Recognizing it as a treasure, the Miller family gifted the land that is now Millersylvania State Park to the State of Washington with the stipulation that the property be used as a park. Today, the old growth forest trails and sparkling Deep Lake delight both local and out-of-town visitors. With water access, miles of trails and both camping and retreat rental spaces, the park offers something for everyone throughout the year. Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty knows how people in the Pacific Northwest cherish outdoor experiences, especially those close to home and wants to remind everyone of the unique attributes Millersylvania offers.
Protected Millersylvania State Park Retains Old Growth Forest
Originally referred to as Miller’s Glade after the Miller family who owned it, Millersylvania State Park is the gift they passed on for the rest of us to enjoy. Millersylvania means wooded glad, and indeed it is with 842 acres that include walking trails, campsites and picnic spots tucked in between the towering forest trees. In 1855 the land was the homestead of Squire Lathum before it was sold to the Miller family who later deeded it to the state in 1921.
In 1924 the property got its park designation, and not long after that, the Civilian Conservation Corps began hand-crafting the majority of the park structures. Restroom buildings, covered picnic shelters and the manager’s residence, made of logs and some with hand-carved Tenino stone, are an impressive sight to see.
Enjoy the Seasons and Outdoor Recreation at Millersylvania State Park
The seasonally changing forest at Millersylvania State Park and local wildlife are great to observe many months out of the year, and options for recreational activities abound in spring and summer.
“The trails are really popular with locals, and we have a lot of walkers,” says Janet Halstead, the area manager for Millersylvania State Park. “We have people who have been camping here for generations with their families. The lake is also very popular for fishing, swimming and small boat use.”
People fish from the dock at Deep Lake, and when summer temperatures invite water play, kayak and paddle board rentals are available. Visitors may bring their own, as well as other hand-carried watercrafts such as inner tubes and canoes. Two swimming areas are also accessible from the sandy beach.
Larger, covered picnic shelters or kitchen shelters can be reserved, and individual picnic tables out in the open are available too. Grills are on site, and seasonally the concession stand is open. Another summertime treat is the Lakeside Taphouse near kitchen shelter two where patrons can sip beer and wine in the shade of tall fir trees.
Hiking in Millersylvania is accessible beyond the summer months. Hikers can change it up every time with 8.6 miles of walking trails and 7.6 miles for biking. If you are looking to soak up the experience of fall leaves and walking through crisp air, then hitting the trail in October and November should be rewarding. Bigleaf maples turn golden yellow and scatter the forest pathways.
“The trails have a nice feature of going through wetlands and old growth forest,” Halstead says. “It’s a different experience going between those habitats. There is a lot of beaver activity in the park, and you can see evidence of beaver dam construction throughout the wetland areas.”
Check out the Fen Way Boardwalk that raises hikers above some wetlands. Also look closely along the trails for historical evidence from a previous narrow-gauge railroad that ran through or the springboard notches in some of the tree stumps from past logging work.
Camp-Out, Reserve the Cottage or Host a Retreat at Millersylvania State Park
Millersylvania State Park is a great, woodsy getaway not far from town for hosting a retreat or just getting away for a weekend camping trip. With well over 150 campsites with room for big RVs or tents, there are many to choose from, and many are reservable year-round. Water, restrooms, fire pits, showers, a sink, picnic tables and seasonal firewood purchases are available too.
If you feel like camping but don’t wish to invest in the gear just yet, seasonal glamping rentals at Millersylvania provide campers with a king-sized bed and a tent with electricity and a coffee pot.
For a more cabin-in-the-woods getaway, rent the two-story lakeside cottage, which was built in the 1920s and includes a kitchen, bathrooms and enough space for up to six people. A retreat center is also available for group rental anytime of the year. Great for weddings, school and church groups, family reunions or activity clubs, the space can accommodate up to 150 people with a dining hall, kitchen, classroom, amphitheater and multiple cabins.
In whichever capacity people visit the park, and whether it’s for the day or for a week-long retreat, there is much to do and many opportunities to connect people to nature. Birdwatchers, dog walkers, horse-shoe players and metal detecting enthusiasts will all find a point of interest at Millersylvania.
Be sure to bring a Discover Pass and be sure to take only pictures and leave no trace. If you are considering moving to the wooded area surrounding Millersylvania, check out the Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty website to see nearby home listings.
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