During the partial government shutdown (now temporarily lifted), contributing photographer and writer Rebecca Latson traveled to the Olympic Peninsula for a visit to Olympic National Park. Rebecca reports what she saw (or didn't see) in this park during the shutdown.

There really never is a dull moment when it comes to the National Park System. Not when there's a candidate for Congress saying Olympic National Park should be turned over to the state of Washington, when Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praises the stabilization of a backcountry lodge in Glacier National Park but is mum on Grand Canyon National Park's leaky water system, and when the National Park Service looks the other way regarding its role not to interfere with natural processes.

In the fall, animals and birds prepare for winter. Bears eat constantly to fatten up before they slow down. Many birds are already on their migration path. Elk and other ungulates are preparing for the mating ritual, the rut. Take a look -- or stop and listen -- in many national parks this fall and you'll catch a glimpse of this autumnal spectacular.

Starting Monday, a coalition of state and federal agencies, with support from Native American tribes, will begin moving mountain goats from Olympic National Park in Washington state to the northern Cascade Mountains to meet wildlife management goals in both areas.