OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Special activities will mark the National Junior Ranger Day celebration at the park visitor center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Also, today is the last day to enter the park free of charge.
Ranger Day caps National Park Week, in which entrance fees to Olympic National Park were waived beginning Monday through today.
Today’s fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours or use of concessions.
On Saturday, children accompanied by adults are welcome to the free activities at the visitor center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles.
Activities include 30-minute ranger-guided walks at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Space on these walks is limited, so people should sign up 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 their role in keeping the park’s 600-mile trail system in good condition.
Children involved in the year-round Junior Ranger program complete 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.