OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Park entrance fees will be waived this week in celebration of National Park Week, which will culminate with National Junior Ranger Day.
Olympic National Park, together with National Park Service sites across the country, will waive entrance fees from Monday through Friday.
Park visitors are reminded that the fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours or use of concessions.
On Saturday, the park will celebrate National Junior Ranger Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park visitor center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road.
Junior Ranger Day is free and open to children accompanied by adults.
Half-hour ranger-guided walks are set at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Space on the walks is limited, and people are urged to sign up for them when they arrive at the visitor center.
Microscopes will be set up for up-close looks at insects and plants, and the Children’s Discovery Room will be open for play.
Junior Rangers who complete enough activities can earn National Junior Ranger Day prizes.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., several of the park’s pack mules will make a special appearance.
Junior Rangers will have an opportunity to meet the mules and learn about the important jobs they do in keeping the park’s 600-mile trail system in good condition.
Children involved in the year-round Junior Ranger program complete Junior Ranger activity booklets, attend ranger programs and explore park nature trails to earn badges and certificates.
“This year, National Park Week is particularly special, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary as a national park,” said Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.
“Junior Ranger Day provides a great opportunity for children of all ages and their families to experience and learn about one of our country’s oldest national parks and most treasured places.”
For more information about the Junior Ranger program, phone 360-565-3146.
For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/olym.