OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Beginning Tuesday, Olympic National Park rangers will lead guided interpretive walks along the Elwha River where Lake Aldwell once existed.
The free two-hour walks will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Sundays through Sept. 2.
Rangers will guide visitors through the landscape being created by the river following the removal of Elwha Dam in March 2012.
The lake has drained, and walkers can get up-close looks at shifting sediments, old and new vegetation, giant stumps logged a century ago and the river re-establishing itself.
The Elwha Dam removal was part of the $325 million effort, begun in 2011, to return the river to its wild state and restore its salmon runs.
Removal of Glines Canyon Dam upstream is expected to be finished sometime this year.
The walks begin at the former boat launch located at the end of Lake Aldwell Road, which turns north off U.S. 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.
For more information, phone the park visitor center at 360-565-3130.
