn more about park resources.
5. Federally designated as a Class 1 Airshed, Olympic National Park provides visitors with some of the
cleanest air in the world.
THEME C
The Olympic Peninsula’s rich cultural history reveals a dynamic interaction between people, place,
and values, illustrating the ongoing challenge to balance the use and preservation of resources.
1. Olympic National Park is the ancestral homeland of eight tribes that since time immemorial have
continued to maintain a strong connection between their communities and the land.
2. Precontact archeological sites, ranging from the park’s intertidal to alpine zones, demonstrate extensive
use of the Olympic Peninsula and offer insights into the lifeways of early residents.
3. The Olympic Peninsula, an isolated island-like landform with impenetrable forests and rugged mountain
ranges, was one of the last frontiers in the lower 48 states to be systematically explored and later
homesteaded by Euro-Americans.
4. The stories of places that are now within Olympic National Park reflect changing values over time, from
a perspective of inexhaustible resources to conservation, preservation and restoration.
5. Olympic National Park’s significant cultural resources, including petroglyphs, ancient village sites,
homesteads, and shipwrecks, reveal compelling human stories.
6. The long and complex history of land use by numerous distinct cultures demonstrates the saga of human
adaptability in Olympic National Park.

U.S. Department of the Interior

600 East Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-565-3000
www.nps.gov/olym
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™

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Harpers Ferry Center

National Park Service

Olympic National Park

Department of the Interior

Olympic National Park

Paciﬁc West Region

Harpers Ferry Center

All Photo Credits: National Park Service

 Interpret Elwha River Restoration

 Improve Parkwide Wayﬁnding, Arrival Experiences, and Orientation

 Evaluate and Develop a Uniﬁed System of Wayside Exhibits

 Participate in Kestner Homestead Planning

 Replace Visitor Center Exhibits

 Investigate the Feasibility of an Ocean-themed Multi-agency Visitor Center

 Use Digital Media to Increase Interpretive Opportunities

 Create a More Useful and Interpretive Website

 Develop a Parkwide Strategy for Increased Social Media Use

 Increase Interpretation and Visitor Information Presence Throughout the Park

 Engage Partners to Provide High-Quality Interpretive Services

 Determine Eﬀective Ways to Reach and Engage Youth

 Strengthen and Expand Wilderness Interpretation

 Support a Citizen Science Program

Participants engage in a Foundation Workshop small group exercise.

112 Elwha Forks

101 Mora Sequim

SHI SHI BEACH 3 16

Olympic National Park Ferry Sea-Tac

Slip Point Kalaloch 90

Spike Rock Information board Fe Rain Forest Hoodsport Airport

r ad CLALLAM BAY SPIT 16

x o tt e Hoodsport FORT EBEY

Joyce Canada DUNGENESS

Dickey Beaver Lake Log Cabin Resort

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Whidbey

YELLOW BANKS L A K E Garden Cre Mt Muller

Snider Peak Fairholme Pyramid 101 SEQUIM

3055ft ad Olympic National Park

Lake Bear Creek Klahowya Indian Cr

Big Joes Lake

Tivoli Storm King 101 Little River Cr

Thunder Lake So l Y CRESCENT Madison Falls

Ba Heart O’ the Hills RY

SOL DUC rn SEQUIM BAY

C reek 1382m STATE PARK

Norwegian Memorial Lodge Marymere Road

Sol Duc Morse Cre e

Sol Duc Hot Lake ul d

Chilean Memorial River Springs Resort lf C

NPS/USFS Recreation Obstruction 6764ft

RIALTO BEACH Point 2062m

Road open summer

110 No R iv 1668m Leland

Hoh Lake 1302m Lake

INDIAN x Baldy To Seattle

THIRD STATE PARK iel h 1754m tl e

Teahwhit Head Bo g a c h Stephen Peak 6280ft

To Gray Wolf Pass Mt Deception

e Creek MOUNT OLYMPUS 6836ft Lost

White Middle 2084m Pass

Alexander Island Glacier West Peak Peak Tunn

East Peak Mt Mystery el

North Glacier Hayden Pass

R Glacier Jeffers Constance 2750ft