McLane Creek Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile-long trail located just outside of west Olympia inside the area known as Capitol Forest. The trail includes one large loop, which is connected to a shorter inside loop that skirts along the lake.
Although the trail is not far from the busy Westside scene, the park is quiet and secluded. It’s also a great local park option with many sights depending on the season. The lake is the residence of many ducks and other birds, and there are beavers and apparently even newts, if you can spot them. During the spawning season, salmon are running in the creek and we were lucky enough to catch that sight last time we visited the park. Jozee didn’t know what to think about all the movement and splashing going on in the water!
Along the longer outside loop, there’s a combination of boardwalk, platforms and nature paths where you’ll meet a number of beautiful trees with character. Along the creek side, there are observation platforms overlooking the water, which are helpful and great viewing points when the salmon are running.
On the shorter loop trail surrounding the lake, there are observation areas with benches where you can watch the gorgeous ducks and other beautiful birds and if you’re lucky, as we were the first time we visited, you might even spot a few turtles. Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars with you.
Depending on the weather, keep in mind that the boardwalks may be wet and they can be a tad slippery…especially for anyone wearing shoes with no traction or holding onto a pup who likes to pull on the leash.
Another downside is that due to the smaller size of the park area and the limitations of space to roam due to the widths of the boardwalks (many of which are over water or swamp), it can feel a bit crowded if the park is maxed out. This is especially difficult during Covid times when social distancing isn’t as easy to adhere to, even if everyone is doing their best to walk in the same direction.
Overall, though, this is a nice spot to visit when you want to stay local or wish to stick with a shorter walk brimming with the possibilities of nature sightings.
