Check out the view of Lake Quinault from the summit of Colonel Bob. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

16 Outdoor Adventures Await in Grays Harbor for 2016

Now that 2016 is upon us, it is time to look outdoors and start planning a year’s worth of adventures in the beautiful land we call home. In and around Grays Harbor, we are rewarded with stunning views, amazing wildlife experiences and some of the greatest weekend adventure in America. From sailing on rustic boats, to hiking in wilderness areas full of elk and bear, we have it all right here in our own backyard. While any adventure outdoors is great, we bring you 16 fantastic opportunities to make 2016 your best year in Grays Harbor. Do one or do them all and make 2016 the year you reconnect with the gorgeous landscape we know and love.

Hike Damon Point

snowy owls — Snowy owls are a seasonal visitor to Grays Harbor and Damon Point.

Located at the very tip of the Ocean Shores Peninsula, Damon Point offers incredible birding, amazing views and some of the best beach combing opportunities around Grays Harbor. Year round, the area provides awesome experiences. In the winter, Damon Point is known to attract Snowy owls, while the summer months give surfing and kite flying opportunities with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains. Read more here at http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/01/06/outdoor-adventures-grays-harbor/

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Tales and Trails of Lake Swano at Grays Harbor College

April 6th, 2016 by kelly

lake swano trail — The Alder Creek watershed serves as an educational tool in resource management to the Grays Harbor community.

Beside the Grays Harbor College campus lies an unsuspecting patch of forest. Concealed within these towering trees is the peaceful and serene Lake Swano, a lovely spot nestled in the Alder Creek watershed.

In the late 1940s, Mr. Swano Katalinich owned and operated a gravel pit along Alder Creek. While placing a road to the gravel pit, construction crews built a dam in Alder Creek, creating Lake Swano.

In the decades following its formation, Lake Swano inspired various educational and recreational interests. Grays Harbor College purchased the lake in 1962, and immediately put plans for trail development into place. These plans would not come to fruition for some time, however.

Alder Creek became an area of interest for the college’s fisheries program. As a result, the John M. Smith Aquaculture Center was constructed in 1987, and it was not until after its completion that the first trail was developed. This trail was installed for interpreting fish habitat. Swiftly following its development, steps to the lake were built beside the 800 Building, and a loop trail completed around the lake. Read more here http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/03/06/lake-swano/