On display: January 15 - February 27, 2010

Hoh River enters the Pacific Ocean at Sunset. Photography by Keith Lazelle.

This traveling exhibit from the University of Washington's Burke Museum features 14 large-scale color photographs of the Hoh River ecosystem as captured through the lens of noted nature photographer Keith Lazelle. This exhibit is displayed in conjunction with our Featured Artist of the Month exhibit, featuring natural materials artwork by local artists.

Winding its way down Mount Olympus in the Olympic Mountains to the Pacific Ocean some 50 miles away, the Hoh River flows through the Hoh River Valley and Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, one of Earth's last intact temperate rainforests. As one of only a few virtually intact and pristine rivers in the contiguous United States, the Hoh River is a conservation success story. In addition to its lush fauna, this rich ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, much of which is showcased in Lazelle's photographs.

Mossy Maples, Hoh Rain Forest. Photography by Keith Lazelle.

As the Burke Museum notes about the exhibit: "Visitors follow the story of the Hoh River, from its rich history and cultural significance, to the ongoing tale of efforts among environmentalists, local communities, tribes, and government to protect and preserve the river." Enhancing the stunning visual display are nature sounds by Emmy award-winning sound recordist Gordon Hempton, creating a unique audio experience of one of America's last great rivers.

Hoh River in Early Spring. Photography by Keith Lazelle.

For more information about this traveling exhibit, visit the Burke Museum website. For more information about the Hoh River, including its preservation, visit the Hoh River Trust website or the National Park Service website.