2023 Hike 5 - Mima Falls

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 5

Mima Falls - Capitol State Forest - Washington

I took a late afternoon hike in the Mima Falls area which is about 25 minutes from my house. The trail is near a shoot range, so be prepared to hear people doing that in the first part of your hike. From the trailhead, I headed out and wasn’t too sure what to expect. The Capitol Forest is managed, so the area I walked through was cut before, or so it seemed. The trail carried on into the forest and eventually I found some older, bigger trees that were more my style. It’s not that I don’t mind regrowth, in fact it made me feel nostalgic, I just prefer the big trees.

Parts of this hike reminded me of Northern Michigan where I grew up. The trees that were growing back looked like some of the full grown trees back there. The way the night sky came though the trees with no leaves made me feel like it was a fall evening back home walking through my dad’s property. I had a moment when I just had to stop and take it all in. I was overcome with feelings - and not the normal ones standing under huge trees.

Enjoy some photos from the trail - I never made it to the falls, wherever they may be. I’ll have to try again with more daylight and patience. Happy hiking!

2023 Hike 3 - LBA Woods

Hike 3 - 52 Hikes With Mike

LBA Woods - Olympia, WA

It’s been a few years since I visited the LBA Woods, but I was sure glad to be back. I ran my first trail 5K at LBA Woods with Rock Candy Running. I didn’t finish last and I completed the race, it was exhilarating.

I had to revisit this place and it was the perfect day with the sun peeking out from behind the clouds.

The second I walked out of the parking lot, I was taken back to the first time I visited which was actually the evening before my race. The trails were similar, but there was no sign or trail markers telling me where to go. I wandered through, making my way around. I explored areas I didn’t quite remember and wound up on trails that took me to some nearby neighborhoods.

The sun was peeking through the clouds and thus streaming through the big trees. It was a great walk through the woods that I’d recommend to anyone in the area.

Notes about this park: There are a lot of dogs (on and off leash, plenty of friendly people, and some external (road/neighborhood noises). Happy hiking!

2023 Hike 2 - Squaxin Park

Hike 2 - 52 Hikes With Mike

Squaxin Park - Olympia, WA

It was a wet Saturday morning, but that’s just the way it is some days here in the Pacific Northwest. The park is located in the city of Olympia, and rivals some of the state parks I’ve seen in other places. Squaxin has tall trees, old trees, and hills full of ferns. The trails have hills, which made it more interesting and there were views of Olympia from the high points across the water. Moss covered rocks and stump line the path and gorgeous boardwalks get you over the streams and swamps. Rainy day hikes are something I’ve longed for, and there’s plenty of that here.

Even though this counted as Hike 2, I’ll be going back to find new paths there! I hiked about 2 1/4 miles but there was definitely more to see! Happy hiking everyone. See you out there.

2023 Hike 1 - Grass Lake Nature Reserve

Hike 1 - 52 Hikes With Mike

Grass Lake Nature Park - Olympia, WA

This is my first day hike for 2023 and my first hike for the 2023 52 Hikes With Mike challenge. It felt good to get out and even better knowing I have a cute little trail within walking distance of my house. There’s not a lot to say about this trail - it’s short loop, in the neighborhood forest, and it’s pretty flat. It’s great for a variety of people because it’s not complicated or difficult. Today the trail smelled fresh and the ferns were flourishing. I encountered three people and walked about two miles total, including the walk to the trail from my house. The total elevation change throughout was about 110 feet - so very minimal. If you’re in Olympia and want a quick little walk to clear your head, this isn’t too bad. Pets are not allowed on this trail but there are plenty of other places in Olympia to take them. Happy hiking my friends!