April 1 – 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.
Olympic National Park
- Madison Falls Trail
- Spruce Railroad Trail
North Olympic Land Trust
- Elk Creek Conservation Area
- Lyre Conservation Area
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore Olympic Daypack
Interested in exploring Olympic National Park for free? Check out an Explore Olympic Daypack! 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.
