April 1 – May 31, 2026
The North Olympic Library System is partnering with Olympic National Park, the North Olympic Land Trust, and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge to offer the 13th 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. Entrance fees or passes are required at Olympic National Park and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

Olympic National Park

• Hall of Mosses
• Madison Falls Trail
• Spruce Railroad Trail

North Olympic Land Trust

• Elk Creek Conservation Area
• Lyre Conservation Area

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

• Main 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.

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.

Located near Forks, the Elk Creek Conservation Area offers a riverside trail through riparian forest habitat. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

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.

The Hall of Mosses Trail is located near the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and passes through large trees covered in vibrant green and brown mosses.

The Main Trail at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is an easy 1/2 mile walk that brings you to an overlook with expansive views of Dungeness Spit. The trailhead is located at the end of Voice of America Road in Sequim. Dogs are not allowed.

Poets featured along the trails include Mary Oliver, Ross Gay, Tim McNulty, Nellie Bridge, 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 18-26. National Park Week is celebrated at all national park areas across the country.

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 at northolympiclandtrust.org.

More information about Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge can be found at fws.gov/refuge/dungeness. For more information on the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, co-managers of the Refuge, please visit their website at jamestowntribe.org.

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.

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.