Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Land of the Giant Gophers?
Some 13 miles south of Olympia, near the town of Littlerock, you'll find
the
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve,
which is an area of hundreds of
small hills, each around 7 feet high. No one is sure how the mounds were
formed, but their curious topography has produced much speculation
over the years. The preserve is open daily, and in spring the wildflower
displays here are quite impressive. To reach the preserve, take the Little-
rock exit off I-5 and drive west on Wash. 121 to Waddell Creek Road. Turn
right and continue another 1
1
⁄
2
miles.
Finds
of the Nisqually River, which is a resting and wintering ground for large numbers
of migratory birds. There are 7 miles of trails through the refuge. The visitor
center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm. A $3 vehicle
admission fee is charged.
TWO NEARBY WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
The animals of North America are
the focus of Northwest Trek, a wildlife park that covers more than 600 acres near
the town of Eatonville. Bison roam, elk bugle, and moose munch content-
edly knee-deep in the park's lake. Visitors are driven around the grounds in a
naturalist-guided tram, and at certain spots, you're allowed to get out and walk
to various enclosures. Among the residents here are a grizzly bear, a wolf,
cougars, lynx, and bobcats. There are also more than 5 miles of nature trails to
wander after viewing the animals.
11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville.
&
360/832-6117.
www.nwtrek.org. Admission $8.75 adults, $8.25 seniors,
$6 children 5-17, $4 children 3-4, free for children under 3. Mar-Oct daily; Nov-Feb Fri-Sun and selected
holidays. Call for specific hours. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. To reach the park, take Wash. 510 south-
east from I-5 (exit 111) to Yelm and continue west on Wash. 702.
Wolf Haven International
Dedicated to the preservation of wolves
and the education of the general public on the subject of wolves, Wolf Haven is
a sanctuary for more than 30 wolves. During tours of the facility, you'll get to
meet many of these canines, including a small pack that allows visitors to
observe wolf-pack behavior in action. Throughout the summer there are Satur-
day night Howl-Ins that are particularly popular with families. Advance reserva-
tions are required for Howl-Ins, which cost $10 for adults and $8 for children
ages 3 to 12.
3111 Offut Lake Rd., Tenino.
&
800/448-9653
or 360/264-4695. www.wolfhaven.org. Admission $6 adults,
$5 seniors, $4 children 3-12, free for children under 3. May-Sept Wed-Mon 10am-5pm; Apr and Oct
Wed-Mon 10am-4pm; Mar and Nov-Jan Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Last tour starts 1 hr. before closing. Closed Feb.
WHERE TO STAY
Phoenix Inn Suites
Located within 2 blocks of the water, the Perci-
val Landing boardwalk, several restaurants, and the Olympia Farmers Market,
this new downtown hotel is a great choice for vacationers who like to leave their
car parked as much as possible. Although the hotel is geared toward business
travelers, the great location, large guest rooms, and many amenities make this an
especially good value. Although the rooms are more junior suites than the sort
of two-room suites you might find at an Embassy Suites hotel, they are quite
large and well designed.
Kids
Kids
Value
