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through Indian Creek, on the east end, into the Elwha River system, geologists believe. This rise in lake level is evidenced by obvious former shorelines and even submerged, standing forests of trees, both observed by modern scuba divers. This was a defining biological moment, as well. Migratory fish that once traveled through the Elwha system were trapped forever in Lake Crescent (waterfalls on the Lyre River block their passage). These once-anadromous fish, notably the lake's impressive steelhead, evolved into their own species. Today, their ancestors, Lake Mountain Goats Mount Storm King, above Lake Crescent, is the area in which Mountain Goats in the area were first released. On January 1st, 1925 the United States Forest Service released four mountain goats. The goats, from the Selkirk Mountains in Canada, were placed on Mount Storm King as an experiment to determine the adaptability to the rugged mountains of the Olympics. The goat's ability to adapt, as well as reproduce, saw their numbers increase to as many as 800. Today, the numbers are in the low 300's, though reports of aggressive behavior have increased each year. Note to self - do not approach the snuggly looking goats while hiking. Crescent's "Beardslee" rainbow trout, are the unchallenged kings of the deep water. Over the years fishermen have brought home lunker rainbows tipping the scales at up to 23 pounds. Although today's fish aren't quite as large they remain robust. These fish are also unique — a national, natural treasure swimming quietly, out of sight. When comparing these fish to 25 other rainbow/steelhead populations, they are genetically distinct. This distinction is driven primarily by geographic isolation, but also by the lack of nutrients in the lake which make it challenging for other species to live.