September 26 is Fee Free & Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities Day at Olympic National Park

Date: September 16, 2015
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005

Saturday, September 26 will be a special day at Olympic National Park, with free entry and special free activities throughout the day to help people find, enjoy and be active in their park!

In addition to National Public Lands Day, celebrated throughout the country, September 26 will be Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities Day at Olympic National Park.

The day's events are part of Olympic's overall Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities initiative, which also includes the park's new Olympic Prescription program, which allows physicians to write prescriptions for a 'walk in the park' to patients needing the mental or physical benefits of outdoor recreation.A doctor-prescribed Olympic Prescription will allow people a seven-day entrance pass into Olympic National Park.

"We invite everyone to come and enjoy the fun and health benefits of a day in the park –we'll even have prizes for doing it," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. "Entry into the park is free that day, and we have a variety of free, fun and healthy activities for all ages, and even one for dogs!"

The day's activities will be offered from 10 a.m. –2 p.m. in locations around the park and are specially designed to encourage both new and returning visitors to get outside, get moving and reap the health benefits of exercise, nature and fresh air. Several activity options are also available at any time during the day.

All activities are free of charge.Activities marked with a "+" below will reward participants with a small token for completing the activity.Anyone earning three or more tokens can receive a free Olympic National Park Find Your Park water bottle (while supplies last) by bringing their tokens to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Storm King Ranger Station or the Kalaloch Information Station.

"We're excited to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula and area health care providers to make Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities a reality here," said Creachbaum. "We also appreciate generous donations from Discover Your Northwest and Washington's National Park Fund."

Olympic National Park Visitor Center
3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles
All activities begin at the tent on the visitor center front lawn.

10 a.m.Bark Ranger Program &Swearing-In
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions for a program just for them!Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., whre and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet and earn your Bark Ranger Badge!

10am -12pmHealthy Snacks
Drop by the tent anytime between 10am and 12pm to join members of the Olympic Peninsula Boys &Girls Club. Learn healthy ways to fuel your body while enjoying the park and then blend and sample your own trail mix!

10:30 a.m.Living Forest Stroll +
Join a ranger for an easy walk along the Living Forest Trail. Trail is a 0.4 mile loop and is mostly level. Usable by wheelchairs with some assistance.

12:30 p.m.Peabody Creek Ramble +
Join a ranger for a half-mile walk into the Peabody Creek valley. Walk among towering trees and explore the valley and creek environment.

1:00 p.m.Backpacking for Beginners +
Join hikers Ruth and Christina to learn skills needed to safely explore Olympic's wilderness backcountry.

2:00 p.m.Bark Ranger Program &Swearing-In
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions for a program just for them!Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., where and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet and earn your Bark Ranger Badge!

AnytimeJust for Fourth Graders: Get Your Own Special Pass
Fourth graders, have you gotten your free pass to the national parks this year? Visit https://www.everykidoutdoors.gov/ and complete a short activity, print your paper voucher and bring it to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center to get your very own Fourth Grade Pass!

Hurricane Ridge Area
Hurricane Hill Trail

AnytimeHurricane Hill Hike+
Anytime after 9:00 a.m., hike with friends, family or on your own to the summit of Hurricane Hill. It's a 3.2-mile round trip with 650 feet elevation gain. Collect your own token from the bucket next to the overlook sign at the top of Hurricane Hill.

Lake Crescent
All activities begin at the Storm King Ranger Station porch.

10:00 a.m.Bark Ranger Program &Swearing-In

Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions for a program just for them!Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., where and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet and earn your Bark Ranger Badge!

11am-2pmSalmon Run Obstacle Course+
Just for kids! Learn more about the yearly journey of the salmon and earn a token by running an obstacle course in the meadow in front of the Storm King Ranger Station.

2:00 p.m.Bark Ranger Program &Swearing-In
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions for a program just for them!Learn the rules of B.A.R.K. , how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet and earn your Bark Ranger Badge

Anytime  Marymere Falls Hike+
Anytime after 9:00 a.m., hike with friends, family or on your own to the upper viewpoint for Marymere Falls. It's a 3.2-mile round trip with 194 feet elevation gain. Collect your own token from the bucket at the second overlook.

Kalaloch Area
Activities begin at the Kalaloch Lodge Gazebo, Kalaloch Campground, and Ruby Beach Trailhead.

11:00 a.m.Kalaloch Creek Walk +
Join a ranger for an easy walk through the lush coastal forest. It's a 1.2-mile round trip with 50 feet elevation gain. This hike will leave from the south end of the Kalaloch Campground.

2:00 p.m. Bark Ranger Beach Walk &Swearing-In
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions for a beach walk just for them!Enjoy the beach while learning the rules of B.A.R.K. and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet.And, earn your Bark Ranger badge!

Anytime Ruby Beach Hike+
Anytime after 9:00 a.m., hike with friends, family or on your own to Ruby Beach. It's a 0.5-mile round trip with 72 feet elevation gain. Continue along the beach to Beach 6 to the south or Hoh River to the North. Collect your own token from the bucket about 100 yards south of where the trail meets the beach. Begins at Ruby Beach Parking Area. Be sure to check a tide chart before you go.