Take a walk with state Poet Laureate

Published 11:46 am Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Sequim Gazette staff

The Port Angeles Library welcomes Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen back to the Olympic Peninsula to lead a short, meditative hike and brief, guided writing session along the Smokey Bottom trail (formerly West Lake Mills) at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 18.

Since the removal of the Glines Canyon Dam in 2014, Lake Mills no longer exists, but the trail now provides opportunities to view the old lake bed and see the Elwha River restoration effort firsthand.

An Olympic National Park ranger also will be on hand during the hike to discuss the river’s restoration and answer any questions.

No previous hiking or writing experience is required to attend, but participants must be at least 18 years old. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

To register, visit www.nols.org/events and select “Port Angeles.”

On the day of the hike, participants wishing to carpool to the trailhead will meet at the library at 2210 S. Peabody St. at 8:30 a.m.

Day passes to Olympic National Park will be provided to those carpooling from the library to the Smokey Bottom trailhead, where the hike will begin at 9 a.m.