Roosevelt Elk Herd

Watching for Elk

Sequim is home to a major herd of Olympic Peninsula Roosevelt Elk. You'll see flashing caution lights on Hwy. 101 when the herd is in the vicinity and should proceed with caution along that stretch of the highway.

Elk Running

Where the Elk Roam

The Sequim herd consists of approximately 100 Roosevelt Elk who move throughout the foothills east of the Dungeness River south of Hwy 101 and east of the City of Sequim to Port Williams Road on the north side of the highway. Because the elk roam over a wide area, and split into sub-herds much of the year, it is difficult to know where they may be viewed at any time. Favorite spots of the elk seem to be along Happy Valley Road and surrounding hills, West Sequim Bay Road, Palo Alto Road, and north toward Port Williams Road vicinity.

View with Caution

Elk are members of the deer family and are native to the Olympic Peninsula. Adult males (bulls) can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and females (cows) up to 700 pounds. While the herd may appear to be docile, they are not tame. Normally, they avoid close contact with people and generally move away when approached. However, they may show signs of agitation if people get too close, throw things, or when people or cars block what they consider to be an escape route. Signs of agitation are nervousness, quick movements, or suddenly rising from prone positions. Bulls can be particularly aggressive during the rutting season. In the summer, cows that have given birth will be protective of the young calves and may take aggressive action against perceived threats. This is typical behavior with many animals and caution should be used at all times. They can move very rapidly when reacting to danger.