The Elwha River watershed is the largest in Olympic National Park, and historically the largest producer of salmon and steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula. Two dams were erected on the river early in the last century, disrupting the natural ecosystem and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s way of life. After lengthy legal and political proceedings, the dams are scheduled for removal by 2012. The project will be the largest dam removal in our country's history, and creates a unique educational opportunity. Olympic Park Institute (OPI) is seizing this opportunity through its Elwha Science Education Project... Read full project description.

Who can be involved?

A project for students, teachers, and our community.  The Elwha restoration project combines science and cultural history, and provides a lesson for all of us.  We offer programs from 2 to 6 days.  Come  get involved.

What is river restoration?

In the Elwha, researchers study the ecosystem and its diverse parts, from black bears in the mountains to sediment in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, monitoring for important river processes and interconnections.  Students in OPI programs focus on the links between the movement of sediment, wood, water, and the resulting habitat created for salmon.  Read the Elwha Restoration Introduction to learn more about the river.

When do OPI education programs happen?

Our Elwha Science Education Project for middle and high school groups runs between February and November.  The majority of programs are run in partnership with students' schools during the academic year.  Read the latest seasonal story in which students share their recent field work and get involved too.

Where are the Elwha River and OPI located?

Located just 12 miles from the Elwha River, Olympic Park Institute's campus is a perfect place to come for your studies.  We are located in an old growth forest on the shore of scenic Lake Crescent.  See a Map of OPI's campus and Olympic Peninsula.