by The Olympic Peninsula is one of the last bastions of wilderness. Rugged and untamed, the forests, rivers and mountains surrounding Olympic National Park are some of the most impressive forests in the nation. Despite over a century of logging, the Olympic Peninsula’s wilderness areas have thrived, providing countless hiking, backpacking and fishing opportunities for visitors …
Olympic National Park Visitation on Near Record Pace
While the summer weather of 2016 is off to less than a stellar start, the wettest spring on record did little to dampen the enthusiasm for Olympic National Park. Washington State’s most-visited National Park has seen nearly one million visitors in the first five months of 2016. Spurned on by a Centennial Celebration for our …
The Olympic Peninsula’s Cape Flattery, Via Drone
Cape Flattery is a classic destination, not just on the Olympic Peninsula or the state of Washington, but in the nation. Out on the exposed rocks, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in full glory, Cape Flattery is a timeless testament to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Most know the cape as being the place where …
Olympic National Park to Visitors: Stay Away from Mountain Goats
“Olympic National Park visitors are reminded to stay at least 50 yards away from mountain goats and other park wildlife at all times. Park regulations state that all visitors must maintain a distance of at least 50 yards, or half the length of a football field, between themselves and any park wildlife. If any animal approaches …
Fire Reported at the Vance Creek Bridge in Mason County
The Outdoor Society has received unconfirmed reports that a fire is burning on the bottom of the trestle of the Vance Creek Bridge in Mason County, Washington. According to numerous social media reports we have been directed to, as well as a source we have in the area, a fire is burning under the famous bridge’s trestle, …
This Week on the Water: The Start of July at Lake Cushman
The dog days of summer are finally here!! More often than not, our friends around the Olympic Peninsula have amazing stories to share with The Outdoor Society. They inspire us, encourage us to try new things and help remind us that there are millions of possible recreation activities and destinations to enjoy around the region. Recently, …
Eleven Family-Friendly Summer Trails Around Olympic National Park
Summer is finally here and after a record rainfall over the past winter, Pacific Northwest residents are drying out and are getting ready for wilderness exploration. School is out, summer vacation is just getting started and families from all over the nation are flocking to the great state of Washington to experience the natural beauty …
The Future of Olympic National Park’s Enchanted Valley is Being Decided
Have your Voice Heard! Located in a picturesque rainforest valley, under the shadows of rocky peaks and quickly melting glaciers, Olympic National Park’s Enchanted Valley is one of the most popular and scenic backpacking destinations in the National Park Service. Now located 15 miles from the nearest trailhead, the Enchanted Valley lives up to its …
Yellowstone National Park Sees First Tourist Fatality of the Season
On Tuesday, June 7th, Yellowstone National Park officials responded to a call about a tourist incident at the Norris Geyser Basin region of the park. As this is being written, park staff are working to retrieve the body of the individual who reportedly left the boardwalk in the geyser and hot springs area. The hot springs …
Saying Goodbye to the Olympic Mountain’s Quickly Melting Snowpack
As we have been reporting all year, the snowpack of Washington State is quickly vanishing after a slightly above average snowfall last winter. Right now, the majority of Washington State is below 50% of average snowpack, with some regions close to or at zero. The Olympic Mountains, which The Outdoor Society primarily focuses on, are at …