Distance: There are 2.75 miles of trails in the park
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Season: Year-round, but April and May are the best time to view flowers
Description: Wander through a strange landscape of mounded earth, unique to this area of the state. Children will enjoy thinking about what made these mysterious mounds – was it ancient pocket gophers, aliens, or the last Ice Age floods? You’ll find interesting interpretive materials in the kiosk at the beginning of the trail. Some of the paths are paved, such as the 0.5 mile ADA accessible loop. Other trails have natural tread. In the spring, native blue camas and other prairie flowers fill the spaces between the grasses. Butterflies flit from plant to plant, and birds sing and hunt.
You will find a picnic area and a restroom at the trailhead. Find additional information about the site at the WA DNR webpage. Pets are not allowed.
Directions: From I-5 south of Olympia, take Exit 95 and head west on Maytown Road (Hwy 121). When you reach a stop sign at Litterock Road, continue straight ahead. The road turns into 128th Ave. and ends in a T. Turn right at the T onto Waddell Creek Road. The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve will be about 1 mile up the road, on the left. You will need a Discover Pass to park there.
Links: Find a butterfly guide for the area.
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