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Poetry Walks with North Olympic Library System
April 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
The North Olympic Library System is partnering with Olympic National Park and the North Olympic Land Trust to offer the 11th season of Poetry Walks. Enjoy self-guided walks on trails featuring poetry in the landscape.
Poems are placed on signs in multiple locations along the trails listed below.
North Olympic Land Trust
Lyre Conservation Area
The Lyre Conservation Area west of Joyce has a wide, forested trail to the mouth of the Lyre River and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Directions: From Port Angeles, drive approximately 3 miles west on Hwy 101, then turn right onto Hwy 112. Drive approximately 14 miles. Turn right on Reynold Rd and drive less than a half mile to a small parking area. If taking transit from Port Angeles, the Clallam Transit 10-Joyce Route stops at the intersection of Highway 112 and East Lyre River Road, a short walk from the property.
Elk Creek Conservation Area
Located near Forks, the Elk Creek Conservation Area offers a riverside trail through riparian forest habitat. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Directions: Take Highway 101 west from Port Angeles approximately 50 miles to the city of Forks. Turn left (east) on Calawah Way. After approximately two miles, there will be a small parking lot on the right. Foot access only beyond this point. If using transit, take the Clallam Transit Route 14 – Forks to the Forks Transit Center and Rest Stop. Request a ride through the Forks-Interlink service to the Elk Creek Conservation Area parking lot. Learn more about the Forks-Interlink service here.
Olympic National Park
Madison Falls Trail
The Madison Creek Falls Trail is a paved trail that is located in the Elwha River Valley and follows Madison Creek 200 feet to the base of Madison Falls.
Directions: The Madison Creek Falls Trail is located in the Elwha Valley and parking is located right off of Olympic Hot Springs Road immediately before the national park pay station. The paved trail is 200 feet to the base of the beautiful Madison Falls.
Spruce Railroad Trail
The Spruce Railroad Trail is a beautiful four-mile one-way trail located along the north shore of Lake Crescent about 20 miles west of Port Angeles.
Directions: The Spruce Railroad Trail is a 4 mile one-way hike that hugs the north shore of Lake Crescent. Bicycles and pets permitted. From Port Angeles, head west on Highway 101. After about 15 miles, turn right onto East Beach Road. Continue on East Beach Road until you reach the trailhead.
Poets featured along the trails include Mary Oliver, Ross Gay, Tim McNulty, Jaiden Dokken, 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 with NOLS on social media or by emailing discover@nols.org. You can also check out materials in the NOLS collection with other work by poets who are featured in Poetry Walks!
Poetry Walks begin in April to celebrate National Poetry Month. Additionally, National Park Week will take place April 19-27. National Park Week is celebrated at all national park areas across the country and features free admission to all national park units on Saturday, April 19.
More information about all of the trails and areas of Olympic National Park can be found by visiting the Olympic National Park website.
More information about all of the conservation areas and work that the North Olympic Land Trust manages can be found by visiting the North Olympic Land Trust website.
Interested in exploring Olympic National Park for free? Check out an Explore Olympic Daypack from your library! Includes a park pass, binoculars and more, thanks to generous support by Discover Your Northwest.
Program Partners
NOLS Poetry Walks are offered to the public with the generous support of the Port Angeles Friends of the Library and the North Olympic Land Trust.
