As a travel destination, few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. We are so fortunate to have the spectacular Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary right here in our backyard!
The majority of national marine sanctuaries' waters are open to compatible recreational activities which also allows for considerable benefits to local economies. Read more on some of the recent studies valuing coastal recreation within the Olympic Coast NMS.
On August 12, 2017, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting its third National "Get into Your Sanctuary" celebration. This system-wide event will raise awareness about the value of our sanctuaries as iconic destinations for responsible recreation through a series of special activities.
On our stretch of coast, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary will be hosting an event on August 12th from 9:00am - 2:00pm.
Location: Olympic Coast at Kalaloch area beaches and Kalaloch Lodge
Details: Come celebrate Get Into Your Sanctuary Day with Olympic Coast! Start the day with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary experts on a guided beach walk and tidepool exploration. Participants should meet at top of Beach 4 trailhead at 9:00am. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Starting at noon, join us at Kalaloch Lodge for a beach barbecue, games and fun! There will be a costume contest and beach parade - Pets welcome!! Dress like your favorite sea creature. Be sure to bring a leash for your pets and a camera to capture the fun! There will also be beach sand art with Olympic Peninsula artist Sarah Tucker. This will be a group activity so bring your creativity! At 2:00pm there will be a group Get Into Your Sanctuary Day plunge for those not afraid to get their feet (or head) wet! These events are open to the public. Kalaloch Lodge will charge a fee for the barbecue lunch, all other activities are free. For more information contact Jacqueline.Laverdure@noaa.gov or 360-406-2084.
The National Marine Sanctuary Program is also holding a photo contest from July 1st thru August 31st to provide audiences an opportunity to share their sanctuary experiences. This is a great occasion to showcase our partner organizations that bring people to safely and sustainably watch wildlife and help visitors dive, surf, fish, snorkel, paddle, swim, photograph, and enjoy the sea breezes of our nation's most special Great Lakes and ocean places!