Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) is working to preserve an exceptional wetland and wildlife area that is part of the Sol Duc River system on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Beaver Creek, Beaver Lake and the surrounding marsh encompass an area of old-growth forests, riparian habitat and wetlands that support a wealth of sensitive species. The lake drains through a narrow gorge that terminates at Beaver Falls, a spectacular cascade that is impassable to migrating salmon. From here, Beaver Creek contributes cold, clean flows to the superlative water quality of the Sol Duc River.
In December 2006, WRC purchased 424 acres of timberlands from Rayonier that includes all of Beaver Lake, a large portion of Beaver Creek, the surrounding marsh and the lower course of a tributary, Cold Creek. This complements 213 acres WRC purchased in the upper part of the marsh in the first phase of this project in 1997. These are exciting acquisitions that ensure the area will remain high-quality habitat for a long list of species including: marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, bald eagle, trumpeter swan, harlequin duck, heron, northern river otter, beaver and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Many of these species are on federal and state endangered, threatened or sensitive lists. The marsh is habitat for the sensitive Olympic mud minnow, landlocked sockeye salmon (kokanee), cutthroat trout and yellow perch.
With the support of Congressman Norm Dicks, the land will become part of the surrounding Olympic National Forest, preserving designated Critical Habitat for marbled murrelets.
Beaver Lake is skirted by the Burnt Mountain Highway, which offers easy visitor access and includes a boat launch, several picnic areas and hiking trails.
