2023 Hike 4 - McLane Woods

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 4

McLane Woods Loops - Olympia, WA

I’m working hard to keep my hikes within a few minutes of home right now and it’s working. This week I drove a few miles, less than 10 minutes away, to McLane Woods. It’s a cute little area in the Capitol State Forest with a narrow road through tall trees to get to the trail.

We parked at the first parking area and took the loop around, through the forest, to the lake. The trees range from large and old to clearcut and new. The trail was mostly quiet, apart from a small section near the main road which was subject to some noise. Once deeper in the forest, that being the mile or so from the main road, all one heard was sounds of nature unless you happened upon a group of people.

Highlights from the trail included many large stumps with trees growing out of them (one of my favorite things to find) and so many lovely ferns. This trail didn’t seem as mossy also others in the area, until we moved away from the road and clearcut area and into the thick forest.

I loved this place because it provided some solitude and peace and was not far from where I live my life. I’m fortunate to be able to bike or drive there to go for a walk through nature. I’m grateful for the area in which I live and I don’t think that feeling will ever change.

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!

#hike23 - Olympic National Park & Forest

I decided to take a walk in the forest and I found pure joy and happiness.

This particular hike included the Quinault Rain Forest trail, a stroll through the Maple Glade Rain Forest trail, and a quick exploration of the Kestner Homestead trail.

Hands down, Quinault is my favorite Rain Forest area of the Olympic Peninsula. Yeah, the Hoh is gorgeous too, and everywhere else is fine, but this is my jam. The walk was magical, and with my good friend Jenny The Trailhead. We soaked in the sunshine through the trees, listened to the streams and falls, and breathed deeply in the loamy smell of the northwest.

Enjoy some photos from a magical day of exploring the Olympic National Park and Forest areas in Washington state.

Mileage: Somewhere near 2-3? I didn’t track this hike

Highlights: Seeing all of the lush greenery, sun through the trees, the fresh air

Watch out for: Busy trailheads at Sol Duc Falls