When I have too much free time I get antsy. While I’m much better at just “being” than I was a year ago, sometimes an adventure is all that will do. For the times I want to get away, but don’t want to fully submerge myself in the woods, I find local (or semi local) places to explore.
Last week an adventure took me to Olympia, the capitol of Washington and a city I spent a lot of time in a handful of years ago. It’s about an hour away from me, and I quite enjoy this city thanks to its low key vibes and its lake. I love the lake, I’ve run many miles around the lake.
While this most recent trip did take me on a loop around the lake, up close and personal with the capitol building, and gave me a hug in a mug from a local coffee shop, the highlight was wandering around Tumwater Falls Park, a not so hidden park just a hop skip and a jump away from the lake.
The falls you see upon entering the park aren’t filled with Hawaii like blue waters, the water looks like it was urinated in by a flock of seagulls, but the sounds of the rush are soothing. The park takes you on a .5 mile loop which I walked twice. It takes about 20-30 minutes depending on where and how long you stop.
No rush here, it’s all about soaking in the beauty.
The trail takes you right alongside the rushing rapids, if you close your eyes and sink deep into your imagination it’s almost like being on the Grizzly River Run at California Adventure. You know, minus actually being in the water.
My favorite part of this trail was a spot at the lower falls, where the loop brings you towards the other side of the trail. This spot brings you to a view of the old Olympia brewery, which apparently made the best beer in 1906. They claim “it’s the water” but I’m hoping they don’t mean the water in the falls.
Brewery peaking over the trees.
This lower fall area brought me up close and personal with a spot that gave me nostalgia from my Niagara Falls trip last summer. Not nearly as miraculous, but baby feels were still there.
I also found a tree forest that spoke to my inner 12 year old.
While this spot is popular on the weekends I’m sure, I was able to go on a weekday and only encountered a handful of other people. It’s right next to the road so you wont be submerged by any means, but it’s still a nice escape for a walk. My favorite spots were the mini waterfalls along the way.
If you’re anything like me and get hungry every 87582735 seconds there is a restaurant overlooking the main falls area. Or, there is a picnic area to eat your own food. Options people, options.
Restaurant upper left.
Just the nature boost my soul needed.
Q: What’s your go to when you’re feeling bored? I try to read more, but my tried and true is getting outside.
