By Douglas Scott
REI is onto something. Recently, they announced they are closing their doors on Black Friday, asking everyone to #OptOutside instead of shop. The reaction was incredible. Within hours, thousands took the pledge, saying they would head outside instead of hitting the malls and large box stores around the nation. Here in Thurston County, the response was equally impressive, with dozens of tourist based industries also encouraging people to spend time with their families and to explore the great Pacific Northwest.
Around the South Puget Sound, we have some of the best options to get outside and explore the wilderness of Washington State. From the beaches to the mountains, and the forests in-between, we have no excuse not to get out and explore as often as possible. That is why, this Black Friday, we are asking you to start a new family tradition. This year, wake up early, and instead of heading to the malls, head out into the wilderness for an experience at one of these ten amazing outdoor destinations.
Kennedy Creek
During the month of November, the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail, which is less than a mile long in length, allows visitors the opportunity to see tens of thousands of salmon return to their spawning ground. With 11 viewing stations made just for salmon watching, interpretive signs and volunteer docents, Kennedy Creek is a salmon watcher’s dream location. Built on land, graciously donated by Taylor Shellfish, Kennedy Creek is awesome. Since it is only open for one month a year, the salmon at Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail need to be seen, making Black Friday the perfect day. You can read more about this unique nature trail in this article.
McLane Creek
Just outside of Olympia, located off Delphi Road, McLane Creek sits waiting to be explored. Giving visitors nearly two miles of trails, McLane Creek is perfect for getting away from the craziness of the shopping areas on Black Friday. Just a few miles from the mall, the trail weaves next to beaver ponds, eventually leading to the small, but pretty McLane Creek. Like Kennedy Creek, you will have a good chance of seeing spawning salmon swimming in the shallow waters of the creek, especially over Black Friday.
Priest Point
One of Olympia’s oldest parks, Priest Point Park gives stunning views of Olympia and the Puget Sound. While most people flock here during the summer months, few will make the trip on Black Friday, making it an ideal destination close to town. With miles of trails to explore and a nice section of beach to stroll, this is a great way to work off all that stuffing you ate on Thanksgiving. While here, keep an eye out for eagles, seals and the occasional Orca.
Burfoot Park
Burfoot Park is a classic Thurston County park, giving thousands of people amazing experiences during the summer. Yet, like Priest Point Park, once the days grow shorter, the park becomes mostly empty. On Black Friday, Burfoot Park can give you a hike through the woods, a private beach and stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It is hard to beat the location and panorama this park gives. Keep an eye open for seals, eagles and the rare pod of orcas.
Woodard Bay
Newly remodeled, Woodard Bay Conservation Area is an iconic piece of local history, as well as stunning beauty. Giving neatly four miles of hiking trails over all sorts of terrain, Woodard Bay is perfect to explore the day after Thanksgiving. The conservation area is also a great place to see seals, blue herons, salamanders and eagles. Thanks to the upgrades, the park is even more friendly, thanks to numerous information displays throughout the park. Stay for an hour, or stay all day and fall in love with the natural wonder of this remote bay.
Mima Mounds
Located on a 440+ acre preserve, Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a mysterious destination located in south Thurston County. The region itself is unique to the county. Instead of trees and dense forests, small mounds rise from the treeless prairie. Visitors can explore the mounds through interpretive trail system along the 1/2 mile, paced ADA accessible loop trail, or adventure on two longer gravel paths. If you visit here, stop by the interpretive center, which offers full color signs with information on geology, mima mound hypotheses, prairie ecology, fire and Native American use.
Tolmie State Park
Just north of Olympia and south of the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, Tolmie State Park rests quietly along the Puget Sound. This often overlooked state park gives those who explore it glimpses of shorebirds, views of Mount Rainier and access to three miles of hiking trails. Tolmie State Park is best known for offering access to the beach, and the iconic bridge leading to the gravel shores is sure to be a memorable destination no matter what the weather. Coming here on Black Friday is sure to give you an isolated quiet day along the Puget Sound.
Millersylvania State Park
Just south of Tumwater, 8.6 miles of hiking trails wait for your Black Friday adventure. Millersylvania State Park is more than just a mouthful of a name. With over 842 acres of woods and over 3,000 feet of shoreline along the properly named Deep Lake, this park serves as an old growth forest oasis just miles away from Interstate 5. During the off-season, few people camp at the campgrounds, making it an ideal getaway for your post-Thanksgiving adventures.
Staircase
Few places in the world are as beautiful as Olympic National Park. Those of us who are lucky enough to live in Thurston County can access this wilderness wonderland any time of the year, with a short drive past Shelton. At Olympic National Park’s Staircase region, hiking trails dart along the North Fork of the Skokomish River, and climb to stunning mountain peaks. While mountain climbing may be a bit ambitious after a turkey meal, the Staircase Loop Trail is a perfect hike for families. Complete with a beautiful suspension bridge, heading here on Black Friday will surely become a tradition.
Mount Rainier
Finally, if the destinations listed above didn’t quite do it for you, I suggest heading out to Mount Rainier National Park. In the winter, even the drive up to paradise is an adventure, as snowcapped peaks line the horizon, appearing small compared with Mount Rainier. You don’t have to head up the mountain to have fun, though. Stopping in Longmire is also a treat, as is exploring the old trains and buildings in Elbe.
