Justice served: Memories shared of historic hike on Peninsula’s Pacific coast led by William O. Douglas

PORT ANGELES — Highways and dams came in waves through the 1950s and ’60s, choking rivers and cutting into mountainsides.

A few believed that the way to stop this was to put soles onto sand.

Fifty years ago, a few dozen men and women set out on the coast of Olympic National Park for a hike that would alter the history of the state and nation.

In “The Hike that Saved the Coast,” a free presentation at Peninsula College Friday night, two of the women on that wind-washed outing in August 1958 shared their fond memories, and a still-bright belief in the value of wilderness.

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Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
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A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

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Fire protection may impact insurance rates

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The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
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