becomes filled with unexpected discoveries.
3801 Discovery Park Boulevard in Magnolia.
The Visitor's Center is open 8:30–5:00 pm
Tuesday-Sunday.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
An outstanding place to experience
nature—birds in particular—as the seasons
change lies just off I-5 between Tacoma
and Olympia. Little-publicized but adored
by birdwatchers and photographers, the
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge won't
get your heart pounding in an
intense hike, but you can walk
briskly or leisurely for several
flat miles, and the setting
feels so tranquil and lovely,
you won't mind. November
and December bring raptors,
waterfowl, geese, and chum
salmon into the protected delta. No
Frisbees, bikes, kites, or pets—it's a refuge,
folks, with endangered species like the
Peregrine falcon.
Mercer Slough Nature Park
In the middle of Belleuve—of all places—
is a gem for nature lovers: Mercer
Slough Nature Park offers seven miles
to hike, walk, or trail run through Lake
Washington's largest remaining wetland.
Walk by old greenhouses and stumble
on the beautiful Winters House,
Bellevue's only space on the National
Historic Register and home to the
Eastside Heritage Society. Paddlers
can take a rare canoe tour (rentals
available at Enatai Beach Park.) Take
home berries or other fresh seasonal
produce at the blueberry farm.
Franklin Falls
If you're willing to drive as far as
Snoqualmie pass you won't want to miss
exploring Franklin Falls. You'll climb just
200 feet over two miles, making this a
very easy hike, but if you can maneuver
down the last few feet of rocky trail, you'll
be gazing up from the base of a 70-foot
waterfall. If the final section is too
slippery or treacherous you'll still
get a lovely view of the falls and
the river from above. This fun hike
mysteriously contains no restroom,
so go before you go. Bring your
Recreation Pass or a $5 vehicle fee, and
definitely check trail conditions for snow
and ice.
National Park
If you are up for a day long adventure hop
on the Ferry and head over to the Olympic
Peninsula. Here you can explore the more
than 5,000 square miles of breathtaking
fall colors - and see a variety of native
wildlife. The Olympic National Park is home
to elk, cranes and sea otters which can be
seen running in and out of
the dense forest. The best
views in this area can be found
along Hurricane Ridge in the
national park.
