Wolves have made a remarkable comeback in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem since the recovery plan was launched in the mid-1990s. Concerned that the predators will find their way into Washington state, officials there are developing a management plan. But how many wolves are enough wolves?
Fighting forest fires is one of the most dangerous occupations to partake in. And yet, many of those who fight these blazes are energized by the danger they encounter. You might say they get an adrenalin high battling the flames. And some firefighters die, more often than not because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. That appears to have been the case when a young firefighter from Olympic National Park died on the fire lines in 2008.
Whether you can thank the hoopla around National Parks: America's Best Idea, or attribute it to the weak economy, there are a number of lodging deals available to be had around the National Park System.
Reports on climate change and national parks often mention parks as valuable in helping wildlife species survive by providing environmental sanctuaries of sorts. But a case playing out at Olympic National Park demonstrates how parks might not always be able to provide wildlife with what they need during climatic changes.
A bounty from the sea is in the offing at Olympic National Park, where there could be a razor clam season this fall after two years without clamming allowed.
The newly designated Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail will link three national parks, seven national forests, several major mountain ranges, and two border-to border national scenic trails. One day it will also be a key link in the coast-to-coast pathway that trail developers have been dreaming about.
SPOT units are compact communication devices that can be used to summon help in event of an emergency in remote areas. SPOT can be a life-saving tool, but false alarms by inept users can also be a problem. Recent incidents in two parks illustrate the potential and the pitfalls of modern technology.
Quick, pick an ocean setting for next summer's national park vacation. Are you heading to the Northeast, the Northwest, or looking South or somewhere else for your destination?
Beach-combing at Olympic National Park can turn up a lot of interesting objects, but one beach goer discovered something highly unusual and incredibly old.
Roads in two NPS areas that were closed recently due to rockslides have reopened in time for the coming weekend. The routes are an eight-mile section of Little River Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park.
A popular attraction at Olympic National Park is the 17-mile drive up the Hurricane Ridge Road. The scenic road remains closed today for a third day due to a rock slide, and a reopening date is not yet known.
Even experienced travelers often are surprised to learn that some national park lodges still offer rooms without a private bathroom. In fact, in making a reservation at one of the lodges you might discover there is no choice other than a room that requires use of a community bathroom. While European visitors are not surprised and might even expect rooms without a private bathroom, many U.S. travelers don’t look kindly on the need to use a bathroom that is just down the hallway.
Olympic National Park is a decidedly wet and misty place, one where the thick forests and leafy understory make it hard to see past the bend in the trail. Contributing to this lush, moist setting are some beautiful waterfalls that cascade down moss-covered rocks. These aren't towering falls such as those you find in the Yosemite Valley or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but smaller, more intimate "pocket" waterfalls.
Life is not easy for salmon in the Pacific Northwest. They’re born inland, usually in a stream far from the ocean. Then, when they’re old enough, they have to swim all the way to the ocean, hopefully timing it right so there will be plenty to eat when they arrive. Some years later, if they’ve managed to avoid the Pacific’s predators, they have to retrace that journey to return to where they were born so they can mate. And then they die.
In this summer of economic discontent, businesses that operate lodgings in the National Park System are coming up with their own strategies for luring visitors.
They're small, they're furry, and they're evidence that a predator long missing from the backcountry of Olympic National Park just might have a chance of regaining a permanent footing.
Olympic National Park is not something to be rushed through, but rather savored like a fine glass of wine, a bold cup of tea, or a beautiful sunset. And the road network, such as it is, ensures that you won't rush through this park, which is how it should be. There's just so much to enjoy that you shouldn't rush.
It's been a rather cold, wet winter in much of the country, and Olympic National Park includes a smorgasbord of outdoor delights to help cure a case of cabin fever. Here's some important travel information for anyone planning a visit to Olympic in the next two months-and a tip than can save you some money on your trip.
If you're nimble and flexible, there are some special lodging deals to be had in Sequoia and Olympic national parks, and some boating deals at Lake Powell National Recreation Area.
Olympic National Park is deservedly considered one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. Getting there in the late spring and early summer of 2009 will require some advance planning—and a bit of patience—for a lot of visitors due to an upcoming six week closure of the Hood Canal Bridge.
Areas near Olympic National Park have been in the news in recent months for some pretty bizarre reasons. First it was those mythical vampires in nearby Forks, Washington, inspired by the best-selling Twilight books and movie. Now there's the following news headline: "Science Finds Swirling Vortex of Poison off Washington Coast."
To say this is the slow season in many national parks is an understatement. However, if you're flexible and curious about off-season vistas, the slow season can carry many benefits. Such as half-off on lodging in some parks.
It's going on three decades since you last could drive your rig to the old Olympic Hot Springs Resort and automobile campground in Olympic National Park. And now park officials are proposing to erase the last vestiges of that asphalt road.
With all the recent talk about the Hurricane Ridge ski area, is it merely a coincidence that the folks at Olympic National Park are helping sponsor an avalanche awareness clinic this Friday?
What were the top stories across the National Park System in 2008? That's a good question, but unfortunately one that brings to mind many stories we at the Traveler wish never arose.
If you're kid-free or otherwise not bound to school calendars, there are a number of lodging specials and seasonal events in the National Park System in the coming months.
Earlier this year a fisher recovery program got under way in Olympic National Park with the release of 18 of the furry mammals that are kin to weasels. This weekend another 15 or so will be set free to set up home in the park.
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