Libraries, parks team up to host Poetry Walks

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Poetry Walks, an experience designed by North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in partnership with Olympic National Park, offers nature-themed poems placed in inspiring locations along five Olympic National Park trails from April 1-May 31.

Returning for its ninth year, the offerings look to “combine nature and art in playful and poignant ways,” library representatives said.

“Pausing to read poetry while out enjoying nature might make you notice something new along one of these favorite local trails,” librarian Clair Dunlap said.

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.

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 to discover@nols.org.

“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.

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 nols.org/poetry-walks and nps.gov/olym.

More info

Those interested in additional poetry or new trails to explore can get hiking guides, trail maps, wildlife guides and poetry volumes at NOLS libraries.

Filled with discovery tools for exploring the park, Explore Olympic! daypacks include trail and field guides, binoculars and reading materials for children, and can be placed on hold at nols.org/nols-gear. Thanks to support by Discover Your Northwest, families that check out a pack receive a seven-day entrance pass to Olympic National Park.

The Poetry Walks program is offered to the public thanks to the support of the Port Angeles Friends of the Library.

For more information about this and other upcoming library events, visit nols.org or email to discover@nols.org.