Black Tailed Deer Befriend Expedia Team

During our hike on the Maple Glade Trail to Kestner Homestead, a family of Black Tailed Deer joined us on the path and led our team as we meandered through the rain forest.

Netherland Visitors Stumble Upon Lake Quinault

We met these adventurous ladies from the Netherlands (and their huggable salmon) near the popular fireside area of the Lake Quinault Lodge on Wednesday morning. As part of our sustainable tourism consultancy project, we've been chatting up visitors in Lake Quinault to find out how they ended up here. Though some report that they specifically set out to vacation in the area, many travelers report that they have stumbled upon Lake Quinault by accident as part of their trek through Olympic National Park. More importantly, when they arrive, they absolutely love the natural spaces, wildlife and hospitality that they discover here. Therein lies the heart of our team's challenge - to shine a light on Lake Quinault as a destination in and of itself so that it evolves from a "stumble upon" to a "must visit" destination in the Park.

Clark W. Grizwold is Envious...

...that's right, the Expedia team made a stop at the World's Largest Spruce Tree in the Lake Quinault Community - it is quite a tourist draw. This big guy is estimated to be 1,000 years old and stands at 191 feet. The big Spruce is also one of many fun stops along the Lake Quinault letterboxing excursion. A must see when you are venturing in and around Olympic National Park!

Expedia Sustainable Tourism Community Forum Convenes Region's Stakeholders

Our team was excited to host our first formal event in Quinault - our kickoff and community forum on Monday, October 19. Nearly 30 residents representing various local stakeholder groups and businesses attended the event at the Lake Quinault Lodge to learn about Expedia's work in the region and share their ideas about sustainable tourism. The room was abuzz with ideas, insights and enthusiasm.

George, George, George of the Rainforest...

For the past 13 years I’ve called the Seattle area my home and I’ve enjoyed dozens of visits to the Olympic Peninsula. I’ve kayaked, snowshoed, hiked and backpacked the wild mountains and rugged coast. Over the next two weeks, I’m looking forward to meeting the stakeholders and residents of the Lake Quinault community and learning more about the natural area and culture. I especially love to introduce friends and family members to the natural areas of Washington, so for me this is an exciting opportunity to get the word out about a hidden gem.

- Team member George Hatoun

Noted Quinault Indian Nation Photographer Larry Workman on Quinault's Unique Beauty

“Some of the things I love about the Lake Quinault area are the astounding array of habitats. Some of the tallest trees in Washington State are found here. Moss and fern covered trees make up part of the greatest temperate rain forest in the world. Views of mountains are present from the shores of the lake and along the Quinault River and Quinault loop road. Elk and other wildlife are often present. Trails lead to rugged sub-alpine forested peaks and ridges above the lake with spectacular views from the ocean to Mount Rainier and beyond.

Even overcast days provide the wonderful photo opportunities in the forest. All seasons are enjoyable in the valley. Also, the Queets Olympic National Park Corridor is only about 30 minutes from Amanda Park and provides an incredible rain forest experience.”

Shout out from our friends at the UN Foundation!

“There are currently 890 World Heritage sites in 148 countries around the world. Some have existed since before time itself. Some represent the greatest achievements of civilizations gone by. All represent the precious times that humankind, or Mother Nature, got it right. Expedia’s sustainable tourism consultancy projects are a fantastic example of how members of the tourism industry are working with local stakeholders to protect our planet’s natural and cultural treasures while promoting sustainable tourism and empowering communities. In June 2006, Expedia employees went to Sian Ka’an – one of three natural World Heritage sites in Mexico. There, Expedia employees partnered with Community Tours Sian Ka'an (CTSK)—a local, predominantly Mayan-owned tourism cooperative that works to protect the delicate mix of coral reefs, mangroves, clear deep water pools, and forests. After the Expedia project, CTSK experienced revenue growth of more than 125 percent, and was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Equator Prize, given biannually to the world’s most innovative community sustainable development project initiatives.

As a founding member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (WHA) – a global community committed to the conservation of World Heritage sites and the well being of local people – Expedia understands the importance of sustainable tourism and is committed to World Heritage conservation. Like us, these volunteer employee teams believe that everyone has a part to play in the conservation of our global heritage. Want to help? Learn more at www.worldheritagealliance.org.”