Returning for its 10th season, this year’s Poetry Walks feature nature-themed poems placed in locations along three Olympic National Park trails from April 1-May 31.

The Poetry Walks program is designed by North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in partnership with Olympic National Park to combine nature and art in “playful and poignant ways,” library representatives note.

The program, which began in 2014 and paused for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the first program of its kind offered in any U.S. National Park, NOLS officials noted.

“The program began as part of a healthy living series and it’s turned into an anticipated annual occurrence along the trails,” librarian Clair Dunlap said.

“The poems bring new inspiration each spring and remind local residents to explore two great resources right in their backyard – the National Park and the Library.”

Poems will be placed on signs in Olympic National Park along the Hall of Mosses, Madison Creek Falls and Spruce Railroad trails. The Hall of Mosses Trail requires visitors to pass through the Hoh Rain Forest entrance station to show or purchase a National Park Pass.

“Poetry can distill the beauty of a fleeting moment like a beautiful ocean sunset, magnificent mountain sunrise, or glimpse of elusive wildlife into a few words,” said Lee Snook, Chief of Interpretation, Education and Volunteers at Olympic National Park.

“We are thrilled to once again provide the opportunity to experience the park through poetry.”

Poets featured along the trails include Jaiden Dokken, Ross Gay, Tim McNulty, Mary Oliver, Rena Priest and many others.

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 on social media and tag the North Olympic Library System and #MyParkStory or by email (discover@nols.org).

Photo courtesy of North Olympic Library System / Enjoy work from poets such as Matthew Olzmann (pictured) with the 2024 Poetry Walks, which features nature-themed poems at three Olympic National Park trails from April 1-May 31.

Library officials say exploring Poetry Walks is a great way to take part in National Poetry Month in April, and National Park Week (April 20-28). 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 20.

“National parks have inspired artistic and creative expression for generations, and finding inspiration along the Poetry Walks is one way everyone can join in and celebrate the artistic legacy of national parks,” library officials said in a press release.

About the trails

The Spruce Railroad Trail follows the historic railroad grade of the Spruce Railroad along the North shore of Lake Crescent for 4 miles one way, offering several points of beach access as well as gorgeous views of the Punchbowl, Mount Storm King and Barnes Point.

The Madison Creek Falls Trail in the Elwha Valley offers a paved 200-foot walk to the base of the beautiful falls.

The Hall of Mosses Trail, accessed through the Hoh Rain Forest entrance station, is a 0.8-mile loop trail that passes through big leaf maples and Sitka spruces covered in vibrant green and brown mosses.

Get more information about the trails and areas of Olympic National Park at nols.org/poetry-walks and nps.gov/olym.

And more

The NOLS collection has plenty of hiking and poetry resources for community members. Hiking guides, trail maps, wildlife guides, and poetry volumes are all available for checkout.

Explore Olympic day packs — filled with discovery tools for exploring the park, including trail and field guides, binoculars and reading materials for children — are perfect for families and can be placed on hold at nols.org/nols-gear, library officials said.

Thanks to support from Discover Your Northwest, families that check out a pack will receive a seven-day entrance pass to Olympic National Park.

The Poetry Walks program is offered to the public thanks to the support of the Port Angeles Friends of the Library.

For more information about this and other upcoming events, visit nols.org or email to discover@nols.org.