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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 7:59 pm 
1932 Cleator again opposes trans-Olympic highway. "The East Fork Quinault road project is urged again by local people... "I believe the Forest Service should at the earliest possible moment make a flat-footed policy that they do not favor any trans-mountain program for a highway over the Olympic range." - Cleator, January 13, 1932.
Source: National Archives (Seattle), Records of the US Forest Service Region 6, Box 67, folder Recreation Olympic 1925-37, folder 1 of 2. In 1932, the Graves Creek Road ends at Graves Creek and is never extended further up the East Fork Quinault.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 7:59 pm 
1932 Pack trips offered through Low Divide and Enchanted Valley Chalets include Skyline Trail or Anderson and Hayes Passes or both, with pack and guide services by Ignar Olson.
Source: National Archives (Seattle), RG 95, Records of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, Box 67, file L - Recreation, Olympic [1925-1937].

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 7:59 pm 
1931 Olympic Highway completed, encircling the Olympic Peninsula; opening ceremony at Kalaloch. link

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:00 pm 
1933 Mount Olympus National Monument transferred from USFS to NPS administration, includes Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault above Pyrites Creek) and Low Divide (North Fork Quinault above Kimta Creek). Skyline Trail is completed from Low Divide past Lake Beauty to Promise Creek pass.
Mt. Olympus National Monument 1937 map*
Mt. Olympus National Monument 1937 map*
Olympic National Forest Recreation Guide No. 24, 1936**
Olympic National Forest Recreation Guide No. 24, 1936**
Sources: * Mount Olympus National Monument guidebook (NPS, 1937). ** National Archives, Pacific-Alaska Region, Seattle, RG 95, USFS Region 6 Historical Collection, Box 67, file U-Recreation Activities, Olympic Guide Folders [1923-1936].

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:00 pm 
1934 "The Forest Service believes that no transmountain highway or road is needed across the high Olympics" - C. J. Buck, Regional Forester, letter to Irving M. Clark, May 29, 1934. The extension of the Olympic Primitive Area to encompass Anderson Pass will be made official in 1936, preventing any road being built across the Olympics. Source: National Archives (Seattle), Records of the US Forest Service Region 6, Box 67, folder Recreation Olympic 1925-37, folder 1 of 2.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:03 pm 
1934-1936 Asahel Curtis' photographs, taken on pack trips through Enchanted Valley with Ignar Olson and reprinted in regional newspapers and national magazines, introduce the American public to Olympic's mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and wildlife. His photographs were used by both sides in the campaign to convince Americans that the Olympics were of National Park status.
Enchanted Valley Chalet, July 1934 by Asahel Curtis, courtesy Washington State Historical Society
Enchanted Valley Chalet, July 1934 by Asahel Curtis, courtesy Washington State Historical Society
Rider in LaCrosse Basin, Asahel Curtis, 1936
Rider in LaCrosse Basin, Asahel Curtis, 1936
"Olympic Mountains Trip Reveals Scenic Wonders" - Port Townsend Leader, July 26, 1934. (column 1) "In the party were that most premier of photographers, Asahel Curtis, famed over the world for his mountain photographs... (column 3) "Curtis had his photographic equipment with him in the hands of Ignar Olson and R. E. Voorhies of the Olympic Chalet Company who was helping the Olson brothers in taking care of the party. These men are used to the trails and seemed to give no effort whatever to their work which at the same time exhausted others of the party." "...the course led across the glacier about two miles to the head of the glacier at the saddle overlooking the Enchanted Valley of a Thousand Waterfalls. No locality was ever more appropriately named. The precipitous walls of that beautiful valley rise almost perpendicularly more than 2,500 feet and from the escarpment on which the party stood almost countless waterfalls could be seen as far as the eye could reach... (column 4) "Anderson Glacier is likewise lower at this time than it has ever been seen by white men and probably lower than since its original formation. Its vastness is still something to marvel at..." "That afternoon, with the breaking of camp, a light rain began to fall and continued as the party made its way down the trail westward into the Enchanted Valley of the Quinault River. Looking back toward Mount Anderson the falls from the glacier made a particularly impressive sight, tumbling down toward the valley floor to start the east fork of the Quinault. "It is difficult to imagine the myraid beauties of this mountain walls along this picturesque valley. Literally thousands of waterfalls are to be seen, many of them dropping thousands of feet in straight drops and others tumbling over countless rocks and ledges on their way down to the river. (column 5) "An easy trail leads to the new chalet of the Olympic Recreation Company operated by the Olson brothers. Arriving there wet and hungry, the party was soon dry and warm and made a vigorous attack upon the wholesome and delicious food awaiting them. Here the first telephonic communication with the outside world was possible... nara box 67 1934.jpg
"Trails Riders Warm in Olympics Praise" - The World, August 26, 1936 (column 1) "Asahel Curtis, Seattle photographer, grizzled wizard on the Northwest wilderness places, was with the party and made picture to supplement the portfolio assembled in 1924 for the Aberdeen chamber of commerce. "This party gave him his first chance to photograph scenic places of the Olympics with a large party in the foreground to suggest to the uninitiated that the Olympics not only afford scenic grandeur of the first rank, but that the places are accessible. (column 2) "His pictures will be used by two railroad companies and the Seattle chamber of commerce in their publicity programs. "...the heart of the monument region should never be broken up with auto roads. "Leave It Unchanged (column 3) "They had only praise for R. E. Voorhies and Ignar Olson, who led the party, and for the cooks and horse wranglers. Many had ridden many trails in the west, but all agreed that nowhere have the trips been handled with such efficiency. "Fine Weather "The Trail Riders had splendid weather the first nine days and reached the Low Divide chalet Saturday afternoon before the week-end rains. They were ensconced under the shake roof before the big fireplace, singing and telling stories... "The party went into the Olympics by way of Graves Creek Inn... The Asahel Curtis Collection at Washington State Historical Society holds 50,000 photographs including hundreds of his photographs of the Olympics; only dozens have been scanned and are available to the public. UW Libraries Asahel Curtis Collection holds a selected 1,677 of his photos. The National and State archives and libraries contain dozens more newspaper and magazine articles which printed Curtis' photographs of the Olympics. See HistoryLink.org biography of Asahel Curtis.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:04 pm 
1932-1938 Trail Riders Trips
Trail Riders advertisement 1936
Trail Riders advertisement 1936
Trail Rider itinerary 1936
Trail Rider itinerary 1936
Trail Riders Trip, USFS map
Trail Riders Trip, USFS map
Olympic Trail Riders Trip, text
Olympic Trail Riders Trip, text
Centerpiece of Trail Riders map
Centerpiece of Trail Riders map
"The spectacular natural setting of the chalet captured the whimsy and imagination of those who hiked or packed into this remote interior valley. The Enchanted Valley Chalet became a featured stopping place for hikers and horse caravans. In 1936 the Olympic National Forest printed a brochure describing a thirteen-day trail riders' trip through the Olympics; the fifth day brought prospective participants to the Enchanted Valley, where a Swiss type chalet offered shelter, a fireplace, cooks, ashless food, a bath, and good beds. "Although the hard times of the Depression markedly reduced business at many peninsula recreation resorts, the period from 1932 to 1936 was apparently the chalet's busiest time of operation." - NRHP
Low Divide Chalet by Asahel Curtis, August 1936*
Low Divide Chalet by Asahel Curtis, August 1936*
Ignar Olson by Asahel Curtis, 1936*
Ignar Olson by Asahel Curtis, 1936*
Asahel Curtis photo, The Olympian, 1936
Asahel Curtis photo, The Olympian, 1936
The Sunday Olympian, Sept. 6, 1936
The Sunday Olympian, Sept. 6, 1936
(column 1)"The trail riders of the wilderness have come back from a 135 mile two weeks trek into the Olympic Mountains... "This summer's trip into the Olympic mountains was the first to be undertaken in this region and by far the largest party of its kind visiting the Olympic in a single trip. With the exception of two members of the party, all were from points east of the Mississippi river. Some traveled the entire breadth of the continent for the trip. (column 2) "Others from near by cities who accompanied the riders on the trip were Asahel Curtis of Seattle, eminent northwest photographer... assistant custodian Fred Overly of the national park service... "R. E. Voorhies and Ignar Olson of Quinault, packer-guides and real mountaineers, were in charge of the party, supplying the cooks, helpers and wranglers necessary in so large a recreational enterprise as this. To serve three very full meals to thirty very hungry people each day takes engineering and careful planning. Sixty head of pack and saddle horses were used in conveying food supplies and riders... Source: National Archives (Seattle), RG 95, Records of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, Box 67, folder Olympic Trail Riders and Box 71, folder Trail Riders. *courtesy Asahel Curtis Collection, Washington State Historical Society.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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RodF
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:04 pm 
1936 Olympic Primitive Area expanded to encompass 12 miles of the upper Quinault and Dosewallips across Anderson Pass, barring any road across the Olympics and premanently making it a roadless wilderness area. As Cleator explained in a 1937 "Statement - Olympic Primitive Area" issued by USFS, "the Area allows no highway or road building, and no motorized transportation, and provides only for trails and rustic shelters."
Olympic Primitive Area, Cleator
Olympic Primitive Area, Cleator
Source: National Archives (Seattle), RG 95, Records of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, Box 67, folder Recreation Olympic 1925-37 1 of 2.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:04 pm 
1936 American Forests magazine, April 1936 Olympic issue. Illustrates the role played by Asahel Curtis and his photographs in the creation of Olympic National Park.
Source: North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles, History Reference Files, folder Olympic.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:04 pm 
1937 Helen Virginia Engle's diary Olympic wilderness became more widely known across America through personal accounts, reprinted in local newspapers, of those hosted by Ignar Olson at Enchanted Valley Chalet.
Source: National Archives (Seattle), RG 95, Records of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, Box 71, folder Trail Riders.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:05 pm 
1938 Trail Riders itinerary
Trail Riders 1938*
Trail Riders 1938*
Enchanted Valley workshop/shelter 1938
Enchanted Valley workshop/shelter 1938
Low Divide Chalet 1940**
Low Divide Chalet 1940**
Source: *National Archives (Seattle), RG 95, Records of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, Box 71, folder Trail Riders. **Mabel Furry, Mountaineer's Outing to the Olympics 1940, University of Washington Special Collections

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:05 pm 
1938 Olympic National Park established by Congress and includes Enchanted Valley and its Chalet. 1940 Olympic National Park expanded by Presidential proclamation to include Graves Creek Inn and the entire Quinault valley above Lake Quinault, and its north shore. 1937-1941 Emergency Conservation Committee Their campaign for the 1938 creation and 1940 expansion of Olympic National Park are best told by Irving Brant in his book "Adventures in Conservation with Franklin D. Roosevelt" (Northland, 1988).
Brant, Conservation with FDR
Brant, Conservation with FDR
A more impartial account is give by Guy Fringer, Olympic National Park: An Administrative History (NPS, 1990).

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:05 pm 
1942-44 Aircraft Warning Service occupies Enchanted Valley Chalet. AWS plays a key role in providing funds for trail and telephone line maintenance during the War, while NPS budgets are very small. "During the winter of 1942-1943, a total of thirteen Aircraft Warning Service observation posts located in the present Olympic National Park provided twenty-four hour surveillance. Already existing structures called into service for AWS purposes included Dodger Point, Deer Park and Hurricane Ridge fire lookouts and the Enchanted Valley Chalet." - Gail H. E. Evans, Historic Resource Study, Olympic NP (NPS, 1983).

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:06 pm 
1944 Low Divide Chalet destroyed by avalanche. Its bathhouse survives and is occuped by NPS as the Low Divide Ranger Station into the 1980s.
Low Divide Ranger Station 1970
Low Divide Ranger Station 1970
Photo by NWhiker Lotus54.

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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PostSun Apr 06, 2014 8:06 pm 
1945 Asahel Curtis' images, as reprinted in this postcard, continue to inspire visitors to Olympic National Park.
Mount Duckabush from LaCrosse Basin
Mount Duckabush from LaCrosse Basin

"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir "the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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