Hike description: This is an interesting prairie walk through what has been described as a “pimpled plain” in the prairies south of Olympia. In the winter, when there are no flowers to distract you from the pattern of the mounds, you can speculate over the origin of these bumps (6 to 8 feet high and about 30 feet across) as you wander hither and yon over the trails. Prairie dogs? Moles? Glacial action? Earthquakes? Freezing and thawing? Hard shoveling pranksters?
The preserve is not large – about 450 acres. The trails, some paved, some unpaved, meander through this native grassland prairie. An observation platform enables you to get up high (it is all relative here) and look out over the bumpy landscape. You can make this a quick trip or a long one, depending on how much time you want to spend tracing and retracing the trails. Plan to return when the flowers are in bloom. If you hit it right in the spring, you are in for a treat. The prairie is awash with the colors of spring flowers in an always-breathtaking display. And, if the day is right, there are butterflies aplenty to be admired.
Directions: Take Exit 95 from Interstate 5. Turn right onto Maytown Road, which becomes 128th Avenue (in Littlerock). Take 128th to Waddell Creek Road and turn right onto Waddell Creek Road. Watch closely for the entrance to the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve – it’s easy to miss the small sign at the entrance.
Difficulty rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 2.75
Elevation: 10 feet
Best time of year: Year-round
Map: dnr.wa.gov/Publications/eng_rms_cap_forest_scan_full_08.pdf
Pass: Washington state Discover Pass
Also: Proper footwear, clothing and water will ensure a pleasant leisurely walk through the mounds. If you bring snacks along, be sure to carry out all your own trash, as well as any you find along the way. Hikers should stay on the trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Mima Mounds is one of our natural areas that we can all work to preserve for the enjoyment and education of future generations. More information on this and other trails in the area can be found in the guidebook Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula, Mountaineers Books.
Info: Mima Mounds NAP: dnr.wa.gov/ABOUTDNR/MANAGEDLANDS/Pages/amp_na_mima.aspx; Mima Mounds Interpretive Center, 360-596-5144; DNR: dnr.wa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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