Elwha River Restoration

Dam removal began on the Elwha River in mid-September 2011.  Originally anticipated to be a two to three year process, removal proceeded quickly and by late spring 2012, the Elwha Dam was completely gone. Work on lowering the Glines Canyon dam is expected to be complete by summer 2013.  

Start your exploration of this landmark project here, by watching our growing series of short web videos, reading the weekly Dam Removal Blog, checking project webcams and much more.

 

Restoration of the Elwha River Webisode Series
View a series of webisodes that chronicle the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams. The webisodes begin with the history of the dams and continue through the dam deconstruction and ecosystem restoration process

 

History of the Elwha
Discovery the history of the Elwha Valley from the glacial retreat to present day.

 

Olympic National Park thanks the many governmental, tribal and non-profit partners for their work in making Celebrate Elwha! a success.

The multi-day restoration festival, held September 13-18, 2011 included a science symposium, a commemorative ceremony at the Elwha Dam, a tribal gala dinner, guest speakers, Elwha-inspired artwork and photography and musical performances.

 

This webpage was made possible in part by a grant from Washington's National Park Fund.