Exploring Olympic National Park provides practical, first-hand experience that reinforces concepts introduced in the classroom. Education programs are available and based from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles (see park map). Education Rangers construct programs following the State of Washington Standards of Learning guidelines as well as best educational practices. Before your arrival, check out some important safety considerations when planning a field trip.
Program TopicsThe diversity of Olympic National Park beckons. Programs are by-request only and include topics such as forest flora and fauna, winter ecology/phenology, water quality, erosion and deposition, geology, fish ecology, habitat investigations, and much more. Program topics are flexible and rangers can accommodate diverse topics aligned with your current areas of study. Program formats include guided nature hikes, field-based scientific investigations, PowerPoint presentations, and park orientations. Program locations vary, but are limited to a one hour drive from the visitor center. Group size and program duration vary. If interested, please contact us at least a month in advance or make a reservation for the posted available times listed at the bottom of each field trip.
Entrance Fee Waiver
Entrance Fee Waiver
Park entrance fees may be waived for school group visits when class curriculum relates to park resources. Learn more.
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- Olympic National Park
North Olympic Watershed (N.O.W.) Science Program
- Type: Field Trips
- Grade Level: Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subjects: Science
- Tags: aquatic studies,biodiversity,Biology Animals,community,ecological engineering,ecology,hydrology,oceanography,oceans
Working with the Feiro Marine Life Center and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, the N.O.W. Science program is an inquiry based exploration of the Peabody Creek watershed.
- Olympic National Park
Geology
- Type: Field Trips
- Grade Level: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subjects: Science
- Tags: physical science,geology,rocks,subalpine ecology,scientific process
This program for second grade students takes place at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. It involves two separate activity stations and a ranger-led nature/geology walk.
- Olympic National Park
Plants
- Type: Field Trips
- Grade Level: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subjects: Science
- Tags: biodiversity,biology,plants,botany,community,environment,Science and Technology
This field trip investigates the diversity of plants within Olympic National Park as well as the basics of plant reproduction.
- Olympic National Park
Insects
- Type: Field Trips
- Grade Level: Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subjects: Science
- Tags: insects,habitats,scientific method,biodiversity
This field trip is offered during the fall season and is three-and-a-half hours in duration. Read the program overview for a more detailed description of activities, schedule and Next Generation Science Standards addressed.
Last updated: April 18, 2017