Oh, Ranger!

"Do you get to just hike around the park everyday?" That is the question visitors often ask me on the park's trails. My quick answer is "yes" and then I attempt to explain the many facets of a visitor and resource protection ranger's job in the Olympic Wilderness.

For the past ten years I have had the privilege to help visitors experience and enjoy the vast, old growth forest. Many visitors don't realize the effects they have on the wilderness. A day of strenuous hiking may leave backpackers tired and not thinking about wilderness protection. When food is left unattended, animals may become accustomed to people, endangering wildlife and campers. A quick lesson can teach campers proper food storage practices, but sometimes a written citation ensures regulations are followed. 

At nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island, locating lost and injured people in the Olympic Wilderness can be a formid-able challenge. On search and rescue operations I may search on foot as a "hasty team member" or search from aircraft. 

I also help the trail crew, maintaining over 600 miles of trail within the park. Together we clear giant trees that fall across the trail and cut away many miles of prolific brush that grows in the lush rain forest valleys. 

One of my least favorite, but important tasks, is to clean out campsite toilets. Without regular care, campers may leave prolific toilet blooms along fragile waterways. 

Whether hiking, clearing trail or searching for overdue hikers, my job allows me to enjoy quiet moments and the sights, sounds and solitude of the Olympic Wilderness. I invite you to experience the wilderness and the next time you see a ranger on the trail, know that they are there for your safety and protection.