There is no forest more incredibly alive than that to be found in the wild northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest - an island of incredible biodiversity the scale of which boggles the mind and fires the soul. From the tidepools on the rugged wave tossed coast to the glaciers tumbling from mountain peaks into the great green carpet of the timeless rainforest.
Walking through this wild menagerie of mosses -
through tunnels of ferns and past ancient trees whose roots reach out like
embracing arms, it is impossible not to feel inspired and overwhelmed by the
wonder of it all. Whenever I return to the Quinault rainforest, no matter the
weather, no matter how many times my feet tread the same rain drenched paths,
the glory of it never diminishes in the slightest.
Here dwell trees unequaled in their species,
bridges span mossy canyons where flow streams like liquid glass in which
dippers plunge, as comfortable in the thundering water as in the free clear air
betwixt the ribbons of fog that cloak the peaks and valleys like a veil.
Elegant soaring maples arc over a forest floor thick with ferns that form a
kaleidoscopic pattern of a mathematical complexity beyond that of the wildest
fractal.
I wander up slopes along tangled paths that
mirror those woven by the diminutive and near invisible mice and voles amongst
the lowest levels of this paradise. From amongst the thickests of rasberry and
devils club rise suddenly the towering forms of cedars, and the heady scent of
skunk cabbage fills the air, a perfume to the connoisseur of woodland odors.
The clatter of boots on boardwalk fades as the swamp is left behind for once more
for the bottomless loam of the rainforest, soft on weary feet with the hushing
power of the most intimidating librarian.
Immerse yourself in the jungle and feel the filth
of the modern world slide frictionless from you like the cascading water that
is everywhere around. Weather a spring storm beneath a sheltering old spruce,
embrace the rain as it gently soothes your weary muscles. Listen to the myriad
sounds, and drink in the complex air - pure with sweet earth, crisp emerald
foliage, and heady pacific ocean mist. The Olympic Peninsula truly is a place
unique in America and in the world.
The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Act would permanently protect over 126,000 acres of new Wilderness areas in the Olympic National Forest, and 19 Olympic Peninsula rivers and their tributaries as Wild & Scenic Rivers – the first ever Wild & Scenic Rivers on the Peninsula. Designed through extensive community input to protect ancient forests, clean water, and enhance outdoor recreation, the Wild Olympics legislation has been endorsed by over 700+ local businesses, sportsmen organizations, outdoor recreation groups, faith leaders, conservation groups and local elected officials; and more than 12,000 local residents have signed petitions in support.Sign the petition and help preserve these amazing lands.
