Beginning this Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Olympic National Park rangers will lead guided interpretive walks along the Elwha River where Lake Aldwell once existed.   

These programs will be offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through Sept. 2.

Rangers guide visitors through the landscape being created by the river following the removal of the Elwha Dam. Walks provide an up-close look at shifting sediments, both old and new vegetation, giant stumps logged a century ago, and the river re-establishing itself.

The walks are free and begin at the former boat launch located at the end of Lake Aldwell Road, which turns north off Highway 101 just west of the Elwha River bridge.  

Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and be prepared for windy conditions with no shade. The guided portion of the walk lasts about one hour.

For more information about Elwha Exploration Walks, call the Elwha Ranger Station at 452-9191.

For more information about Elwha River Restoration, including links to the project webcams, weekly Dam Removal Blog and Elwha River Restoration Facebook page, people may check online at the Olympic National Park website (http://tinyurl.com/Elwha-Restoration).