Poetry Walks features nature-themed poems placed in inspiring locations along five Olympic National Park trails from April 1 through May 31. Returning for its ninth year, the experience is designed by North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in partnership with Olympic National Park to combine nature and art in playful and poignant ways. “Pausing to read poetry while out enjoying nature might make you notice something new along one of these favorite local trails,” said Librarian Clair Dunlap.
Poems will be placed on signs in Olympic National Park along the Hall of Mosses, Living Forest, Madison Creek Falls, Peabody Creek, and Spruce Railroad trails. The Hall of Mosses Trail requires visitors to pass through the Hoh Rain Forest entrance station to show or purchase a National Park Pass.
“Olympic National Park is excited to partner with the North Olympic Library System to offer this opportunity for visitors to read, reflect, and be inspired,” said Dean Butterworth, Olympic National Park Outreach and Education Specialist.
About the Trails
The Living Forest and Peabody Creek trails begin at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles, and offer pleasant 0.5 mile loops. In the spring, skunk cabbage, a native plant found along streams and other wet areas of the woods, blooms and provides vibrant color (and possibly scent) along the trails. The Madison Creek Falls Trail is located in the Elwha Valley and offers a paved 200-foot walk to the base of the beautiful falls. The Hall of Mosses Trail, accessed through the Hoh Rain Forest entrance station, is a 0.8 mile loop trail that passes through big leaf maples and Sitka spruces covered in vibrant green and brown mosses. The Spruce Railroad Trail follows the historic railroad grade of the Spruce Railroad along the North shore of Lake Crescent for 4 miles one-way, offering several points of beach access as well as gorgeous views of the Punchbowl, Mount Storm King, and Barnes Point. More information about the trails and areas of Olympic National Park can be found at www.nols.org/poetry-walks and www.nps.gov/olym.
About the Poetry
Poets featured along the trails include Jericho Brown, Ross Gay, Tim McNulty, Mary Oliver, Rena Priest, and many more. Those who find themselves inspired to write a poem or take a photo while on one of the Poetry Walks are encouraged to share it on social media and tag the North Olympic Library System and #MyParkStory or email discover@nols.org.
National Poetry Month and National Park Week Events
Exploring Poetry Walks is a great way to take part in National Poetry Month in April, and National Park Week, April 22-30. National Park Week is celebrated at all national park areas across the country and features free admission to all national park units on Saturday, April 22. National parks have inspired artistic and creative expression for generations, and finding inspiration along the Poetry Walks is one way everyone can join in and celebrate the artistic legacy of national parks.
More Information
Whether you’re interested in additional poetry or new trails to explore, the NOLS collection has something for you. Hiking guides, trail maps, wildlife guides, and poetry volumes are all available for checkout. Explore Olympic! daypacks—filled with discovery tools for exploring the park, including trail and field guides, binoculars and reading materials for kids—are perfect for families and can be placed on hold at www.nols.org/nols-gear. Thanks to generous support by Discover Your Northwest, families that checkout a pack will receive a seven-day entrance pass to Olympic National Park.
The Poetry Walks program is offered to the public thanks to the generous support of the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. For more information about this and other upcoming events, visit www.nols.org or email discover@nols.org.
