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   OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK - HIKING & NATURE STUDY II
JUNE 26 - JULY 2, 2005
$890
Mary Coffin, Leader
carols photoThis trip, a sequel to the 2004 trip, provides an opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of the Olympic Peninsula while hiking daily (4 to 10 miles RT) with a naturalist guide. We will hike alpine ridges with views of glacier capped peaks, and meadows abundant with wildflowers on several days then contrast this environment with the deep valleys of the temperate rainforests with their huge old growth trees, giant ferns and hanging mosses and lichens. Yet another day we will visit the coast to walk the beach. The Olympic Park Institute (OPI) will provide home base for meals, lodging in cabins, naturalist guide, evening speakers and transport to trailheads. Located near Port Angeles, WA, the institute is on the shore of Crescent Lake and surrounded by mountains in a relaxing picturesque spot.
lodge
Glacier-capped mountains, wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth forests, including temperate rain forests can all be found in Olympic National Park. About 95% of the park is designated Wilderness, which further protects these diverse and spectacular ecosystems. Olympic is also known for its biological diversity.  Isolated for eons by glacial ice, and later the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and 15 kinds of animals are found on the peninsula but no where else on Earth. It was designated a national park June 29, 1938. On November 16, 1988, 95% of the park was designated as Wilderness. Over 600 miles of trails access these wild areas. The largest remaining, undisturbed old-growth and temperate rain forests in the  Northwest are found in Olympic National Park. Salmon still migrate seasonally to spawn in the clean, clear water of many Olympic rivers and streams. Jagged, glacier-capped peaks rise nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Over 200 inches of precipitation falls annually on some of the higher peaks. Olympic National Park contains over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast--the largest section of wilderness coast in the lower 48 states. Archeological and historical records reveal clues about people who have lived here for the past 12,000 years. Petroglyphs are observable.
rainforest
Our host, the Olympic Park Institute (OPI), is non-profit organization and a member of Yosemite National Institutes. OPI is located on Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula and on the edge of the Olympic National Park. It is 3.5 hour drive from Seattle. Since 1998, OPI, a non-profit organization, has sponsored conferences, retreats, K-12 school programs and Elderhostels. OPI is dedicated to providing educational adventures in nature's classroom to inspire a personal connection to the natural world and responsible actions to sustain it. For over 30 years, YNI has served over 40,000 youth and adults annually through a unique variety of environmental education programs at our National Park campuses in California and Washington.

We will stay in cabins or cottages (based on availability) that have a nearby bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. Each cabin has a small common room and 4 sleeping rooms that sleep 2-4 people, linens (sheets, pillow, pillow cases and comforter). Cabins and bathhouse are wheelchair accessible. There is also a dining hall, log gazebo with stone fireplace, meeting rooms and science lab. Meals (included) are breakfast of cereals, fruit and a daily special; trail lunch spread each day; and dinner special (chef's choice).
ocean
A naturalist-guide will lead daily interpretive hikes to study alpine wildflowers, the rainforest, tundra and tide pool habitats, flora and fauna. The guide will also present 3 evening programs. See Daily Itinerary.

Free time is available for optional canoeing/hiking and or meditating along the picturesque lakeshore surrounded by spectacular mountains.

Participants should be reasonably physically fit, able to hike 5-8 miles a day with elevation gains of possibly 1,500-2000'. Daily walks are advised as preparation. Participants need to enjoy interacting with others and group living in simple, comfortable cabins with shared bath facilities near by.

Price of $890 ($75 nonrefundable) includes:  Lodging day 1-6, linens, all meals from dinner Day 1 through bag lunch Day 7, transportation between Seattle airport and OPI, naturalist guide, evening speakers and transport to trailheads. Not included:  Airfare, alcoholic beverages and personal items. For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Mary Coffin, 328 Deepsprings Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, telephone 315-687-3589, E-mail mcoffin1@twcny.rr.com.
Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control.  All registration fees are non-refundable.  Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION 
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