The interpretive program at Pack Forest provides a number of opportunities for you or your group to learn about forest ecology, forest management, new ideas in forestry, and what we're doing at Pack today.

These opportunities range from self guided trails, and displays in our gatehouse, to naturalist lead trail walks and a curriculum on forest ecology for elementary to middle school students.

Self-Guided Trail At Pack Forest

Biosolids Recycling Demonstration Area. "Biosolids" are treated solids from waste water treatment plants recycled to the land as a nutrient-rich fertilizer and soil conditioner. Biosolids are used by foresters, farmers, and landscapers. The Demo Area provides a covered exhibit and a self-guided trail where you can learn how biosolids are produced and used.

Located near the main entrance to the forest.
Length: 1/4 mile    Difficulty: Easy       Moderate

Our Changing Forest Self-Guided Trail. Learn how a lowland Douglas-fir Forest changes over time as a result of both natural and human disturbances.

Trail head located at the Biosolids Recycling Demo Area.
Length: 1/4 mile    Difficulty: Easy     Moderate

Managed Forest Trail. Learn about the stages in a forest's life cycle, from a clearcut to a 65-year-old forest stand. Explore wildlife habitat and timber management strategies in each growth phase.

To reach the trailhead, proceed 1/2-mile fro the main office on Lathrop Drive North; turn left onto the 1020 Road, and proceed to the trailhead parking area.
Length: 1/4 mile    Difficulty: Easy       Moderate

Hugo Peak Trail. The Hugo Peak Trail Guide will narrate your hike to the 1,740-foot summit of Hugo Peak, introducing you to common plants and animals and forest management strategies along the way.

Trail heads are located at the Gatehouse (at the main entrance to the forest) and at the SE corner of the ballfield in camp.
Length: 5 miles round trip    Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult

 

Naturalist-Led Group Programs


Enhance your visit to Pack Forest with a guided walk, hike, or tour of the forest. To schedule one of the following programs, call (360) 832-6534, ext. 212. Group capacity is limited, so call for reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your visit.

What's in a Forest? A Walk in the Woods. From banana slugs to bigleaf maples, learn what components combine and interact to make a healthy forest ecosystem, and how forest managers use this system to manage forests for a variety of public benefits.

Program Length: 45 min.    Difficulty: Easy     Group Size: 5 to 25 :        Difficult

The Story of a Forest: An Adventure in Time Travel. Jump into a time machine to learn about the stages in a forest's life cycle, from a clearcut to a 65-year-old forest stand. Explore wildlife habitat and timber management strategies in each growth phase.

Program Length: 1 hour.     Difficulty: Easy     Group Size: 5 to 25 :        Moderate

The Hugo Peak Challenge. Exercise your body and mind as you trek to the top of 1,740-foot high Hugo Peak; pretend to be a team of scientists searching for clues to piece together the story of a forest's ecological and management history.

Program Length: 4 hours (5-miles RT)     Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult.     Group Size: 10 to 25

Managing for Diversity: A Forest Driving Tour. Tour Pack Forest Demonstrations illustrating timber harvest patterns, reforestation, wildlife habitat enhancement projects, Old Growth forest, and research projects. (Tour itineraries individually designed to meet your group's specific goals.)

Program Length: 2 to 4 hours     Group Size: 10 person min., no max.    

 

Activities for School Classes


Hugo Peak Scavenger Hunts. Students learn observation skills in the forest, and explore components of a forest ecosystem.

Grades: K - 7 Request Field Trip Planning Packet for Teachers and Group Leaders when calling to schedule visit.

Pack Forest Curriculum Guide:

Where the River Meets the Forest: An Educator's Guide to the University of Washington's Pack Forest.

This guide is available by attending a free teacher workshop at Pack Forest in the spring or fall (clock hours available). Inquire about this year's workshop dates at (360) 832-6534, ext. 214.

 

Back to the Pack Forest Home Page

Last Updated: 20 January 2002
Web Curator: Duane Emmons . emmons@u.washington.edu
© copyright 2002 University of Washington