The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-02-27
Span Is Gate
To Olympic
Wonderland
Scenic Wonders Of
Peninsula Mode
EosilY Avoilobls

sl AAN~As~s
Foremost among the ma
tons scenic and recreation
centers is the Olympic penin-
sula. Following completion Of
the Narrows bridge the latter
part of June. the vast wonder
land will be placed. figura-
lively speaking, in Tacoma's
back yard" This fact alone
makes a brief survey Of its
innumerable treasures very
much in order.
II covers a wilderness area OF
5000 square miles; nearly two
million acres. The richness of It's
untapped mineral deposits Is over
Swallowed by the wealth Of It's nat
ural beauty. Included within It's
boundaries are the snow crested
olympics with their glaciers and
alpine meadows and consequent
rivers. lakes and streams. The
great Olympic National forest.
home OF deer. bear, elk and lesser
animals In here. Some Of It's giant
fir trees are estimated to be more
than 1000 years old. Hot springs,
healthful and invigorating, bub-
bling up In the very heart Of the
mountains, are among its attrac-
tions.
Often referred to as the last
West" the peninsula Is cncircled by
broad highway. recently COM
pleted at cost OF slightly more
than $40. 900. 900. Bordered for the
most part by trees and flowers.
among which In the rhododendron---
official state flower---the road ex-
tends $50 miles. Many branch
roads lead into the interior.
Canal Outstanding
Outstanding among the beauties
Of the eastern section OF the drive
is Hood canal. Formerly the bed
OF an ancient glacier, this land
locked bay extends 80 miles inland
from Puget Sound. II In the SOUTH
ernmost OF the series Of deep fjords
cutting the north Pacific coast.
It's wooded shores are dotted with
resorts offering swimming. boat
ing and fishing facilities.
From an historical standpoint
alone. Discovery bay Is worthy Of
mention. 1t was here Capt. George
Vancouver. discoyerer of Puget
Sound. anchored and repaired his
boats in the winter Of 1872.
Port Angeles. located In the cen
ter OF unsurpassed salmon fishing
waters and famous for its annual
Salmon Derby. II the last town
encountered before going into the
mountainous area. An oddlty
which has attracted the interest OF
tourists Ia the sand spit extending
into the waters Of the Strait Of
Juan de Fuca. A lighthouse and
coast guard air base are situated
on this hook.
After crossing the mountains.
the road makes It's way 10 the sea-
coast. paralleling II for 10 miles.
permitting many unrestricted views
Of the Pacific ocean.
Swings to QuinsuIt
From Ocean View state park
the highway swings eastward 70
Lake QuinauIt and then continues
south once more into the Graya
Harbor country.
Passing through HoquiAm.
Aberdeen and other towns. the
highway IL concluded IN Olympia.
the city Of its origin.
Under constant Improvement.
partially through the efforts Of
the olympicans. Inc. Il IA within
reason to assume this spot viil
some day b. known az thu play
ground Of the nation.
MS KAN itAHNNi NNNh t'fuH
the extreme northwest portion ~
the continental United States IL
virtual paradise for the lover ~
anhampered nature. Ia hunting
and fishing facilities are widely
known. Not 20 far-faasd perhaps,
but equally attractive 70 many are
the paek-irain tripa into the olyrn-
PICS from many points, hiking
along trails developed and I'm
proved by the ccc. exploring.
boating and swimming In both
freah and salt water. together with
the many delights offered BY the
ocean beaches.
Boundaries Enlarged
Steps are being taken BY both
federal and state governments 70
conserve rs natural beauty. A
recent executive order. approved
BY congress. enlarged the bosnda-
res 81 ths area formerly known ~
Ina IL Olympus National Mona